1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

Good News!
The
December 28, 2014
Feast of the Holy Family
Saturday, December 27,
5:30 p.m. Vigil
Sunday, December 28,
7:30, 9:30, 11:30 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m
Solemnity of Mary,
Holy Mother of God
(Holy Day of Obligation)
New Year’s Eve
Wednesday, December 31
5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass
Pro Sanctity Midnight Mass
Rosary at 10:00 p.m.
Adoration at 11:00 p.m.
Mass followed by breakfast
New Year’s Day
Thursday, January 1, 2015
8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
James
Catholic Church
St.
9025 Larimore Avenue,
Omaha, NE 68134
www.stjamescatholicchurch.org
402-572-0499
Fr. Tom’s Thoughts . . .
This Week’s Activities . . .
* Sunday, December 28
* Feast of the Holy Family, a Holy Day of Obligation, 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 a.m. Masses and
5:00 p.m. Mass
* Children’s Choir, 9:30 a.m. Mass
* 11:30 Music Group, 11:30 a.m. Mass
* Baptisms, 12:30 p.m.
* R. Kessler & F. Shefl, 5:00 p.m. Mass
* Monday, December 29
* Celebrate Recovery, 7:00 p.m.
* Tuesday, December 30
* Legion of Mary, 7:30 p.m.
* Wednesday, December 31
* Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God, a
Holy Day of Obligation, 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass
and Midnight Mass
* Helping Hands Play Group, 9:00 a.m.
* Thursday, January 1
* Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God, a
Holy Day of Obligation, 8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Masses
* Alanon, 5:30 p.m.
* Friday, January 2
* Collators, 9:00 a.m.
* Saturday, January 3
* Melodrama Practice, 9:00 a.m.
* Olio Practice, 1:00 p.m.
* Spethman Group, 5:30 p.m. Mass
* Sunday, January 4
* Pro-Life Rosary, 9:00 a.m. in Church
* Adult Choir, 9:30 a.m. Mass
* Boy Scout Mass, 2:00 p.m.
Dear Parishioners,
On this Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, we not only celebrate the
wonderful gift they are to us, but we also want to bring them to the rest of society. We so
often think of the life of the Holy Family as being ideal and perfect; but the reality is that
they suffered greatly from poverty, being refugees, bearing the stigma of having an unplanned pregnancy, and having Joseph die too early. So when our family lives face struggles
and difficulties, know that Jesus, Mary and Joseph can certainly relate and be helpful to us.
It is also very true, that our present day culture is becoming more and more hostile to the
family. They have separated sex from married love and classified human fertility as a disease that must be conquered. They have been attacking innocent life in the womb and claiming it is the woman’s right to do so. They are redefining marriage as something other than
between a man and a woman; and also saying marriage isn’t important to enter into. Also,
they want everyone to be so busy that one doesn’t have time to go to Mass, say one’s prayers
or think about God and eternal life.
What can we do? First off: pray, pray, pray! With God all things are possible and we
need His help. But we also have to do our part. Parents – are our homes truly a “domestic
church” – a place where our children are safe and supported? Do we go to Mass each weekend and help our children grow in their faith? Couples – do we strive to make our marriages
the best and try to serve one another? If we have issues – do we work together to solve
them? Children – do we strive to obey our parents and do our best in school?
I could go on and on. The point is that the Feast of the Holy Family is an opportunity for
all of us to examine our family life, discern what we could do better and make an effort to do
so - keeping our true destiny in Heaven always in mind. Jesus, Mary and Joseph all have
experience in living in this life and they are very anxious to provide help to us, if we would
simply ask for it. It is also an opportunity to discern how each of us can do something to
overcome the errors of our society.
Please never lose hope, our celebration of the coming of Jesus into the world at Christmas is a reminder of the nearness of our God. He is with us and He wants us to be His helpers in building up both the earthly and Heavenly kingdoms. Let’s always keep each other in
our prayers! Remember, also this coming week, to celebrate the Feast of Mary, the Mother
of God on this coming Thursday, January 1st. God bless everyone as we begin our new calendar year!
Symbolon—Parishioners of St. James
can access Symbolon videos free by going to
the St. James Church website,
Safe Environment Training
www.stjamescatholicchurch.org and scrolling down to Parish Headlines. Click on Sym(SET)—Any parent, parishioner,
bolon and create your own user name and
grandparent, etc. who wishes to volunteer
password. We are able to watch these vidat school or Church events and have coneos free until November 2015.
tact with the children, must have current
This beautiful 20-episode video series
certification in Safe Environment.
presents
the “big picture” of the Catholic
We will offer a Level 1 training for
faith.
The
Parish
Center
Restroom
Renovation
new volunteers on Thursday, January
8th at 7 p.m. in the St. James Parish Cen- Committee is waiting to hear from parishion- “Pope Francis, like St. John Paul II and
Benedict XVI, has called every Catholic to
ers (like you) who are interested in helping
ter. Call the school office 402-572-0339
be a missionary disciple, an agent of the New
with their treasure, time and talent. Before
to register.
we can begin the renovation part of this pro- Evangelization. Evangelically alert Catholics
must be well-formed Catholics. This splenject, we must secure the necessary funds.
Celebrate Recovery
If you’d like to donate to this project (and did series will help prepare Catholics to enter
Support Group meets every
add one more tax deduction for 2014) please mission territory every day, offering others
Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish
friendship with Jesus Christ” (Quote by
contact the parish office at 402-572-0499.
Center to help adults experiencing issues,
Donors and volunteers are welcome to join George Weigel, William E. Simon Chair in
including, but not limited to, addiction,
Catholic Studies, Ethics and Public Policy
this effort anytime! For more information
divorce, abuse, etc. ~ Larry Davenport,
call the Parish Office or visit the link on our Center in Washington, D.C.).
Jr., 402-572-8876 or ldavenport@q.com
parish website: www.stjamescatholicchurch.org
December 28, 2014
Calling All EMHCs—Fr. Tom will
lead a workshop for all current and recently mandated EMHCs on January 11th at 7 p.m. in our
Church. Please plan to attend.
2
Good
The
News!
- - Life Lines
- - Pray To End Abortion
Please Remember In Your
Prayers . . .
Regretfully, abortions are performed
W Loletta Kirchner, Mother of Reverend
at Planned Parenthood, 3105 N. 93rd St.
Don Kirchner
every Thursday approximately between
W Cecilia Lenz
the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
W Andy May, brother of Bob (Shirley) May
Prayer Warriors are urgently needed W Agnes Pletka, Sister-in-law of Joe and
at the site during these hours! There is
Marie Pletka
a special Priest led hour from 11:00 a.m.
to noon. Also, every Saturday there is a
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
structured hour of prayer from10:0011:00 a.m. Please continue to pray and
Prayers for Special Intentions
fast to end abortion and sustain human
To request prayers for your special intenlife. Thank you. ~ Caroline Parys, 402tions, please contact Kristi Mancuso, at 402572-1923
933-6509 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. or
- - Annual Celebration for kjmancuso@cox.net.
You may also request prayers for your speLife Dinner
cial intentions from the Catholic Daughters
The Annual Celebration for Life DinOur Lady of Faith Rosary Chain. Please conner sponsored by Nebraskans United for
tact Barb Hilton at bjhilton@cox.net or 402Life is Friday, January 16th, at the new 571-6815
American Italian Hall, 5110 No. 132nd
St. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with
Perpetual Adoration
a no host social hour, followed by dinner
“He was in the beginning with God.
at 7:30 p.m. The Keynote Speaker is
All things came to be through Him
Kristan Hawkins of Students for Life for
and without Him nothing came to
America. Cost is $40.00. Contact Ann
be. O Come Let Us Adore Him.”
Bowen at 402-399-0299.
To schedule your weekly holy hour please
contact Deacon Pat and Rosie Lenz at 402572-0139, plenz@stjamescatholicchurch.org
Generous Support to the
or Mary Reed, 402-708-1264.
Ignite the Faith Capital
Just a reminder, if you are unable to keep
your holy hour, please notify your prayer
Campaign Makes It A
or secure a substitute for your holy
Huge Success! “Archbishop Lucas partner
hour.
recently announced the overall campaign total.
Through the generosity of over 17,000 parish- Feasts and Celebrations
ioners, the campaign soared past its $40 million
In January we celebrate the Holy Name of
goal and raised $51.8 million.”
Jesus. “…at the name of Jesus every knee
Fr. Tom thanks all of our volunteers and
should bend, of those in heaven and on earth
donors who helped with the Ignite the Faith
and under the earth” (Philippians 2:10). In
Capital Campaign at our parish. Your generos- fact, the English letters IHS – representing
ity allowed our parish to raise $609,806 from the first three Greek letters in Jesus’ name –
484 gifts.. If you’d like to make a gift, please
used to be written over the doors of Christian
visit: www.ignitethefaith.archomaha.org
homes.
Are You Moving?
Please give your new address
to the Parish Office before you move.
This will help our Parish pay less postage
fees for returned mail. Also, if your telephone number, email or name has
changed, please let us know that too.
Thank you!
January 1 – Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. When we celebrate this feast, we honor Mary, but also Jesus, as God.
January 4 – Epiphany of Our Lord.
“Epiphany” is Greek for manifestation. When
they honored the infant Jesus, the three wise
men bore witness to the fulfillment of God’s
promise of a savior (GIF, January, 2015).
Sunday, December 28
7:30 am
WRosemary Bales
9:30 am
WEdilia Vega
11:30 am WLinda Dierks
5:00 pm
Connie and Warren Kneer
Monday, December 29
6:30 am
WMonica Kleffman
8:15 am
WAgnes Pletka
Tuesday, December 30
6:30 am
WKatie Beck
8:15 am
WFrank and Edith Latham
Wednesday, December 31
6:30 am
St. James Siminarians
8:15 am
WPaul Beringer
5:30 pm
WJim Tourek
Thursday, January 1
8:00 am
WFr. Partusch
10:30 am St. James Parishioners
Friday, January 2
6:30 am
WAl Placek
8:15 am
WMarcia Burkwit
Saturday, January 3
8:30 am
Intentions of Scholtes
and Janssen Families
5:30 pm
WDeacon Don Kemp
Sunday, January 4
7:30 am
St. James Parishioners
9:30 am
WSue Grillo
11:30 am WEileen Heimann
5:00 pm
WMary and William Henney, Jr.
Scripture Readings
Sunday (12/28): Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3 or Sir
3:2-6, 12-14/Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19
or Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17/Lk 2:22-40 or
2:22, 39-40
Monday: 1 Jn 2:3-11/Lk 2:22-35
Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:12-17/Lk 2:36-40
Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:18-21/Jn 1:1-18
Thursday: Nm 6:22-27/Gal 4:4-7/Lk
2:1621
Friday: 1 Jn 2:22-28/Jn 1:19-28
Saturday: 1 Jn 2:29--3:6/Jn 1:29-34
Next Sunday: Is 60:1-6/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/
Mt
2:1-12
Why Do Catholics Say the Nicene Creed at Mass? Reciting the Nicene Creed at Mass helps to remind us what
we believe. The Nicene Creed was finalized at the Councils of Nicaea (325 AD) and Constantinople (381 AD). The beliefs expressed in
the Nicene Creed are the same as those in the Apostles’ Creed, but are more detailed because it was written to express what the Church
taught regarding the heresies of the time. “Whoever says ‘I believe’ says ‘I pledge myself to what we believe’” (CCC 185) (GIF, 1/14).
December 28, 2014
3
Good
The
News!
New Member Registration
St. James/Seton School News
We welcome you to St. James, a caring, faithwww.sjsomaha.org sjsprin@sjsomaha.org www.facebook.com/SJSCatholicSchool
filled parish community. Below are three steps
to become a registered parishioner.
“St. James/Seton School Community provides a safe and nurturing learning
1. Call the parish office at 402-572-0499 to
environment in which our students grow in mind, body and spirit
register for the New Parishioner Registration
through a quality, faith based and service oriented Catholic education.”
Meeting.
2. Attend the next meeting on Tuesday,
January 13th, at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish
% Upcoming Activities:
Accept the Challenge
Center. These meetings occur once per
% December 19—January 4th: Christmas
St. James/Seton was presented with an
month and alternate between 10:30 a.m.
Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
3. Complete the forms you received at the
meeting and return them to the parish office.
Congratulations, you are now registered!
Break, No School
"Incredibly Amazing" donation of $500 from
B & B Plumbing Services, LLC on Wednesday, December 10th.
Along with his donation, Brian Bales, B &
6:30 p.m. in Parish Center
B Plumbing owner & SJS parent, is challeng% January 8: SET Level 1 Training
ing every other business, family and friend of
Receive the Sacraments
%
January
9:
FAN
at
Godfather’s
Pizza
St. James/Seton School to match his pledge
V Anointing of the Sick is a healing sacrament for
%
January
10:
High
School
Entrance
Exams
donation. These gracious donations will be
young and old, when seriously, chronically, or termiused for renovation and upgrades that are
nally ill, and prior to surgery. Please call the parish % January 11: Knights of Columbus Free
office, 402-572-0499.
Throw Contest, 1 p.m., school gym
greatly needed for our current playground.
V Baptisms are celebrated on the second and last % January 12: Anniversary T-shirt Day
I shared our story with a family, which has
Sundays of the month. Parents should call the parish % January 19: No School, Teacher In-Svc. no connection to SJS, in a casual conversaoffice to register for baptism preparation.
% January 25: Open House at SJ/S
tion. I explained how a parent was helping
V Holy Orders: If you’re discerning a call to the
%
January
25:
31st
Catholic
Schools
Week
start this pledge challenge, and they were so
priesthood or the diaconate, please call Fr. Tom
%
January
29:
8th
Grade
Mass
at
Cathedral
touched by it, that they were the first to match
Weisbecker, 402-572-0499.
% January 30: 1:20 p.m. Dismissal
with a $500.00 pledge. Their actual comment
If you are interested in religious or consecrated
life, please call the Vocation Office at 402-558-3100. % January 31: Spring Fling, “Life’s a
to me was, "Merry Christmas to your kids."
V Matrimony: Please contact and work with one of
Beach” at St. James Parish
So within 12-hours we received our very first
the parish priests six months ahead of the proposed
pledge for the playground updates.
date.
Let's see how many others will step-up and
V Penance: Saturday, 3:30-5:00 p.m. or by appoint- St. James/Seton School’s 50th
match
B & B Plumbing Service's pledge to
ment.
help SJ/S.
Anniversary Year!
Meet the Pastoral Team
What a great tax write off while helping
St. James/Seton School is celebrating 50Fr. Tom Weisbecker, Pastor…...402-572-0499
our students. For questions or more informaYears of quality faith based education. We
frtom@stjamescatholicchurch.org...…….ext. 14
tion, please contact me. ~ Ms. Paulette, Asinvite all of our Parish families, current
Fr. Michael Voithofer, Associate Pastor
sistant Principal/Development Director, 402school
families
and
all
Alumni
and
their
frmichaelstjames@gmail.com…………..ext. 15
572-0339, paulette.theisen@sjsomaha.org
families to our special upcoming events.
Deacon Pat Lenz, Pastoral Minister
plenz@stjamescatholicchurch.org……....ext. 16 Come celebrate with us on the following
Possible Pre-School Program
Jolene Meyer, Parish Secretary
dates:
jmeyer@stjamescatholicchurch.org…….ext. 11 à Sunday, January 25th,
St. James/Seton School is looking into the
Jeff Guinane, Administrative Services Mgr.
addition
of a Pre-School Program. Please
School Open House Celebration,
j j guin an e@stjamescatholicchurch.org...ext. 13
take time to complete a short survey online
11
a.m.
to
1
p.m.,
School
Deacon Ron Hesson, Accounting Manager
at www.sjsomaha.org and click the link in the
rhesson@stjamescatholicchurch.org………ext. 17 à Monday, January 26th,
blue window on the front page (to the left of
50th Anniversary Mass Celebration,
Josie Clarey, Parish & School Liturgy Coordinator
the pictures). This will help us further evaluejclarey@gmail.com...………………..ext. 22
8:15 a.m., St. James Church
ate the need for a Pre-School at St. James/
Ken Whetstone, Parish Maintenance
à Thursday, March 12th,
Vikki Cervantes, Editor & Volunteer Coord.
Seton School. Thank you for your time and
SJ/S Decades Program,
bulletin@stjamescatholicchurch.org……ext. 12
consideration.
2 p.m. and 7 p.m.,
Mrs. Chris Arnold, St. James/Seton Principal
Monthly School Newsletter
carnold@sjsomaha.org ............... 402-572-0339 à Friday, May 22nd,
Year End Mass Celebration,
Jo Kusek, Faith Formation and P.R.E. Director
Check out our Monthly School Newsletter
jkusek9212@yahoo.com ............ 402-572-0369
9:30 a.m., St. James Church
by visiting the school website at:
Hannah Keisling, Youth Minister
à Monday, June 1st,
www.sjsomaha.org and click on the newsletSEA_overflow23@live.com…....651-331-0971
SJ/S 1st Annual Golf Outing
ter link at the top of the page.
Cathy Wyatt, Parish Council President
event
time
TBD,
Pines
Country
Club
wpbridge2011@gmail.com……..402-661-9611
For more information on our kick-off in
iVolunteer makes signing up to volunteer
Meet the Deacon Community January with Catholic Schools week and
easy! Visit: http://stjamesseton.ivolunteer.com
Gregg & Carol Drvol, Jerry Gau,
other 50th Anniversary activities, visit our
Randy & Pam Grosse, Kathy Hecht, school website at: www.sjsomaha.org and
Funny—What did one snowman say to
Rich & Linda Hopkins, Rita Kessler, click on the Development page to see a calen- the other snowman?…“Do you smell carrots?”
Stan & Pat Kurtz, Pat & Rosie Lenz, dar of events.
~ W.W., Boys Life Magazine
Steve & Lisa Nelson,
The
Lyle & Jackie Simmons,
Good News!
December 28, 2014
4
Wayne & Chris Young
% January 5: School Resumes
% January 5: SJEA Soccer Registration
% January 6: Parent Speaker on “Bullying”
Our Community Events . . .
Celebrate New Year’s Eve SJ/SEA Quilting Group
With Us—Join members of Pro Sanc- The quilting group will meet on the 1st
tity for Midnight Mass at St. James on
Wednesday, December 31st. The celebration begins with the Rosary at 10 p.m.,
Reconciliation from 10-11:30 p.m., Holy
Hour at 11 p.m., and Mass at Midnight. A
warm breakfast will follow. All are welcome to bring goodies to share.
Ø Bible Study On the
Gospel of John—Explore the
Gospel of John in this video series featuring Jean Vanier, the Founder of L’Arche.
Vanier is a Canadian Catholic philosopher
turned theologian and humanitarian.
L’Arche is an international federation of
communities for people with developmental disabilities and those who assist them.
This fourteen-part video series begins
Friday, January 9 from 10:00-11:00
a.m. in St. James’ Family Room in the
parish center. Women of St. James and
St. Elizabeth Ann are welcome to join an
existing women’s faith-sharing group that
meets on Fridays for conversation and
coffee at 9:30 followed by the study at
10:00. Please call Jo Kusek at 402-572Ø Psalms: The School
of Prayer
This Bible Study will be offered in St.
James Parish Center from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
for ten Mondays beginning January
26th. It is a DVD Bible Study featuring
both Jeff Cavins and Dr. Tim Gray. In
this Bible Study, participants will discover the rich school of prayer for all of
life’s circumstances, and experience the
transforming power of the responsorial
psalm in the Mass. If you’d like to join
us, please contact Jo Kusek at 402-5720369 or jkusek9212@yahoo.com.
(Optional - $25 notebook)
Parenting for Purity: An Evening Presentation for Parents— Mark your calendar for 7 p.m. on
and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 9:00 a.m.
in the church library. Our next meeting is
on Wednesday, January 7th. All are welTuesday, February 3rd, at S. Wenceslaus
Church (15353 Pacific Street, Omaha).
come! Questions? Please call Janet Presser
“Ever feel like you can’t keep up with the mes402-571-6250.
sages your kids are bombarded with? Or struggled
to guide your kids through all the traps the world
That Man Is You!
sets for them? There is hope yet! This dynamic
Join us on Saturday, January
presentation by youth expert, Jason Evert, is perfect
17th at 6:45 a.m. in the Parish Center.
for parents desiring to present the liberating mesSession 11: Weeds in Moral Formation
sage of chastity to their children. A question and
à Natural Formation and Virtue
answer session will follow Jason’s presentation.
à Home at Nazareth
Jason Evert is a Catholic author and chastity
à St. Joseph’s Relationship with God
speaker. He founded Totus Tuus Press and Chasà St. Joseph as the Spouse of Mary
tity Project, an organization that promotes chastity
à The Pathway of Mercy
primarily to high school and college students. He is
à The Start of the Christian Home
the author of more than 10 books, including How
à The Birth of the Church
to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul
That Man Is You meets Saturday morn- and Theology of the Body for Teens. Jason has a
ings in the parish center at 6:45 a.m. for a
master’s degree in theology, an undergraduate
light breakfast, coffee (bring your own mug) degree in theology and counseling, with a minor in
and fellowship. A presentation will begin at
philosophy from Franciscan University of Steuben7:15 a.m. and is followed at 7:45 a.m. with
ville.” ~Sponsored by the St. Wenceslaus Knights
breakout groups. Men are invited to join
of Columbus and 102.7 Spirit Catholic Radio.
TMIY anytime during the year! For more
info contact Greg Morrison, 402-426-8152 or Love or Lust?
gregm@wholesaleheating.com
Mark your calendar for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4th, at S. Wenceslaus Church
(15353 Pacific Street, Omaha).
“Jason Evert gives you, the young adult/
teanager, the truth about chastity. His seminar is
challenging, entertaining, encouraging, and healing.
Chastity is a lifestyle that brings freedom, respect,
peace and romance without regret. Come hear his
Catholic centered, life-changing message!”
This talk is free and intended for 7th to 12th
grade youth. ~Sponsored by the St. Wenceslaus
Knights of Columbus and 102.7 Spirit Catholic
Radio.
www.stjamescatholicchurch.
org—Visit our parish website for the latest
parish news, to read the Catholic Voice
Online, or to watch Symbolon videos!
Q & A: How Long Does the Christmas Season Last?
The Church’s real Christmas season starts on Christmas Day and lasts until the Baptism of Our Lord. By celebrating the whole
season, you can make your Christmas joy last long after you’ve taken down the tree. Here are some highlights of the season:
¨ Feast of the Holy Family, December 28th. Gather for a special meal with family or make contact with out-of-town relatives.
¨ Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, January 1st. Dedicate a special rosary to the Blessed Mother asking her to help you grow in
love and trust.
¨ The Epiphany, January 4th. The example of the Magi honoring Jesus has become a symbol of sharing him with the world. This is
our chance to think about the way we live so that we can better reveal Christ to our world.
¨ The Baptism of Our Lord, January 11th. Baptism is our entry into the Kingdom. Take time this day to renew your Baptismal
vows and decide what you can change in your life to help you live as Christ did (Growing In Faith, December, 2014).
December 28, 2014
5
Good
The
News!
Service . . .
Children’s Liturgy of the
Thank You—To our generous donor for
providing
our Parish families with a copy of the
Word One or two volunteers are needed to
Good News! Collating
Team #1 will work Friday, January 2nd:
help with CLW at the 9:30 Sunday morning
Mass. Current Safe Environment Training
Certification is required. Please call Mary
Lawler, 402-571-7763.
Paul & Fay Ryba, Jan Lovely, Ron Jorgensen, Carol Fulton, Margaret Kahre, Barbara
Thompson
New Testament. What a wonderful way to begin
our New Year by reading the Good News!
HOPE
There will be no HOPE sales December
27th & 28th and January 3rd & 4th. Sales will
for your donation of food from the drive [Truck
resume January 10th.
-A-Thon]. We are grateful to receive these food
Here’s “HOPE”ing everyone has a wonderdonations that will help us keep the storage
ful Christmas and a blessed New Year. Thank
room stocked...and provide families with food.
you for supporting the HOPE program. Don’t
Your help also allows us to continue to be the forget us in the year to come!!!
Face of Christ to others.” ~SVdP Food Pantry
Thank You— “Thank you very much
Church Cleaning Team #12
Thank You—Mary Anne and Lance
will work on Saturday, January 3: Dottie
Hodgens, Capt., 402-571-3904, Beth Shoemaker, Ann & Mike Petry, Linda & Tom Kimminau, Dawn Cunningham, Angela Koneck,
Lisa Tegels, Phil Aken, Pamela Perry, Connie
Karnish, Melanie Linnaus, Karen Roth
Steinbruck wish to thank you for your continued support. This year’s walnut sales totaled
$725! All proceeds benefit the St. James/
Seton School Tuition Assistance Fund.
Thank You—A BIG THANK YOU to
Heafey-Heafey-Hoffman-Dworak & Cutler
Funeral Homes for generously providing our parish with a beautiful 2015 Feasts and Saints Calendar!
Questions and Answers
re: Stephen Ministry—The
joy of Christmas can turn into a time of painful loneliness and emptiness for those who
have suffered a loss or who are going through
a difficult time. But help is available. Our
Stephen Ministers are ready to provide confiRosaries—Rosaries are being requested dential, one-to-one Christian care. They will
by our homeless and low-income neighbors-in listen, care, encourage, pray with and for you,
-need through a program called ODM Streets and support you through the holidays and as
Good News! Deadlines
long as your need persists. If you or someone
of Omaha. Please consider making this a
Please submit articles to:
you know is hurting, find out more about
group or school project or donating rosaries
bullletin@stjamescatholicchurch.org
Stephen Ministry by talking with one of our
individually. A basket will be placed on the
before 11:30 a.m. on the following dates:
Stephen Leaders: Colleen (402) 571-6296 or
window-sill in the Church Library and
* Early deadline has passed for the
Lori (402) 571-6838.
checked weekly. All rosaries will be placed
January 4th Good News!
directly in the hands of the poor thanks to
* Monday, January 5th, for the Janu- you. ~Sandy Powers 402-250-7000
ary 11th Good News!
December
31st
and
January
1, 3 & 4
Wednesday
December 31
5:30p
Solemnity of Mary,
Thursday, January 1
Midnight
8:00a
Saturday
January 3
10:30a
Epiphany of the Lord
Sunday, January 4
5:30p
7:30a
9:30a
11:30a
5:00p
Presider/
Deacon
Fr. Michael
W. Young
Fr. Tom
Fr. Michael
R. Grosse
Fr. Tom
S. Nelson
Fr. Michael
G. Drvol
Fr. Michael
G. Drvol
Fr. Michael
G. Drvol
Fr. Tom
S. Nelson
Fr. Tom
S. Nelson
EMHC
(Lovely)
Team HD2
Pro-Sanctity
Team NYD1
Team NYD2
Team 1
Team 3
Team 5
Team 8
Team 11
Lectors
Skalka
Johnson
Pro-Sanctity
Revers
Thomsen
Langin
Stoltz
Team 1
(Briggs
& Catalano)
Team 1
(Bolin & Bolin)
Team 1
(Grosse
& Erixon)
Team 1
(Nelson
& Bendlin)
Team 1
(Marfice
& Kriener)
Servers
X. Hackenberg
E. Phillips
M. Phillips
M. Pearson
Pro-Sanctity
M. Hilton
F. Cohen
T. Maxwell
E. Schartz
J. McGee
S. Hayford
L. Luebbe
L. Copas
B. Troshynski
A. Rutten
I. Yabut
K. Yabut
T. Burbridge
A. Schwarz
M. Wilmes
E. Matthies
O. Biesanz
M. Little
S. Patterson
K. Little
J. Weber
L. Sprakel
B. Gregurich
A. Phillips
W. Volenec
M. Nevins
D. Perry
A. Goldsmith
Musicians
TBD
Pro-Sanctity
TBD
Young Adult
Group
Spethman
Group
Congregation
Adult Choir
Young Adult
Group
High School
Choir
Candle Ministry: December: 27—Merritt, Mason; 28—Anthofer, Betzelberger; 29—Tegels; 30—Sinclair; 31—
Urbanski; January: 1—Grosse, Miller; 2—Mordeson, Herbert; 3—Freitag; 4—Meyer; 5—Wood, Ocken; 6—Beck,
Merritt; 7—Coons, Hilton; 8—Little, Wandrey; 9—J. Hilton, Joppa; 10—NEED SUB; 11—Mausbach, Hecht;
December 28, 2014
6
Good
The
News!
Your Stewardship
December 14, 2014
Adult………………....
Loose Bills/Checks...
Children Loose Bills..
Children Envelopes..
Dollar Bill……………
ACH (1st/20th)……..
WeShare
$30,279
$1,591
$72
$3
$973
$n/a
$n/a
Total General Contributions………...$31,946
2014-15 Budgeted Weekly Offertory $23,500
YTD Weekly Offertory………………….$572,329
YTD Budgeted Offertory……………....$564,000
YTD Difference………………………….$8,329
Mortgage Balance……………………...$874,964
Holy Days:
All Saints Day
$20
Immaculate Conception………………...$1,010
Christmas………………………………. $688
Special Collections:
CCHD………..………….……………… $20
Religious Retirement…………………. $985
We gratefully acknowledge this gift:
$750 given in loving memory of WBob Beck
St. James Youth Ministry
Hannah Keisling, Youth Minister 402-572– 0624 SEA_overflow23@live.com
Deacon Pat Lenz 402-572-0499 plenz@stjamescatholicchurch.org
Youth Groups On Break
New Year’s Resolution
Youth Groups are on break until January
11th (Overflow at SEA) and January
14th (James G.A.N.G. at SJ Youth House).
All teens are invited and encouraged to
attend both youth groups, or whichever works
best in your schedule.
We pray that you all have a blessed New
Year and thank you for taking time to deepen
your faith.
Teens and families, let's make a resolution together. Let's make our Catholic
faith the true center of our lives! How do
we do that? Start reading the Scriptures
and praying with them, make going to
Mass on Sundays a priority, find someway to get involved in the parish.
Teens have youth group meetings at
both parishes that offer different spiritual
experiences and levels of depth. It is also
a great place for teens to create lasting
friendships that support their Catholic
beliefs.
Try out your spiritual resolution and see
how the power of Christ can transform
your family, heal deep wounds, spark
hope, and ultimately lead you to fulfillment... together. God bless you all!
~Hannah Keisling
Youth Ministry Information
Rev. James V. Brown OAR Youth Center
9124 Tomahawk Boulevard
402-572-0624
Charitable Contributions
Walk for Life Registration
Donors must deliver checks by 11:59
p.m. on December 31, 2014 in order to
claim a charitable contribution deduction for
2014.
Checks received in the collection basket
in 2015 won’t qualify for a charitable contribution for 2014, even if they’re dated 2014.
There is only one exception: checks
mailed and postmarked “2014” will be deductible in 2014.
Registration forms for Walk for Life are
due January 7th (Grades 6-12).
Forms can be found on the parish website
or in the narthex. Please turn in completed
forms to the Parish Office, Attn: Youth Ministry.
Parish Information
From Scripture: Luke 2:22-40,
Look for the Lord
Weekend Mass Schedule:
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Vigil
Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Weekday Mass Schedule:
6:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.
Penance:
Saturday: 3:30—5:00 p.m. or by appointment.
Rectory and Parish Office:
Business Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. excluding
Holidays
Telephone 402-572-0499; Fax 402-573-9345
Email:: rectory@stjamescatholicchurch.org
School Information
St. James/Seton School, 4720 N. 90 Street
School office…………………………………402-572-0339
Email………………………………..sjsprin@sjsomaha.org
Web site……………………………...www.sjsomaha.org
Fax…………………………………………....402-572-0347
Religious Formation Office………………..402-572-0369
Includes Adult Faith Formation, 5-day School, and Parish Religious Education (PRE).
Email………………………….jkusek9212@yahoo.com
Website….………...www.stjamessetonpreadultfaith.com
Help Our Parish Excel (HOPE) Office…….402-572-7897
website:…………………………..www.sjeahope.org
Email:………………………………hope@sjsomaha.org
December 28, 2014
To the uninformed observer, Jesus’ birth
was unremarkable and His family quite ordinary. When it came time to present Him in
the temple, His parents couldn’t afford the
customary offering of a lamb and gave two
pigeons as an offering of the poor. As faithful
Jews, they did what was required by their
faith to thank God for the gift of their child.
Yet, when Joseph and Mary presented their
new baby in the temple, Simeon immediately
recognized Him as the Messiah. Inspired by
the Holy Spirit, he prophesied that Jesus was
to be "a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
Simeon was not alone in recognizing the
Lord in the temple. Anna was also filled with
the Holy Spirit. Her faith in God's promises
gave her hope. The hope God places in our
hearts gives us a desire for the kingdom of
Heaven. The Holy Spirit reveals the presence
of the Lord to those who want to know Him,
to receive Him, and to be with Him forever.
(Growing In Faith, 12/14).
7
Omaha Lancers Faith &
Family Special
Sunday, December 28th, you are invited to attend our game vs. the Tri-City
Storm for a discounted rate of only $15.00
(regularly $20.95-$21.95). Included in
that special price is your ticket to the
game, a hot dog and soda, and the opportunity to come skate with the team immediately following the game. Altogether,
this is a more than $30.00 value that you
are receiving for more than 50% off, and
an opportunity to interact with the team
that is rarely offered to the public.
To redeem the offer, you simply need
to present a copy of the flyer (located in
kiosk near Church library) to the Ralston Arena Box Office and purchase
the number of specials you need. For
those that may have never been to the
Ralston Arena, the hours and address are
listed at the bottom of the flyer. There is
no additional cost with the promotion if
you bring along your own skates. However, if you would like to rent skates that
night, you can do so through the Arena for
$3.00/pair. If you have 10 or more in your
group and want to get a block of seats
together, you can also order by phone by
contacting Gavin at 402-934-4732 or
at gutesch@lancers.com.
Good
The
News!
Ø
Adult & Child Faith Formation
Jo Kusek, Director
402-572-0369
www.stjamessetonpre-adultfaith.com
Ø Generations of Faith
Because St. Joseph is my patron saint, I am inspired by unique images of him. I love the windows in St. Joseph’s
Church in south Omaha. One can walk around both sides of the church, and see the life of Joseph. The last stained
glass window depicts his death with Mary and Jesus at his side. I also remember the beauty of this scene in the Basilica
of the Sacred Heart on the Notre Dame campus. In that picture, Mary is holding his hand, and Jesus is sitting in a chair
close to the top of the bed with his face resting against Joseph’s face.
Today is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Today I am thinking about all the people this year who have sat by
the death bed of a family member. I have been to so many funerals this year. The image of the death of
St. Joseph reminds us that even Jesus experienced the sorrow of losing a close family member. We can again unite our suffering with
His suffering.
Below is a simple Prayer to St. Joseph. I know it is prayed by many. God bless all of our families in 2015, and those family members who will have to leave us.
Prayer to St. Joseph
O blessed Joseph, who breathed your last breath in the arms of Jesus and Mary,
obtain for me this grace: that I may breathe forth my soul in praise,
saying in spirit, if I am unable to do so in words: "Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give Thee my heart and my soul." Amen.
Ø P.R.E. News
We have no classes this Wednesday, December 31st. Blessed New Year to all of our P.R.E. catechists, students and their families!
God of time and eternity, with Christmas joy we praise you for the years gone by and the year we will begin.
Your Son comes among us to bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim a year of grace for all the world.
Fill us this year with mercy and compassion and with good gifts for all the world. Unite us in the Holy Spirit as we join the
angels in proclaiming your praise: Glory to God in the highest and peace to His people on earth..
(From Blessings and Prayers Through the Year by Elizabeth McMahon Jeep)
Ø Question of the Week
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
Key Passage: “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do
everything in the name of of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to
God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
Question for Adults: Whether single, married, or divorced,
how does Paul’s advice ring true in your own life? Choose one
of his suggestions and share how it touches your life.
Question for Youth: God chose to be among us in the person of
Jesus. How does having a God who knows what it means to be
human affect the way you pray or think about God?
Question for Children: Why is it important for you to obey
your parents or guardians?
Ø Upcoming Events for 1st and 8th Graders
Mark your calendars! There will be a meeting for first graders
and their parents on Sunday, January 11th at 2:00 p.m. in St.
Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. The meeting will be repeated on
Thursday, January 15 at 6:30 p.m. The topic is sharing faith at
home.
The 8th graders and their sponsors will have a Confirmation
Retreat on Sunday, January 18 from 1:30 to 4:00. The retreat
will also be offered on Sunday, January 25 for those unable to attend
on the 18th. (Jo Kusek, 402-572-0369)
Ø Preferential Option for the Poor
“Give something, however small, to the one in need. For it
is not small to one who has nothing. Neither is it small to God, if we
have given what we could.” Quote by St. Gregory Nazianzen whose
Mark your calendars! There will be a meeting for first
graders and their parents on Sunday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial is January 2nd.
in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. The meeting will be repeated
on Thursday, January 15 at 6:30 p.m. The topic is sharing faith at Ø Women’s Morning of Reflection 2015
home.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 21st. The annual
The 8th graders and their sponsors will have a Confirma- Women’s Morning of Reflection will be held on that morning in St.
tion Retreat on Sunday, January 18 from 1:30 to 4:00. The
Elizabeth Ann’s Parish Center. Our speaker this year is Dr. Karen
retreat will also be offered on Sunday, January 25 for those unDwyer, author of Wrap Yourself in Scripture. More details to follow!
able to attend on the 18th.
Save the date! (Jo Kusek, 402-572-0369).
Committee meeting: We will have a committee meeting on
Thursday, January 8th at 7:00 p.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann’s Parish
Center to plan this event – the advertising, food, decorations, etc.
Women of St. James and St. Elizabeth Ann are welcome to serve on
our committee.
Ø P.R.E. Christmas Program
December 28, 2014
8
Good
The
News!
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Entrance on Binney Street
46 Years
WEST CENTER CHAPEL
7805 West Center Rd.
6132 Military • Omaha, NE • 402-553-1040
391-3900
Lyle Simmons, Parishioner
WEEKLY
PICKUP
“Rubbish & Trash Removal”
Patricia Dembowski
Commercial & Residential
Mike Beacom, CLU, CRPC
Mike.Beacom@LFG.com
10808 Fort Street
(402) 778-1300
571-0835
15750 W. Dodge Rd • Omaha, NE 68118
Financial Planning • Investments • Insurance
Employee Benefits • Retirement Plans
www.FWInvestmentCentre.com
Mike Beacom is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. Securities offered through Lincoln Financial
Advisors Corp., a broker/dealer. Member SIPC. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. Lincoln
Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. CRN-1075392-120914
Justin Evers, Parishioner • Cell: 402-871-0093
Email: Justin.Evers@BHHSamb.com
Website: www.bhhsamb.com/justin.evers
NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NO BANK GUARANTEE |
NOT A DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
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496-9000
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453-5600
Family Owned Since 1912
Come see us for the best prices on our best tires.
Serving Omaha Since 1957
MARION’S TIRE
5028 NW Radial Hwy
(402) 553-9393
WE OFFER A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
www.michelinman.com
www.bfgoodrichtires.com • www.uniroyal.com
Providing Insurance and Financial Services
Tom Demory, ChFC
10106 Maple Street
402-571-5700
www.tomdemory.com
Quality Heating & Air
BP
Sales & Service
5220 N. 90th St.
Omaha, NE 68134
(402) 571-9660
Keith Mander
(402) 571-8753
Owner
fax (402) 571-1124
email keithsbpomaha@aol.com
Amoco Fuels
Auto Repair
Towing
Food Shop
Touch Free Carwash
Propane
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Heating • Air Conditioning
Ex 19:4
OWNER: DANIEL KESSLER
(RITA’S SON)
PHONE:
(402) 571-7011
FOR AD INFO CALL Greg Nickolite at 1-800-950-9952 • WWW.4LPi.COM
ST. JAMES, OMAHA
B 2C 02-0194
12-18-2014 11:28:02
Buying, Selling or Relocating.... I can Help!
Mary Kay Ernst
Realtor®, Parishioner
marykay.ernst@cbshome.com
Cell: 402-650-8878
Visit me at marykayernst.cbshome.com
JILL E. HILD, D.D.S.
Miranda
Thomassen, DVM
Parishioner
HILD FAMILY DENTAL
Parishioner
402-397-4344
COMMITTED TO
TOTAL PET CARE
134th and Fort • 492-9303
Searl Auto Body
Se
402-334-6708 254 N. 114th
New Patients Welcome
www.gentledoctoranimalhospitals.com
Breakfast Anytime,
Even For Lunch
Your
You Trustworthy Collision Repair
7805 Military Ave.
(402) 393-2532
MARK & STEVE SCHUMACHER
Tue-Sat 6am-1pm
Sun: 7am-2pm
www.searlautobody.com
2515 N 85th Street - 4 Blk S of Maple
www.davesautobodyco.com
9630 Redick Avenue • 572-0200
Steve Larsen
Realtor
(402) 672-5450
steve.larsen@cbshome.com
HAIR AND TANNING SALON
7809 MILITARY
571-3071
Jaye Toth - Parishioner
TWO NORTH LOCATIONS
4827 N. 90th • 3304 N. 120th
Buy or Sell with results.
Over 85 million sold.
Nacho Typical Restaurant
90th & Blondo 391-8870
Parishioner
RICHARD A. DREWS
Attorney At Law
7018 North 102nd Circle
Julie E. Olson & M. Victor Monson
3628 N. 90th St • Omaha, NE 68134
402-571-1108
www.olsonmonsonortho.com
(402) 391-3712
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DOWD, HOWARD & CORRIGAN
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
We Service & Sell Appliances
402-706-9931
1411 Harney St., Ste. 100
4826 S. 24th St.
402-341-1020
John Corrigan - Parishioner
www.dowd-law.com
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4839 N. 90th St. , Omaha, NE 68134 • (402) 571-0944
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2928 N 108th St.
(402) 496-1550
American Family Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidaries, America Family Life
Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company ©2012 00325-Rev 8/12.
Donate online to
St. James Church
https://stjamescatholicchurch.weshareonline.org
John R. Schraut, CLTC, LUTCF
402-552-8700
john@encoreinsurancegroup.com
11929 Elm St., Suite 11, Omaha, NE 68144
www.encoreinsurancegroup.com
Home/Auto/Business
Life Insurance/Disability
Long Term Care/Annuities
$149,000
Parishioner
Your Independent Insurance Agency!
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Heating & Air Conditioning
Washers - Dryers - Refrigerators - Freezers
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FOR AD INFO CALL Greg Nickolite at 1-800-950-9952 • WWW.4LPi.COM
ST. JAMES, OMAHA
A 4C 02-0194
12-18-2014 11:28:02