The Nativity of the Lord December 25, 2016

RECTORY

Rev. Norman K. Douglas, Pastor Rev. Joseph H. Kraker, Pastor Emeritus Deacon Bob Bender, Pastoral Minister Connie Pacanovsky, Business Manager Peggy Wellemeyer, Office Manager Ellen Dies, Coordinator of Parish Faith Formation Nancy Daley, Music Director

Marimargaret Roberts, Office Staff Mike Bauman, Director of Maintenance

Phone: .............................. 330-535-3135 Fax: .................................. 234-571-2919 Web Site: www.stvincentchurch.com Office Hours: Mon-Fri : 8:30 - 3:00

ST. VINCENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Mrs. Maria Meeker, Principal Mrs. Laurie Belair, Secretary Phone: .............................. 330-762-5912 Address: 17 S. Maple St., Akron, OH 44303

PSR Mrs. Ellen Dies, Principal, 330-864-5484

BULLETIN DEADLINE: In writing by 10 a.m. Thursdays 10 days

prior to the date of bulletin

MASSES: Saturday Vigil: 5 p.m. • Sunday: 8:30 and 11 a.m. Weekdays: 6:30 a.m. Holy Days: 6:30 a.m., 9 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. CONFESSIONS: Saturday: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Thursday before First Friday: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Parish Registration: New Parishioners are most welcome and should register at the rectory as soon as possible. If moving out of the parish, please notify the rectory. Baptisms: It is necessary that parents attend a Baptism Preparation Program before the Baptism of their first child. Baptism Preparation classes can be completed at either St. Hilary (Beth Rado, 330-867-1055) or at St. Sebastian (Cathy Sivec 330-836-2233 ext. 134 or sivecc@stsebastian.org). Call either parish for times and regis-tration details. Proof of attendance should be presented to St. Vincent Church prior to the baptism. Please call the rectory to schedule baptisms. Baptisms are sched-uled for the 2nd/4th Sundays of the month after 11 a.m. Mass (12:30 p.m.) Marriages: Couples intending to marry should call at the rectory at least SIX MONTHS prior to the marriage. It is required to have copies of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation records if these sacraments are not received at St. Vincent. Wedding times on Saturday are at 2 PM. Parish School of Religion (PSR) Pre-School - 8th: Classes are September through May. Classes are held in St. Vincent Grade School on Sundays from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (Convert Classes): Classes begin in September: For information, call 330-535-3135. Hospital/Sick/Shut-in Visitation: Please notify the Rectory when a parishioner is hospitalized, shut-in, or ill. Funerals: Please notify a Priest as soon as possible regarding arrangements, either personally or through the funeral director.

St. Vincent de Paul Church

164 West Market Street ● Akron, OH 44303-2373

St. Vincent de Paul Church Page Two Sunday, December 25, 2016

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION An old joke asks, "What time is Midnight Mass?" The answer is not really obvious, since Christmas is unique in having several distinct celebrations. The readings and prayers vary greatly from hour to hour. The Vigil Mass hinges on the family heritage of Jesus and his origins. The concept of "midnight" predates clock time, and really has to do with a celebration in the hours of darkness. Years ago, it was not possible to receive Communion without fasting for a full day, so the late hour of this Mass made it possible for the people to receive. The first Mass after sunrise, the Mass at Dawn, was once known as "The Shepherds' Mass," and later Masses set aside stories of Jesus' birth to focus on the key to the day's celebration: John the Evangelist's majestic theology of Christ's identity as the Word made flesh, dwelling among us. One feast, four separate Masses. Only monasteries manage the whole round. Parishioners typically take just one entry point into the mystery. Yet there is much to savor and celebrate in the coming of Christ into the world. Christmas is not a day, but a season. You still have two weeks to send those Christmas cards before you're officially late! --James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

COLLECTIONS THANK YOU!

December 18, 2016

Collection……………………………………………...$6,899.90 Children’s Envelopes……………………………...$ 39.51 E-Give…….…………………………………………….$2,643.75

SATURDAY, December 24 * Vigil/Nativity of the 4:00 Kathy Martucci Lord 6:00 Blanche O’Neil 10:00 Jack & Catherine Gannon & Family SUNDAY, December 25* Nativity of the Lord 10:00 Bill Maloy MONDAY, December 26 * St. Stephen, The First Martyr 6:30 The intentions of Stephen and Lori Phillips TUESDAY, December 27 * St. John, Apostle and Evangelist 6:30 Sara Upson WEDNESDAY, December 28 * The Holy Innocents, Martyrs 6:30 George Davis THURSDAY, December 29 * St. Thomas Beckett, Bishop and Martyr 6:30 Louise Lusardi FRIDAY, December 30 * The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 6:30 For all Families of St. Vincent de Paul Parish 4:00 Wedding: Joseph Zawcha + Silvia Cardenas SATURDAY, December 31 * Vigil/Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God; The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord 5:00 Mary Beth Dobo SUNDAY, January 1 * 8:30 George Davis 11:00 Richard Urdiales & Family

MASSES READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Tuesday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Wednesday: 1 Jn 1:5 -- 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 Thursday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:36-40 Friday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Col 3:12-21 [12-17]; Ps 128:1-5; Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 Sunday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD

December 25, 2016

The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it. -- John 1:5

St. Vincent de Paul Church Page Three Sunday, December 25, 2016

A NOTE FROM THE PASTOR

Welcome to everyone on this great feast of Christmas. We know that many of you are here from out of town visiting family and friends and joining them in worship. Others of you join us in remembering Jesus, God’s greatest gift to humanity, especially at this sacred and wondrous time of year. We hope that all of you, wherever you are on in your faith right now, will know that

you’re welcome to join us to be inspired, nourished, and renewed at our weekly celebrations of Eucharist. If you have felt distant from the Lord or from our parish for any reason, please consider contacting us. In the name of our parish and our compassionate Lord, I ask your forgiveness for any hurt or slight you may have experienced. If you have any suggestions for strengthening our parish life, please let us know. You can reach me and other staff by phone at 330-535-3135. You will be directed to the proper extension. We are here for you. Please take a look at our parish website: www.stvincentchurch.com and keep up with us on Facebook: “St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.” Especially at this time in our nation, our world, and our everyday lives – it is good for us to come together and experience the peace, hope, and joy the Lord came to earth to bring to us forever. I look forward to seeing you again soon. We are a better and stronger faith community together. God bless, Father Norm

WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY BAPTIZED!

Welcome to the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Community SALVATORE JOZEF PORCO BURMAN, son of Nathan and Dominica Porco Burman, who was baptized Wednesday, December 21, 2016.

RCIA CALENDAR

12/25/16 - Merry Christmas! 1/1/17 - Happy New Year!

1/8/17 - 8:30 - 9:45 am - Church, Scullen Room Mass, Breaking Open the Word 9:45 - 10:45 am—Scullen Room RCIA Period of Catechumenate - Deacon Bob Topic: Jesus: Baptism and Confirmation 1/15/17 - 8:30 - 9:45 am - Church, Scullen Room Mass, Breaking Open the Word 9:45 - 10:45 am—Scullen Room RCIA Period of Catechumenate - Fr. Norm Topic: Reflections on Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Discipleship and Mission 1/22/17 - 8:30 - 9:45 am - Church, Scullen Room Mass, Breaking Open the Word 9:45 - 10:45 am—Scullen Room RCIA Period of Catechumenate - Fr. Norm, Chris Davis, and Bill Marshall Topic: Reconciliation 1/29/17 - 8:30 - 9:45 am - Church, Scullen Room Mass, Breaking Open the Word 9:45 - 10:45 am—Scullen Room RCIA Period of Catechumenate - Fr. Norm and Deacon Bob Topic: Anointing of the Sick and Vocations...Holy Orders

FAMILY PERSPECTIVES Today is a day of joy! We celebrate with hearts open to the enduring promise of Emmanuel - God is with us! This is true especially when we feel alone, frightened, burdened, abandoned or sad in our circumstances. Jesus came into the world to Mary & Joseph precisely to bless the outcast or downtrodden with hope and joy. Invite Jesus into your heart and home today.

On behalf of Fr. Norm and the Parish staff we wish each of you and your loved ones a very merry and blessed Christmas and God’s blessings throughout the New Year!

St. Vincent de Paul Church Page Four Sunday, December 25, 2016

PARISH OFFICE CLOSINGS In observance of the holidays the parish office will be closed the following days:

Monday, December 26, 2016 Friday, December 30, 2016 Monday, January 2, 2017

BULLETIN DEADLINES

NOTE: Commencing January 1, 2017, the new bulletin deadline is 10 A.M. on the THURSDAY 10 days prior to the date of the bulletin. Material must be submitted in writing and fliers must be submitted in Word, pdf/jpeg formats in quarter- and/or half-size dimensions. Thank you.

We are working with Lifetouch to create a new and updated parish directory. Photography is scheduled for May 9-13, 2017 and May 16-20, 2017. More details to follow...

OZANAM CENTER NEWS

The Ozanam Center will again be giving out winter coats to our clients. We are in desperate need of good used or new men’s and children’s coats. If you can help in this effort, we would appreciate it. The Center is open on Saturdays from 9:30-12 and someone would be happy to help unload them.

DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE A FACEBOOK PAGE FOR ST. VINCENT? If you are on Facebook, make sure to “like” our page! Find it under – St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. On the page you will see information about upcoming special events at our parish, information about our Grade School, news from the Diocese and more! And look for a post this weekend that you can like and share on how beautiful our church looks for Christmas! We are also working on some new ideas and features as well, so, be a part of our page! We are getting close to 500 friends who like us, so we invite you to be one of them!

SAVE THE DATE GUIDED TOURS OF THE BETHLEHEM CAVE

AND NATIVITY MUSEUM Visit a replication of the cave where Jesus was born as it appears today in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and see a large display of Nativity sets from around the world. Dec. 26-30 at 2 pm daily. Located at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church on the corner of Killian and Myersville roads in Springfield Township, Akron. Free admission. For more information, call 330-699-5086 between 9-4 weekdays.

HEART TO HEART Heart to Heart Communications invites you to our next quarterly breakfast January 10, 2017, 7:30-

8:45 AM at the First Congregational Church, 292 East Market St. Our speaker will be Shon Christy, Focal Point Social Media Marketing, sharing about “Valuing Each Human Being as a Spiritual Gift and Blessing”. Mr. Christy will share his story and the amazing lessons of valuing human life regardless of ability or background. Cost is $20. To receive more information or preregister by January 5th visit www.h2hc.org or call 330-434-3278 ext. 0.

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT de PAUL

Your used car can become food, medicine, and rent for the poor in our community. When you donate your late model car, truck, RV, or boat to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, not only will you receive a tax deduction to the fullest extent of the law, you will be free from the troubles of insuring, licensing, repairing, and selling your vehicle. We will even provide free towing within 24 hours. It’s quick and easy to donate! Call 800-322-8284 or donate online: www.svdpusa.com.

FIRST FRIDAY CLUB OF AKRON The First Friday Club of Akron will meet on Friday, January 6, 2017, at The Tangier, 532 W. Market St., Akron, 44303 and will feature a Woman Religious Panel speaking on the topic The Joys and Challenges of Consecrated Life in Today’s World. The panel includes Sr. Ana Isabel Gonzalez, a novice with the Dominican Sisters of Peace; Sr. Catherine Arnold, O.P., a Dominican Sister of Peace who ministers with the new members as Coordinator of Formation; Sr. Amy McFrederick, O.P., Co-Director of Associates, Dominican lay women and men in mission with the Dominican Sisters; and Sr. Catherine Walsh C.S.A., sister of Charity of St. Augustine who lives and works at the Catholic Worker House in Akron.

The cost of the luncheon program is $20. Doors open at 11 AM; the program begins at noon, and ends promptly at 1 PM. Reservations can be made by sending a check to the First Friday Club of Greater Akron, 795 Russell Ave., Akron, OH 44307, by calling the office, or on the website, no later than the Monday prior to the event.

For additional information, call 330-535-7668 or visit www.firstfridayclubofgreaterakron.org. See the website for information on subscriptions for the 2017 luncheon series.

St. Vincent de Paul Church Page Seven Sunday, December 25, 2016

THE GIFT OF GOD'S WORD

On this day of gifts and gift-giving, it seems appropriate that we take a moment to reflect on the great gift of God's Word. Because it is creative, God's Word always points to its author, always calls us to respond. Because it is powerful, God's Word can link the sublime with the ridiculous, the transcendent with the immanent, the divine with the human. Because it is graceful, God's Word establishes a relationship of deep intimacy between us and God.

At the heart of God's Word lies a tantalizing tension between the mysterious and the mundane. In our liturgical celebration, this unresolved tension both reveals the meaning of life for us and calls us to respond, to act upon that meaning. Once accepted and opened, the gift of God's Word is a gift that keeps on giving and keeps on calling us to give in return. It dares us to be like the gift-giver and to become gifts for others, not only at Christmas, but at every moment of life.

Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

St. Vincent de Paul

Catholic Church

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