1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

4th Sunday of Advent
December 21, 2014
4th Sunday of Advent
We rejoice in the strength
and support of Emmanuel,
God-with-us,
and with the choirs of angels
may we sing
joyful carols everywhere,
so that the way of Christ
may be prepared,
and our world will be full of faith
at the day of Christ’s coming.
We ask this
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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Page 2
The Joy of Liberation
The focus of today’s liturgy is the
Davidic covenant, the promise of a
throne that will last forever. It appears
in the First Reading, in the
Responsorial Psalm, and in the
Gospel, where the angel Gabriel
announces to Mary that “the Lord
God will give (her son) the throne of
David his father.”
and Pray for the
Men and Women
serving in the Military
Jesus is to transform that covenant, revealing “the mystery
hidden for many ages.” The throne in this new kingdom is to be
occupied by “the Son of the Most High ... the Son of God.”
Indeed, he is “Emmanuel,” God-with-us.
We are very close now to the coming of Christ. What would the
world be like if we were to allow Christ to really come as king?
What would a world ruled by Jesus Christ be like? Would we have
the poverty and homelessness that we have now? Would we have
the death penalty? Would there be abortion and child abuse and
negligence of the elderly? Would Jesus Christ allow the people of
his kingdom to kill each other in wars?
If only we could join in consenting to God’s rule as Mary did:
“Let it be done to me as you say.” Who knows what joy the world
would know!
The Church ... receives the mission to proclaim and to
establish among all peoples the kingdom of Christ and
of God. She becomes on earth the initial budding forth
of that kingdom. While she slowly grows, the Church
strains toward the consummation of the kingdom and,
with all her strength, hopes and desires to be united in
glory with her King.
Vatican II, Constitution on the Church (1964) 5
Gerald Darring
Andrew Richter
Louis Koconis
Kory McManus
Nicholas Dieter
George Dombeck III
Caitlin Shaw
Garrett Ferrara
David Woods
Timothy Westberry
Michael Klem
Joe Harris
Tom Jardas
Blake Griebenow
Joseph Prehm
Todd Sabala
Jeffrey Greenwald
Mark Hernandez
Cody Chambers
John C. Jakubiak
Pyx Return Request
If you have a church pyx,
please return it to the
church (can be given to a
sacristan) or bring ir to
the Parish Office. They
are needed for daily use
at the hospital.
Thank you!
Please consider remembering
St. Columbkille in your will.
Help us to endow our ministry, services
and outreach into the future.
Please contact the Parish Office for more information.
Welcome
to St. Columbkille
We offer a warm welcome to the new
members of our parish family:
Deborah Blake
William & Mary Ann Balog
John & Connie Beh
Pauline Borron
Gary & Maureen Burrows
Roseanna Cassie
John & Kathy Grady
James & Mary Ellen Graver
Edward & Margery Greenan
Janice Scanlon
Robert & Gail Smalley
Page 3
“Joy to the World” Nativity Sculpture
Just in time for Christmas gift giving, we have
available for purchase the sculpture “Joy to the World” by
Timothy Schmaltz. This beautiful depiction of the Nativity
can be purchased at our Religious Article Store located
in the Church at the back of the Library or at theParish Office.
The cost is $40 (the retail cost is $59.99).
If you would prefer to have your statue shipped up north,
leave your name and phone number on the sheet in the narthex
or come to the Parish Office to place your order.
There is a $5 charge for shipping.
Waiting
for
God
A Call to Silent Prayer
Christmas Mass
Schedule
Christmas Eve
4:30pm Children’s Mass
9:00 pm St. Columbkille Choir
Christmas Cantata
10:00pm Midnight Mass
There is no Mass at midnight.
10:00pm Mass replaces the Midnight Mass.
Christmas Day
7:00am, 9:00am and 11:00am
There will be no 5:30pm Mass
on Christmas Day.
Each Tuesday morning during the weeks of Advent we
will offer a time for quiet prayer beginning at 8:45am to
9:30am. The gathering will take place in Iona Hall.
This opportunity is offered as a way to prepare
our spirit for the celebration of Christmas.
If you would like to recline or sit on the floor during
the prayer time, you are welcome to bring a pillow.
All are welcome.
Come Deck the Halls
All are invited to help decorate the Church
in preparation for our Christmas celebration.
We will need many hands to make the Church beautiful.
If you would like to help please call Mary at 239-489-3973.
m
Page 4
Ages 3-6
Kids Corner
December 21, 2014 • Luke 1:26-38
Lee County
Homeless Coalition
Annual Candlelight Vigil
December 21, 2014
6:00pm - 7:00pm
on the Old Courthouse Steps,
2120 Main Street, Fort Myers.
This event brings attention to the tragedy
of homelessness and memorialized those
who have died this past year while living on
the streets or in the shelters of Lee County.
Please join in broadening awareness
of the homeless situation in our
community by attending the vigil.
For information please call (239)322-6600.
Parish Giving 2014
“Thank you! We are getting closer!”
Checks, cash, stock transfers, online payments,
IRA distributions and various inquiries continue to
arrive daily at the parish office, and our 2014
income total has now surpassed $1.45M!
Thank you for your thoughtful contributions &
inquires over the last month.
If you have not yet made a year-end gift, and
are able to do so, please consider submitting it
before year-end.
Summary of Year-End Request:
Our parish is doing very well financially this year,
however, we could still use some help this
December in order to reach our $1.7M goal by
year-end. Reaching this amount will put us in an
excellent position for the upcoming year of ministry
and services, as well as allow us to continue to
address our remaining building debt.
Ways you can donate:
* Cash or Check
* Credit / Debit Card
* IRA Distribution
* Stock Transfer
* Real Estate / Property
* Financial Accounts / Life Insurance
All gifts are 100% deductible for those who
itemize their taxes. Please talk to your
financial advisor to see what may be the best
way for you to contribute, or contact us at the
Parish Office for more information.
Goal is $1.7M
$1.45 received to
date and growing…
Questions? Please contact Curtis at the Parish Office: (239) 489-3973 or email: curtis@stcolumbkille.com
Family Faith . . .
Caroling
at the
Nursing Home
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
How Can This Be?
O Most High,
you who sent beautiful and fearsome
Gabriel to Mary,
we rejoice in that moment.
Troubled, she pondered.
How not to fear?
Yet she met his eyes with her question.
She listened: the Holy Spirit,
the power of the Most High,
the Son of God.
All this you prepared and proposed
to give us yourself.
We ask for her courage,
to receive you,
to meet your eyes, to ask, to ponder,
to be a faithful handmaid.
We ask this through the same
Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the
unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Faithfulness and Kindness
Today’s Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1– 5, 8b –12, 14a, 16; Psalm
89: 2 – 3, 4 – 5, 27, 29; Romans 16:25 – 27; Luke 1:26 – 38. The
connection between the First Reading and the Gospel today
is hard to miss. In the First Reading, David is told of the heir
that will come from him, and in the Gospel, Mary hears that
her son will receive “the throne of his ancestor David.” With
that throne comes a kingdom. David is told that his kingdom
will never end and Mary hears the same of her son’s kingdom.
The attitude of the main characters in these stories,
though, varies greatly. Mary, who is a model of discipleship,
appears to rest in the Lord. She waits and listens for the
Lord. When the angel Gabriel has delivered the message,
her willingness to do God’s will is apparent. King David,
sure that he needs to do something for God, plans to build a
house for the Lord. Through Nathan, David hears that it is
the Lord who has accomplished much for him and will continue to look after him. David need not establish a house for
the Lord; the Lord will establish a house for David.
Should you look up the Second Reading in the Bible, you
will find that it is a doxology concluding St. Paul’s Letter to
the Romans. Sometimes these doxologies are hard to understand out of context. It is best to read the doxology slowly.
When read phrase by phrase, we see that St. Paul is telling
the Church in Rome that God is their strength and should be
glorified. The Church has come to understand this strength
through the Good News that Paul has spread, Christ’s proclamation, and the prophetic writings. With Christmas only
days away, these readings help us consider how we listen for
God and how our words and deeds glorify him.
Prayers
Page 8
for
Prayer before opening gifts...
Christmas
Let us just for a moment, Lord, hold this time in our hearts. It is about mysteries and gratitude, unknowing and wrong sizes,
snippets of ribbon and screams of delight. Help us to remember the immense love you have for each of us in this room. With each gift that is opened, no matter how perfect or not,
let us feel again the many ways you gift us each day,
especially with your presence in our hearts and the presence of each other in our lives. Amen.
Prayer before Christmas dinner...
God of all gifts, we thank you for the many ways you have blessed us this day. We are grateful for each of those who are gathered around this table. We ask you to bless us and our food and to bless those we love who are not with us today. In our gratitude and love, we remember your humble birth into our lives and pray
for those who are without enough to eat. We remember the stable in which you were born and pray for those who have no place to live. We remember your challenging message of caring and giving and we pray for peace
in families and nations throughout the world. We bless you and give you thanks in your Spirit
who brings our hearts to life this Christmas Day and forever. Amen.
Prayer before the Nativity...
It was St. Francis of Assisi who first popularized the Christmas manger.
Wanting to see how Christ was born with his own eyes,
he had a stable and some images made before Christmas
and then invited his neighbors and friends to come and join him at his "Bethlehem."
As we look on our manger, may the Christmas story unfold before our eyes, too.
O God, whose mighty Son was born in Bethlehem those days long ago,
lead us to that same poor place, where Mary laid her tiny Child.
And as we look on in wonder and praise, make us welcome him in all new life,
see him in the poor, and care for his handiwork the earth, the sky and the sea.
O God, bless us again in your great love.
We pray for this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Outreach Ministry
Food Pantry
Items Needed
The Food Pantry needs
peanut butter, jelly and
kid’s snacks. We
appreciate all your
donations, but please
no outdated or opened
items as we are unable to use them.
Thank you!
Soldier Ministry
Our parishioners and the Thrift Store
have been so generous the last 10 years
in supporting our troops. For the month
of December we are collecting individual
drink mixes. Please place items in the
box in the narthex.
If you have a soldier who would like to
receive prayers and packages, please call
Pat at 481-8333.
Bus Drivers Needed
Bus Drivers are needed for our After
School Program. Hours are 1pm to 3pm
Monday through Friday when school is in
session. You don’t need to drive all 5 days.
A valid drivers license is required, and a
good sense of humor would be a plus!
Please call 489-3973 if you would like to
help.
Merry
Christmas from
Cafe Kells!
There will be no Cafe Kells on
Wednesday morning December 24th
and December 31st.
The Cafe Kells volunteers wish
everyone a happy and blessed Christmas
and a Happy New Year.
See you in January!
Page 9
Give the Gift of Love
this Christmas
2014 Alternative
Gift Giving Project
You can spread the love and compassion of Christmas through
our Parish Alternative Gift Giving Project. This project connects
your Christmas gift giving to those in our area who are in need of
food and assistance for themselves and their families. So instead
of buying that sweater that doesn’t fit or something for someone
who has more than they need, give your friends and loved ones
the gift of providing for those in need.
When you make your donation of $25 you will receive a gift card
explaining that you have made a donation to the St. Columbkille
Food Pantry in the gift recipient’s name. Call the Parish Office
489-3973 to purchase your gift.
Christmas Break Day Camp
Would you like to help a child spend Christmas
break at Day Camp rather than be left home
alone while the parents work? $50.00 will give
a child the week at camp. The camp is filled
with programs which are educational as well as
enjoyable.
Donations can be placed in the collection basket and should be
made out with “Christmas Day Camp” in the memo line. Thank
you.
Thrift Shop News
The holiday season is upon us! Can you
believe Christmas is almost here? The store
has lots of great holiday merchandise for
decorating your home, office, and more.
Stop in soon! We are open from 10am 5pm Monday - Saturday. We are located
next to K-Mart at the Iona/McGregor
intersection.
Please call 489-4001 for information and
pick ups.
Saturday
8:00AM
3:00PM
5:00pm
Sunday,
7:00AM
9:00AM
11:00AM
5:30PM
Monday,
8:00AM
Tuesday,
8:00AM
Wednesday,
4:30PM
10:00PM
Thursday,
7:00AM
9:00AM
11:00am
Friday,
8:00AM
Saturday
8:00AM
3:00PM
5:00pm
Sunday,
7:00AM
9:00AM
11:00AM
5:30PM
Mass Intentions
December 20
†Rudy Horvath, by the St. Columbkille lectors
†Mary & William Shea, by their children
†Karen Kranz, by Babs & Paul Schnoes
December 21
†Thomas Hitselber, Jr., by his mother
†Donald Bonner, by Jo & Family
†Rudy Horvath, by Shirley Hazel
Geraldine & Joseph, by Geraldine
December 22
†Norm Kozy, by his family
December 23
†Amedeo & Louise Lungaro, by their family
December 24
for peace on earth
for peace on earth
December 25
for peace on earth
for peace on earth
for peace on earth
December 26
†Bonny Bradford, by her mother
December 27
Sheehan family, by Ed & Terri McClure
†Rudy Horvath, by Ben & Mary Homola
†Sharon Bradley & Mary Jaeger, by Maria Elston
December 28
†Josephine Pepe Downes, by her daughter Sandy
†Salvatore Pellittire, by Lori Nicosia
†Mary Ellen Pascullo, by her mother
†Thomas McNeill, by his family
Sanctuary Candle for the 59th Anniversary of Vito and Nancy Pace
Administration
Pastor: Rev. Joseph Clifford
Assisting Priest: Rev. Pat Boyhan
Receptionists
Peggy O’Rourke
JoAnne Bertuch
office@stcolumbkille.com
Business Manager
Sergio Figueroa
sfigueroa@stcolumbkille.com
Director of Health Care Ministry
Chris McBride
cmcbride@stcolumbkille.com
Coordinator of Outreach Ministry
Miriam Ortiz
mortiz@stcolumbkille.com
Maintenance Coordinator
Javier Ortiz
Director of Music
Lee Van Asten
lvanasten@stcolumbkille.com
Coordinator of Family Faith
Anita Parmer
aparmer@stcolumbkille.com
Pastoral Associate
Mary Homola
mhomola@stcolumbkille.com
Development, Communications
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
& Capital Campaign
Manya Vartdal
Curtis Neuschaefer
mvartdal@stcolumbkille.com
curtis@stcolumbkille.com
For emergencies or more immediate contact with a staff member, please
call the office directly. We welcome all new parishioners and are thankful
God has sent you to us. Please fill out a registration card in the narthex
and return to the Parish Office or place it in the collection basket.
Mass Schedule
Weekend Masses:
Saturday: 8am, 3pm & 5pm
Sunday: 7am, 9am, 11am & 5:30pm
Weekday Masses: Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday & Friday: 8:00am
Communion Service: Thursday 8:00am
Reconciliation: Saturday 9:00am
Rosary: Monday - Saturday 7:15am
Prayer List
The Sick: Diane Accongio, Sherry Anderson,, Pat Barrows,
Mary Behn, Laurie Bernardi, William Bertuch, Helen Bullyan,
Yolanda Butler, Jim Canny, Aaron Charles, Kathy Ciell-Hays,
Bob Cline, Marion Colameco, Shirlee Davis, Mary Jane
DiGiacomo, Helgi Downes, Bette Dunnett, Violeta Espinoza,
JoAnn Fabiszak, Pat Frye, Scott Germann, Ron Getz, Leona
Haggerty, Sue Hunter, Richard Kolb, John Krieger, Linda,
Raymond Lantz, Lou Little, Gisela Lock, Norma Marceau,
Darwin McVay, Dori Melfi, Teri McClure, Kate O’Connor,
Sara Olsson, Eileen PaetzPat O’Neill, Katherine Peters,
Cheryl Porter, John Putnam, Eric Ritter, Mary Ryder, Fr.
Vincent Salamoni, Nancy Slivka, Dave Smedile, Vince Spano,
Regina Stancel, William Steed, Kevin Strnad, Keith Van
Asten,, Judy Vurson, Paul Wack, Sandy Walker, Maria Walter,
Nicole Ward, Shirley Werner, Carolyn Wicker, Bruce Williams,
Sibhan Williams, Robert Wonski
The Recently Deceased: Barbara Mahoney & Audrew Woodhouse
Names cycle off the prayer list monthly. Please call if a
continuation is needed. Do not ask to have people
placed on the list without getting their permission first.
Sacramental Ministries
Infant Baptism: It is recommended that parents contact the
Parish about requirements for baptism before the birth of a
child. Infant baptism will be scheduled only after
consultation with a member of the Pastoral Staff.
Marriage: Couples should contact the Parish Office.
Sacrament of the Sick: If you are not well, or when you
know that you will be in the hospital, please ask the priest to
confer the Sacrament of the Sick after the weekday Masses
or Sunday Masses, or call the Parish Office 489-3973 to
make an appointment.
Homebound Parishioners: If you are confined to home,
either temporarily or permanently, a member of the Ministry
to the Sick will be happy to bring Holy Eucharist to your
home weekly. Please contact the Parish Office.
R.C.I.A.: If you are interested in the process of becoming a
Catholic, please call the Parish Office.
Thrift Store
Our Thrift Store is located in the K-Mart Plaza at the Iona/
McGregor intersection. Open 10:00am - 5:00pm Monday
through Saturday. For information call 489-4001.