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 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

Monday, December 30 - St. Egein

8:00 a.m. †Souls in Purgatory

By: Irene Walunya Goodlow

Tuesday, December 31 - Vigil Mass

4:00 p.m. Margaret & Joseph Ochami

By: Irene Walunya Goodlow

Wednesday, January 1 – SOLEMNITY OF MARY

9:30 a.m. †Robert & †Elizabeth Tapper

By: Rita Barton

Thursday, January 2 - St. Basil the Great

Friday, January 3 - The Most Holy Name of Jesus

6:30 p.m. †Ray Stoppenbach (Anniversary)

By: Ann Myslinski

Saturday, January 4 - Vigil Mass

4:00 p.m. †Veronica Falborski

By: Rose Binando

Sunday, January 5 - EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

11:00 a.m. †Dick Sampson

By: family

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR SUNDAY, Jan. 5

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm: 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

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

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.

Dear Friends,

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

The Holy Family, still weary from their journey to Bethlehem,

and weary from their search through Bethlehem to find suitable

lodging, were forced after Christ’s birth to flee their own country

for the foreign land of Egypt, out of fear for Jesus’ life. But this

was only the first of many sorrows for the Holy Family.

Many years later, as we hear in today’s Gospel passage, Joseph

and Mary were bewildered when they could not find their child

amongst all the family and friends who had journeyed with them

to Jerusalem. When they found Jesus, his words surprised them:

“Did you not know that I had to be in my Father’s house?” Jesus

was pointing out to Joseph and Mary that it was from His Father

that He had come to earth. It was His Father who was His goal in

life, and the goal of those He was sent to lead.

Just as Joseph and Mary recognized Jesus’ divine wisdom, so all

parents and children should recognize this same truth: Jesus was

born and died in order to lead us to our Heavenly Father. By and

large, the first thirty years of Jesus’ life were simple ones in which

his mother and foster father made ordinary sacrifices for Jesus’

well-being, day after day.

The Holy Family prayed together as a devout Jewish family, and

they took the steps necessary to care for one another. When Jo-

seph died, Mary and her son carried on alone. Yet no matter what

God the Father asked of them, they prayed and acted together ac-

cording to God the Father’s Will, not their own.

When parents bring their child to the baptismal font, God adopts

their child. While that mother and father do not cease to be parents

following this adoption, within the ritual of Baptism they submit

themselves to that truth that Jesus had to explain to Joseph and

Mary in today’s Gospel passage. Each child ultimately comes as a

gift from God the Father. It is the Father who has a plan for each

child’s life on earth, and parents are responsible for helping that

child to discern that vocation. Each child is meant for the life of

Heaven, not the pleasures of earth. This world is our means, not

our end.

The home is a treasure if it is based upon our heavenly Father’s

home: if prayer is at its center. The home is “the domestic

church,” “the school of discipleship,” where to live in peace, a

person has to learn how to be humble and how to serve the needs

of others. As you offer up your own sacrifices with Christ in the

Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, make it your prayer that you might

imitate Him in your daily life: to know the needs of others with

the Wisdom of God, and to serve the needs of others with the

Love of God.

HAPPY NEW YEAR – 2020

“Be Blessed ad Be a Blessing”

Yours lovingly in Christ & Mary,

Fr. R. Mathias MSFS

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH DECEMBER 29, 2019

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION LECTORS, SERVERS

AND MINISTERS SCHEDULE

Saturday, January 4 at 4:00 p.m.

Sacristan: Carol Falborski

Lector: Chris Griffith

Body of Christ: Carol Falborski

Blood of Christ: Linda Baker, Kellie DeGowske

Altar Servers: Tina Darling

Sunday, January 5 at 11:00 a.m.

Sacristan: Terri Graham

Lector: Tom Springer

Body of Christ: Deacon Bart

Blood of Christ: Diane Springer, Bobbi Bowlby

Sherry Butler, Joe Hutson

Altar Servers: Tina Darling & child volunteer

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

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

Happy Birthday to Pat Zerfas who is celebrating her

80th birthday on the 2nd.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to

the religious forma3on of children. It is rooted in the Bible,

the liturgy of the church, and the educa3onal principles of

Maria Montessori. Children gather in an "atrium," a room

prepared for them, which contains simple yet beau3ful

materials that they use to help them understand the

readings and teachings of the church.

We offer this class in conjunc3on 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

KOC BLOOD DRIVE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31st

11:00 am to 3:45 pm

The Staff of Immaculate The Staff of Immaculate The Staff of Immaculate The Staff of Immaculate Conception Catholic School Send Conception Catholic School Send Conception Catholic School Send Conception Catholic School Send

you Holiday Wishesyou Holiday Wishesyou Holiday Wishesyou Holiday Wishes May your Christmas season be filled with joy, peace, and wonder as we celebrate the glorious birth of the Christ Child! Although He was born so many years ago, His birth, as well as His promise to return, still brings hope today. May he dwell in your heart and bring you hope during this Holy Season and throughout the New Year! I am so blessed to be a part of this faithful community of disciples! Merry Christmas Karen Szwaja – Upper Elementary

The true joy of Christmas is the love of Christ, shared with family and friends. May you find His peace, love, and joy in the coming New Year. Warm wishes. Eliana Crone – Office

Thank you for all your support so we can teach the children of the future. We are all here to help each other and may God bless all of you. Anita Garcia – Child Care

I am very blessed to have an opportunity to be a part of this wonderful school! Thank you for all your support and prayers that continues to help our school grow. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year. Alina Springer – Office

God, I would like to tell you that this year 2020 pour your blessings on each member of our parish and their families. Also pour your blessing oh my God on every teaching and administrative staff of our ICCS School and bless my Lord to every child of our school and their family. Lord, I also ask that of each human being, he may be your love and greatness in their hearts. Enma Socorro de Carrasquero - Preschool

I am so blessed to be a part of this community and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the year has in store. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Marisa Montini – Lower Elementary

Thank you for all your support for the school. I am blessed to be part of a wonderful community. Have a wonderful and blessed holiday. Lisa Szydlowski – Preschool

As we begin a new decade of the 21st century I wish you the simple pleasures in life. May you find joy and peace within your heart and have the blessing of friends and family around you. Merry Christmas! Sharon Voege - Principal

Due to the Christmas holiday, this bulletin was printed

early. Weekly giving numbers were not available at

press time. They will be in next weeks bulletin.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH THREE RIVERS, MICHIGAN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR PARISHIONERS! Dec 29 - Jan 4

ST. BARBARA CHURCH

MASS SCHEDULE AND INTENTIONS

Sunday, December 29

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

Sunday, January 5

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

Lector: Tom Tenney

Ministers: Pat Kocher, Barb Frisbie, Tom Tenney

ST. CLARE CHURCH

SERVER SCHEDULE AND INTENTIONS

Sunday, December 29

9:20 a.m. †Deceased Members of the

Knights of Columbus

By: Knights of Columbus

Wednesday, January 1

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

Lector: Janet Sehy

Ministers: Dennis Nemeth, Lou Scohy, Kurt Sehy

Altar Server: Lilyann & Quinnlynn Lutz

Ushers: John Larimer, Arden Davidson

Coffee Crew: Dennis & Celeste Nemeth

Sunday, January 5

9:20 a.m. †Jim Walker

By: Dick & Vicki Imgrund

Lector: Anne Rock

Ministers: Phyllis Nusbaum, Celeste Nemeth, Teena Kuhl

Altar Server: Gary Metz, Lou Scohy

Ushers: Tom Rock, Bob Dutka

Coffee Crew: Phil & Phyllis Nusbaum

Tracy Jones

MaE Nowak

Bismark Vivanco-

Gallardo

Emily Springer

Jared Hoffmaster

Pat Larkins

Belynda Masnari

Mike Sebo

Pat Zerfas

Mary Broker

Sharon Budenieks

Nancy Tobon

Seth Doney

Dennis Hetman

Shown above are some of our Middle School Youth Group. The last meeting 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

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.

Prayer for Life, Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Gather at St. Augustine Cathedral for prayer on the Cathedral steps,

followed by a short program and refreshments in the Crowley Center. Join Bishop Bradley, your Christian brothers and sisters and all people of good will. Participants are invited to bring a donation of diapers and baby wipes to support the work of Caring Network and Alternatives of Kalamazoo. In case of inclement weather the prayer service will take place in the Crowley Center. For more information contact Lisa Irwin at

269-903-0177 or lirwin@diokzoo.org.

Mass on Wed., Jan. 22nd in observance of the National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of

Unborn Children. Bishop Bradley will celebrate Mass at 6:00p.m. at St. Monica

Parish, Kalamazoo. All are welcome to join as we gather to pray for the unborn, for those who carry the wound of abortion, and

for renewed respect for the dignity of human life from conception to natural death. Participants are invited to bring a donation of diapers and baby wipes to support the ministry of Caring Network. For more information contact Lisa Irwin at

269-903-0177 or lirwin@diokzoo.org.

ST. CLARE’S IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY TREES THE ST CLARE LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE WOULD

LIKE TO GIVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ANYONE THAT WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A TREE PLANTED IN HONOR OR MEMORY OF SOMEONE THEY KNOW.

Shade tree’s will cost $200 and Ornamental trees/shrubs

will vary in cost ($125- 200)

Urns for the front entry are also available to be purchased for $350.

WATCH NEXT WEEKS BULLETIN FOR AN INSERT

WITH THE ORDER FORM!

Our deepest condolences to the family of

Samantha Blue who passed away recently.

May Samantha and all our departed have

eternal rest in the arms of the Lord.

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH DECEMBER 29, 2019

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

have ques3ons about our parish, please fill out the form

below and drop it in the collec3on

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 ac3ve member.

O Please change my address to the one shown above.

O I would like to learn more about school/parish ac3vi3es.

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 voca3on 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 BriEon

Florence DalPonte

Agnes Goss

Randy/Sharon Jacobs

Emma KleE

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

NORMAN PAULSEN, P.C. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

255 L. MNOMPQR ST 131

WPP.LUVWQLXQSYTZLX[.[UW 269-273-8641

Parishes & School Informa?on

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

S������ O����� �!�"�# "$ !%� P���#%�#

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

M@A@BCD@EB FG CHE PID@BHEB

BFIDJ KHI@DLEDBFAB

IC PQVNTM CUSL[NY - YQVVR YQVTM 244-4547

SC PQVNTM CUSL[NY - KQ\NZ DQ]N^TUL 467-6105

SB PQVNTM CUSL[NY - E^ BZYY 420-7225

IC FNLQL[Z CUSL[NY - MN_Z S[MSWQ[MZV 625-0549

SC FNLQL[Z CUSL[NY - JUML LQVNWZV 625-6498

IC S[MUUY CUWWNTTNUL - SSTNZ KSML 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