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Church of theAssumption

Church of St.Anthony

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May the peace of Christ be with you this holiday season!

A Message from Father Aaron

Emmanuel, God with us Dear Brothers and Sisters,

“Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord!” Our psalm proclaims what we have very deep in our hearts today. God is good and he has come to visit us! Our soul can’t help but sing because of it. Emmanuel has not chosen to stay far away but has come to dwell with his people in their darkness so to bring the light of peace and salvation to the world. Christ the Savior has come and is indeed with us now. May our hearts rejoice in this fact! Christmas time brings a new light of hope for each of us and for the world because God has come along side of us, and as predicted down from the generations before, the little child is born to his mother Mary in a cold and dark stable. He is vulnerable and poor. The Creator of the stars embodies humility as he comes not to display his power but rather to show mercy and care for his people. God allows his Divine Son to be held, known and loved. This is the beautiful mystery we celebrate and live. All knees will bend and all heads will bow before him, for he is the God of our salvation.

There are so many to thank who have assisted in a variety of ways to help make the Advent and Christmas Seasons even more beautiful. I would like to first of all thank the parish staffs for their long hours and dedication to the people of God. Also, many thanks to our choir directors, choirs and music ministers, ministers who assist at Mass, Mass servers, Christmas play participants, decorating teams, and all who gave of their time, talent or treasure. Thank you!

I also thank you for joining St. Anthony’s and Assumption parishes for Mass this Christmas. Know that you are always welcome and appreciated here. Please bring forward any needs or questions you or your families may have.

It is my prayer that each one of you experience the warmth and closeness of the Little Child today, the Prince of Peace and the salvation of the world. May he grant you every grace and heavenly blessing. For God is good indeed and he is truly with us!

Merry Christmas, Father Aaron

Twinned Parish News

One BulletinPlease note: due to the 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas being so close together, the bulletin will be the same for each day. You will only need to take one bulletin for the 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas. Thank you!

Christmas Flowers InsertPlease see the bulletin insert for the donations for the Christmas flowers in memory of our loved ones and also please remember the families of our dearly departed during this holiday season in your prayers.

Solemnity of Mary MassesThere will be Masses at both parishes for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God on Monday, January 1st. Mass will be at 8:00 AM at Assumption and 10:00 AM at St. Anthony’s.

Year End GivingAll donations to the parishes need to be at the parish offices by December 28th to be included in the 2017 tax year. Your donations are the parishes’ sole source of income. Thank you for your generosity in supporting the parishes!

Joint-Parish Social ConcernsWe are looking for members of both parishes that would be willing to take part in a social concerns committee arranged with the help of Catholic Charities. This committee will help address needs within the parishes including financial assistance, job finding, multicultural needs and more. If you are interested in helping our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, please contact either parish office. Joy to the WorldThis Christmas season, Father Aaron is giving away copies of Scott Hahn’s “Joy to the World”. This book shows us how Christ’s coming changed everything and still does. You can pick up your copy in church.

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Christmas Pageant Thank You!Thank you to everyone who attended. Thank you to the children and youth who participated. Thank you to the adults who generously shared their time and talents. Rejoice in the Lord always!

Children's ChoirSing to the Lord! The 2nd-8th graders are invited to join the children's choir to sing on Saturday, December 30th! Practice will be during Christmas break- on Wednesday, Dec 27 at 10:00 AM. Please sign up with Becky, Bonnie, or Janet (444-1619).

Junior High Youth RallyThe 19th annual rally for 6th-8th graders will be on Sunday, January 7th.

Students were invited during class, and registration forms were handed out. The registration forms are due Wednesday, December 27th. Please place

them in Becky's mailbox by the copier in the lower level.

Adoration Announcements-The Adoration Chapel will be closed on Christmas and New Years day, and open on Tuesday at 8 a.m.-There is still an open hour on Tuesday mornings at 1-2 a.m. Please call Rita Haan at 453-7865 or Rose Becker at 453-7496 if interested.

Bishop’s Annual AppealAs you reflect on your year-end giving, please consider a gift to the Appeal at www.stcdio.org/appeal, call Anna at 320-258-7654, or mail to: Bishop’s Annual Appeal, PO Box 1538, St. Cloud, MN 56302. Thank you! Blessings to you and those you love this Christmas and into the new year.

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�����������Sunday, December 24:

7:00 pm Mass: † Gregory Ruhland

Monday, December 25:

8:00 am Mass: People of the Parish

Wednesday, December 27:

5:45 pm Mass: † Joan Riley

Friday, December 29:

7:00 am Mass: † Adrian Nohner

Saturday, December 30:

5:30 pm Mass: † Ralph Haan

Sunday, December 31:

8:00 am Mass: People of the Parish

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1�!�%���%�3��4��Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Rosary

����� ���������5+�)�*,��������4�����Lectors: Bill Tschumperlin & Deb Huschle

Ushers: Gary Sogge, Nick Thielen,

Darrin Hondl & Andy Arens

Ministers of Communion:

Jody Bauer, Andrea Huschle & Volunteer

Servers: Tyler Brutger, Ben Ruhland,

Katie Ruhland & Reece Bischof

Music: Joanne Bischof

Rosary Leader: Rose Becker

5+�)�*,�������&4�����Lectors: Anna Mae Gruenes

& Sarah Kuechle

Ushers: Tony Torborg, Ralph Moser,

Larry Ludwig & Steve Ludwig

Ministers of Communion:

Steve Schoenecker, Donna Bischof

& Jenni Evens

Homebound: Donna Bischof

& Marge Kuechle

Servers: Ashley & Andy Gruenes,

Jack & Mallory Evens

Music: Kris Latcham

Rosary Leader: Donna Bischof

*Weekday Rosary: Cyrilla Nohner

����������������(Not available due to

early bulletin deadline)

December 27: Children's Choir Practice (grades 2-8), 10-11December 28: Youth Gathering (grades 7-college age), 5-8 pmDecember 29: Children's RCIA Class, 11:00-12:00January 7: Junior High Youth Rally, 9:00-4:00 Confirmation Retreat Team Meeting 9amJanuary 11: 5th-8th Grade Bible Study, 3:00-5:00 January 13: First Communion Parent Meeting, 4:30pmJanuary 14: Rite of Acceptance, 8:00

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+�)�*,�������.4�����Lectors: Sarah Magedanz & Shelly Kern

Ushers: Randy Kuechle, Jason Kuechle,

Frank Meyer & Francis Bischof

Ministers of Communion:

Lisa Ludwig, Steve Ries & Mary Jo Ruhland

Servers: Ethan, Carter and Marissa

Laudenbach and Megan Blonigen

Music: Guitar Group

+�)�*,�������&4�����Lectors: PJ Connors & Dyani Acosta

Ushers: Kevin Nohner, Brian Nohner,

Joe Streit & Chad Field

Ministers of Communion:

Jeanne Schmitz, Ron Ruhland & Paige Thielen

Servers: Jack & Paige Kneip,

Ellie & Skyler Field

Music: Lisa Thielen

“He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him,

and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life,

and this life was the light of the human race.” -John 1:2-4

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Remembering Your Loved OnesThe family members of the parishioners that have passed away this past year that were remembered on All Souls Day, are invited into the handicap addition of the church to pick out an angel of their choice and a candle in remembrance of their loved ones after the Christmas Masses. Please keep these dearly departed and their

families in your prayers during this holiday season.

St. Anthony Christmas Pageant Thank You!Thank you to all the children and volunteers who took part in this year’s Christmas Pageant. The pageant was a fantastic way to kick off the holiday weekend! Thank you to all who came to the pageant and the reception afterwards.

Food Shelf Thank You!Thank you to everyone who gave food shelf items during our November food drive. We had a food drive for the students at faith formation classes as well as for parishioners to donate in church. With everyone’s generosity we were able to donate 380 pounds of food to the food shelf. Thank you also to Joe & Doris Rathmann for tirelessly collecting and delivering the food shelf items all these years!

Blood Drive in WatkinsDuring this holiday season, give the gift of life by donating blood. The American Red Cross Blood Drive is on Wednesday, December 27 from 1:00 to 7:00 pm at the St. Anthony Church Social Hall in Watkins. Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-Red Cross, www.redcrossblood.org, by downloading the Blood Donor App, or by calling Theresia at 764-7251 or Betty at 764-9163. Walk-ins are always welcome.

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�����������Sunday, December 24:

4:00 pm Mass: † Jim Hesse

Monday, December 25:

10:00 am Mass: People of the Parish

Tuesday, December 26:

9:30 am Mass: † Adam Schlangen

Thursday, December 28:

8:30 am Mass: † Alice Dwyer

Friday, December 29:

9:30 am (Communion Service at Hilltop)

Sunday, December 30:

10:00 am Mass: † Daniel Dockendorf

����� ���������+�)�*,���������4�����Lectors: Mary Ann Hesse

& Kelly Meierhofer

Ushers: Ralph Linn/Alex Ertl,

Norb Kramer/Luke Haan,

Doris & Joe Rathmann

Ministers of Communion:

Precious Body: Margi Schreifels

Precious Blood: Betty Vossen

& Betty Dockendorf

Homebound: Linda Faber, 310-1568

Servers: Anna, Olivia & Emily Kramer

and Henry Landwehr

Rosary Leader: Kevin & Erin Donnay

& Family

Children’s Liturgy: Margi Schreifels &

Amber Loch

���������������(Not available due to

early bulletin deadline)

��������������Mondays: Mary’s Cenacle, 2:00 Mission Quilting, 11:30-3:00Thursday: Thrift Shop, 9-12Saturday: Thrift Shop, 9-12

��� ������� �December 17-30:

Terry Serbus, Leroy Simmons, Allen Simmons, Rich Stenger and Doug Stenger & families.

*Please call Theresia at 764-7251 to unlock.

New Parish Center 12/11/17

Total Project Goal 1,896,954.00Expenses Paid ($1,740,802.27)Remaining Bills (est.) 50,000.00Loan $113,000.00 Unpaid Pledges $80,334.23

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December 27: No Faith Formation Classes Parish Adoration, 6:30-7:30December 28: Youth Gathering (grades 7-college-age), 5-8 pm at Assumption January 1: Solemnity of Mary Mass, 10 AM

LIVE THE LITURGY- INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK-A people who walked in darkness have seen a great light! Today is born

our savior, Jesus Christ. As the image of the invisible God, he is the light that illumines the paths of our lives. He alone shows

us how to be truly human and teaches us that humanity is blessed with the very presence of God. Fully human and fully

divine, Jesus shows us how to order our relationships--our relationship with God, others, ourselves, and the world in which we

live. Today he calls us to peace once again and to live with justice, mercy, and compassion on our lips and in our actions.

+�)�*,��������4�����Lectors: Paula Schlangen & Heidi Schoenecker

Ushers: Joe Rathmann, Earl Dockendorf,

Ralph Huberty, Ralph Linn,

Margi Schreifels & Maynard Walz

Ministers of Communion:

Precious Body: Joe Kramer &

Ralph & Theresia Linn

Precious Blood: Joyce Libbesmeier, Jessica

Lorentz, Marilyn Kuechle & Molly Schlangen

Servers: Carly & Cadence Meierhofer,

Lily Schlangen & Josie Huberty

+�)�*,����������4�����Lectors: Jessie Teicher & Chad Dockendorf

Ushers: Mike Erpelding, Leander Salzl,

Ralph Vossen & Stan Welle

Ministers of Communion:

Precious Body: Molly Schlangen, Adam

Teicher & Heidi Schoenecker

Precious Blood: Emily Piccerillo, Sharon

Simmons, Lori Unterberger & Volunteer

Servers: Ben & Charlie Teicher,

Abby Holthaus & Max Geislinger

Daily ReadingsSunday (Vigil): Is 62:1-5/Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 [2a]/Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-25 Monday: Is 52:7-10/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 [3c]/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14Tuesday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17 [6]/Mt 10:17-22Wednesday: 1 Jn 1:1-4/Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 [12]/Jn 20:1a, 2-8Thursday: 1 Jn 1:5--2:2/Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8 [7]/Mt 2:13-18Friday: 1 Jn 2:3-11/Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 [11a]/Lk 2:22-35Saturday: 1 Jn 2:12-17/Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 [11a]/Lk 2:36-40Sunday: Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3/Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9, [7a, 8a]/Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19/Lk 2:22-40

SacramentsMarriage- Couples should contact the parish at least 6 months prior to wedding date. Baptism- Parents/expecting parents should contact the parish office to sign up for a baptismal prep class and to schedule a meeting with Father. The next class is scheduled for January 6th at 9:30. Call either parish office to schedule. Anointing of the Sick - contact the parish office when anointing is needed.

**Early Bulletin Deadlines**December 30/31 bulletins were due December 21. Announcements are due by noon each of these days. Other bulletins are due by noon on Tuesdays.

Joint Parish Youth DayDecember 28, 5-8 PM, an evening of worship music and adoration with a movie to follow. Open to 7th graders to college-aged. Contact Heidi Geislinger for more info/RSVP: 237-8957 or hgeislinger@gmail.com.__________________________________________

Did you Know? Did you know that you can find the bulletin on either parishes’ website? Check it out each week to keep

up with the happenings at the parishes! Each parish also has a Facebook page. Check out the front cover

for the website and Facebook page information. __________________________________________

Please Pray ForBishop John Kinney, Lori Crozon, Jane Anderson, Tim Eder, Jackie Boulton Family, Theresa Welle, Jeff Pauls, the Ertl Family, Alexis Vossen, Jerry Weinmann Jr., and Laura Miller.

Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in your healing presence. Show your mercy as you close wounds, cure illness, make broken bodies whole and free downcast spirits. May these

special people find lasting health and deliverance, and so join us in thanking you for all your gifts. We ask this

through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed. Amen.

Youth Activities!