Fr. Mathias, MSFS - Pastor Bart Connelly - Deacon Rectory: 273-8953 Emergency 269-290-2016

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH THREE RIVERS, MICHIGAN

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH

MASS SCHEDULE AND INTENTIONS

Saturday, December 21 - Vigil Mass

4:00 p.m. †Leonard and †Phyllis Macey

By: daughters

Sunday, December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

11:00 a.m. †Ray and †Fran Stoppenbach

By: Ann Myslinski

Monday, December 23 - St. John Kantry

8:00 a.m. †Peter and †Catherine Cholometes

By: Marge George

Tuesday, December 24 - VIGIL OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD

4:00 p.m. †Joe Milnamow

By: Milnamow family

10:00 p.m. For the People of the Parishes

Wednesday, December 25 – NATIVITY OF THE LORD

9:00 a.m. †Be#y Dobrowolski

By: Tom & Mary Merchant

Thursday, December 26 - St. Stephen, the first martyr

Friday, December 27 - St. John the Apostle

6:30 p.m. †Mary Snow

By: Dick & Vicki Imgrund

Saturday, December 28 - Vigil Mass

4:00 p.m. †Don Falborski

By: Carol Schaefer

Sunday, December 29 - HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH

11:00 a.m. †Deceased Members of the

Knights of Columbus

By: Knights of Columbus

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR SUNDAY, Dec. 29

First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Psalm: 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Second Reading: Colossian 3:12-21 Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

Dec 24: Christmas Eve

4:00 p.m. @ I.C.

6:00 p.m. @ St. Barbara

6:00 p.m. @ St. Clare

10:00 p.m. @ I.C.

Dec 25: Christmas Day

9:00 a.m. @ I.C.

In observance of the holidays the office will

be closed Dec. 24 - 26 and Dec. 31 - Jan. 2

Dear Friends,

“Be What You are and Be at its Best.” S.F.S

Immaculate Conception Church, St. Clare & St. Barbara have

truly blessed us with significant growth of our faith and has

blessed us with alot of blessings all throughout the last year. And,

as you know the beautiful Christmas liturgies bring many more

newcomers and visitors. With deep joy and gratitude, I extend to

you my prayerful best wishes for a Holy and Blessed Christmas.

During this Advent Season, it has been my prayer that each of you

would find opportunities to reflect on your own faith and

relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Church.

Several years ago, I received a Christmas card with this message

on the cover: “This Christmas, I wish you Jesus.” On the inside it

read: “Isn’t it nice to have everything!” That does sum it up pretty

well, doesn’t it?

In the midst of all our current challenges and concerns, the love of

God the Father is made manifest to us in the wonderful gift of His

Son, Jesus. With the angels in Bethlehem, our faith moves us to

sing: “Glory to God in the highest and peace to His people on

earth!” We recognize that true peace on earth flows from our

recognition and praise of God in our lives and our service to

others.

Christmas has a way of bringing to Church individuals and

families who, for various reasons, have not been to Mass or the

Sacraments for months or even years. What a wonderful and

Grace-filled opportunity to put aside past differences and old

habits and begin anew that prayerful relationship with the Lord

and His Church Family. I extend to all of you an open, grateful

heart of welcome, “Welcome Home for Christmas.” Together,

may we grow in strength and Grace to know and celebrate

together God’s presence in our lives and His love for all His

creation.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your

Christmas cards, gifts, love, support and prayers for me. I

would like to thank all the organizations and Ministries for

their support and service for our Churches.

A special word of thanks to all those who worked hard to

decorate our church for Christmas. A big thank you and a

Christmas hug to each one of you, for one way or the other you

are all involved in the activity of the parish. God bless you all.

May our Lord Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, bless you, your

families and your loved ones at this Holy time of Hope and Grace.

May Mary, the Mother of the Child Jesus and our Mother, watch

over you and our beloved Parishes.

Merry Christmas and May Christ abide in your hearts always

(and, All Ways)!

“Be Blessed and Be a Blessing”

Yours in Christ & Mary,

Fr. R. Mathias MSFS

As Bishop Bradley told us in his letter to the

Faithful, he has declared 2020 as the Year of the

Eucharist. During 2020 we will have all day

Adoration on the first Friday of the month. There

is a sign up sheet, in the carport entrance, for

Friday, January 3rd. Please sign up and spend

some time with the Lord.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 22, 2019

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION LECTORS, SERVERS

AND MINISTERS SCHEDULE

Saturday, December 28 at 4:00 p.m.

Sacristan: Carol Falborski

Lector: Bob Modaff

Body of Christ: Darci Skinner

Blood of Christ: Carol Falborski, Roxana Howe

Altar Servers: Tina Darling

Sunday, December 29 at 11:00 a.m.

Sacristan: Larry Larsh

Lector: Chad Thelen

Body of Christ: Tina Schumacher

Blood of Christ: Mike Schumacher, Pixie Ziehm

Sharon Voege, Larry Larsh

Altar Servers: Tina Darling & child volunteer

From the Principal…From the Principal…From the Principal…From the Principal…

Advent Blessings,

Mrs. Sharon Voege

New Years Day is the Solemnity of Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass times are as follows:

December 31 4:00 pm - IC January 1 8:00 am - SC January 1 9:30 am - IC

IC PARISH SUPPORT - DECEMBER 15, 2019 Sunday Collec7on (87) ............................................... $ 5,186.98

Visitors/Loose ............................................................... $ 262.00

Online Giving (5) ........................................................... $ 200.00

Holy Day/Immaculate Concep7on .................................. $ 85.00

Holy Day/Christmas ........................................................ $ 60.00

Mass S7pend ................................................................... $ 10.00

Vo7ve Lights .................................................................... $ 74.00

Total Offertory ........................................................ $ 5,877.98

Weekly Need .............................................................. $ 5,850.48

Weekly Need Over/Under ........................................ + $ 27.50

Other Income not included in weekly needs:

Christmas flowers ........................................................... $ 70.00

IC Help ........................................................................... $ 747.00

Second Collec7on/Religious Re7rement ........................ $ 70.00

WALK FOR WARMTH Hello IC Parishioners, It’s time for our annual Walk for Warmth fundraiser. Please be generous for this event All checks are to be made out to Walk for Warmth with St. Joe County in the memo line. Your contributions and kindness are sincerely appreciated. Your friend in Christ, John Gieber Collection Dates: December 28/29 & January 11/12

Training for mental health professionals, in the Diocese, have been taking place since 2002. Most of

the offerings were in Kalamazoo but Trauma Recovery Associates is offering a training on February

12, in Sturgis. The workshop will be held at, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 110 South Clay Street,

Sturgis, 8:30-5:00. There are brochures at the back of the church if you are interested.

Dear Parishioners,

Immaculate Conception Catholic School’s Mission is based on three pillars; Building Faith, Developing Knowledge, and Practicing Christian Service.

Christian Service is incorporated into the everyday routine of our students as they pray and care for one another. Monthly projects help the students to look beyond themselves out into the community. This month the children gathered to create special Christmas cards that will be distributed to the shut-ins from our parish. May we follow these little one’s example of sharing Christ’s Light in the world to our most vulnerable. CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS TO ALL!

Did you forget someone on your Christmas list? We’ve got you covered! Grab a gift card after

Mass. You will brighten someone’s day and support our

school at the same time!

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the

Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an "atrium," a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use to help them understand the readings and teachings of the

church.

We offer this class in conjunction with our CCD program. It is open to children 3-6 years old and is

offered on Sunday morning during CCD classes. This is a free program. Contact Tim Dumont if interested.

269-718-4921 or icyouth601@gmail.com

Thank you for your care and prayers during this

difficult 7me. Your love and support is truly

appreciated.

Jim DalPonte and children

KOC BLOOD DRIVE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31st

11:00 am to 3:45 pm

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH THREE RIVERS, MICHIGAN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR PARISHIONERS! December 22 - 28

ST. BARBARA CHURCH MASS SCHEDULE AND INTENTIONS

Sunday, December 22

8:00 a.m. †Souls in Purgatory

By: Irene Walunya Goodlow

Tuesday, CHRISTMAS VIGIL December 24

6:00 p.m. †Rita Heller

By: Dick & Vicki Imgrund

Lector: Tom Tenney

Ministers: Tom Tenney, Barb Frisbie, Sharon Mitchell

Sunday, December 29

8:00 a.m. For the People of the Parishes

Lector: Pa#y Keller

Ministers: Pat Kocher, Marge Jones, Tom Tenney

ST. CLARE CHURCH SERVER SCHEDULE AND INTENTIONS

Sunday, December 22

9:20 a.m. For the People of the Parishes

Tuesday, CHRISTMAS VIGIL, December 24

6:00 p.m. †Richard Beckner

By: Ken & Sherry Roberts

Lector: volunteer

Ministers: volunteer

Altar Server: volunteer

Ushers: volunteer

Coffee Crew: volunteer

Sunday, December 29

9:20 a.m. †Deceased Members of the

Knights of Columbus

By: Knights of Columbus

Lector: volunteer

Ministers: Phyllis Nusbaum, Kurt Sehy

Altar Server: volunteer

Ushers: Lou Scohy, Evan Nemeth

Coffee Crew: Tom & Anne Rock

Bismark Vivanco-

Gallardo

Joseline Leon

Gerardo Munoz Duran

Carley Morrill

Christopher Morrill

Theresa Gage

Carol Bielski

Samantha Blue

Marjorie Jones

ST. BARBARA SUPPORT – DECEMBER 15, 2019 Sunday Collec7on (21) ………………… .............................. $ 630.00

Holy Day/Christmas ......................................................... $ 20.00

Visitors/Loose …………………………………………………….. ...... $ 151.00

Total Offertory……… ................................................... $ 801.00

Weekly Need ............................................................... ..$ 794.00

Weekly Need Over/Under ......................... ….…..……….. + $ 7.00

Other Income not included in weekly needs:

Christmas Flowers ........................................................... $ 20.00

ST. CLARE SUPPORT – DECEMBER 15, 2019 Sunday Collec7on (20)………………… ............................ $ 1,034.00

Holy Day/Immaculate Concep7on .................................. $ 10.00

Mass S7pend ................................................................... $ 20.00

Visitors/Loose .................................................................. $ 59.00

Total Offertory……… ................................................ $ 1,123.00

Weekly Need .............................................................. $ 1,308.00

Weekly Need Over/Under .......................................... - $ 185.00

Other Income not included in weekly needs:

Christmas Flowers ........................................................... $ 20.00

Second Collec7on/Re7red Religious ............................... $ 60.00

Building Fund ................................................................ $ 100.00

Cookbooks ....................................................................... $ 26.42

Happy Birthday to Marjorie Jones who is celebrating her

89th birthday on the 27th.

Shown above are some of our Middle School Youth Group. Last Saturday they made homemade pizzas as part of their evening together. Look at the fun you are missing if you aren’t participating in our collaborative Youth Group!!! We have Middle School and High School groups. Contact Tim Dumont if you are interested in joining the fun. He can be reached at 718-4921 or icyouth601@gmail.com

MAKING A REPORT OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

The Diocese of Kalamazoo has and will con7nue to cooperate

with the Michigan A#orney General’s inves7ga7on and

encourages anyone with informa7on related to misconduct to call

the repor7ng number set-up by the Michigan A#orney General’s

office at: 844.324.3374

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 22, 2019

Welcome To Our Parishes If you would like to enroll, change your address, or simply

have ques7ons about our parish, please fill out the form

below and drop it in the collec7on

basket or mail it to the Church office:

645 S. Douglas, Three Rivers, MI 49093

Name_________________________________________

Address________________________________________

City/Zip________________________________________

Phone_________________________________________

Please circle one: IC Church St. Clare St. Barbara

O I would like to enroll as an ac7ve member.

O Please change my address to the one shown above.

O I would like to learn more about school/parish ac7vi7es.

O I would like to learn more about the Catholic faith.

O I would like to offer the name of a homebound or ill Catholic who is

not currently being visited:_________________________.

O I would like to speak with a priest about a voca7on to the priesthood

or religious life.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH 645 S. DOUGLAS AVE., THREE RIVERS, MI

St. Clare Mission Parish St. Barbara Mission Parish 23126 M-86 479 S. Burr Oak Road Centreville, MI 49032 Colon, MI 49040

Rita Barton

Darlene Bri#on

Florence DalPonte

Agnes Goss

Randy/Sharon Jacobs

Emma Kle#

Ruth Lahmeyer

Cassandra Lems

Ginger Lorencz

Diana Marsh

Eileen Miholer

Karen Miles

Jim Noonan

Joseph/Margaret

Ochami

James Tokarski

Laurie VanTassel

Terry/Barb Wallace

Janet Williams

PLEASE

REMEMBER

THOSE IN

SPECIAL NEED

OF OUR

PRAYERS

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

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___.YX^^XT][fZVV[\XYe.[R] (269)278-1485

Parishes & School InformaKon

Immaculate Conception School (PK-5th) Principal - Sharon Voege

Website: www.iccatholicschool.com 269-273-2085 principal@iccatholicschool.com

SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

Together with the parents, parish and community, We provide a Christ-

centered Educa�on to:

Build Faith based on the truths of the Catholic Church. Develop Knowledge for becoming productive citizens Practice Christian Service as Jesus taught Thereby Changing the World One Student at a Time

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Knights of Columbus #4141: Mike Didelot - 273-9259 Meets 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm, church hall

Daughters of Mary: Nancy Schopf - 858-3730 Meets 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m., church hall

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IC PbTZW\ CRS`[ZV - VbTTe VbTW\ 244-4547

SC PbTZW\ CRS`[ZV - Kb^ZX DbYZaWR` 467-6105

SB PbTZW\ CRS`[ZV - Ea BXVV 420-7225

IC FZ`b`[X CRS`[ZV - MZgX S[\S]b[\XT 625-0549

SC FZ`b`[X CRS`[ZV - JR\` LbTZ]XT 625-6498

IC S[\RRV CR]]ZWWZR` - SSWZX KS\` 317-363-5981

Rectory Office Administrative Assistant & Bulletin Editor– Cathy Doering

M,T,W,F 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. • Office closed on Thursdays

Telephone: 273-8953

E-mail: icchurchtr@outlook.com

Bulletin Deadline Monday at noon.

Permanent Deacon - Bart Connelly 535-7631 Music Director - Director of Religious Ed. - Tim Dumont 718-4921 High School Youth Ministry - Tim Dumont 718-4921 RCIA - Mark & Mary Brost 278-8825