St. Joseph Catholic Church 2011 Darling Avenue, Waycross, GA 31501

Fr. Bob Cushing, Pastor: (478) 284-5235 frbobcushing@gmail.com Church Secretary: Barbara Grace Albert (912-286-0491) sjcwaycross@att.net Music Minister: Timothy Remmel (912-281-9787) timothy15434@gmail.com

Religious Education Coordinator: Lacey Gruver (912) 282-0493 lgruver1976@gmail.com Hispanic Ministry Coordinator: Jason Strickland (912) 387-6781 jason@jason.com.mx

Youth Ministry Coordinator: Loretta Coar (912) 390-9116 loretta_coar65@att.net Loaves and Fishes Outreach: (912)283-5221

Office number: (912) 283-7700/Office fax (912) 283-7929 Office hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00am—4:30pm

https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Joseph-Catholic-Church/117872604905966

December 10, 2017

2nd Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners and Friends:

“Prepare the way of the Lord!” [Mark 1:3]

This second week of Advent is overwhelming, full of prophets and images calling us to attention and conversion: Isaiah, John the Baptist and the Blessed Virgin Mary (as the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe). How shall we understand these Advent figures? Isaiah's voice is the herald of glad tidings saying that God is coming now with restoring strength to comfort his people and bring them home, making a way where there was no way. John the Baptist echoes this tune, inviting folks to take a plunge into a bap-tism for change in their lives, forgiveness and a new beginning with the coming Messiah. (Can you hear Handels' Messiah here?) Then we celebrate Mary of

Nazareth's “Yes!” to God's plan for us in the Incarna-

tion, first through her parents and then through her work as the evangelist of the Americas at Tepeyac. For those who have ears to hear, it is like the fullness of the orchestra and choir at the high point of the Messi-ah. The Word of God is calling us to make a new begin-ning. With Mary we say “Yes!” How will we heed the Baptist’s cry and prepare a way?

Questions for the week: How does the message of

John the Baptist comfort you? How does he challenge

you?

Your pastor - Fr. Bob Cushing

10 de Diciembre, 2017

Segundo Domingo de Adviento

Queridos Feligreses y Amigos: “¡Preparen el camino del Señor!” [Marcos 1:3] Esta segunda semana de Adviento es sobrecogedora, llena de profetas e imágenes llamándonos a estar aten-tos y a la conversión: Isaías, Juan el Bautista y la Santí-sima Virgen María (como la Inmaculada Concepción y Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe). ¿Como debemos enten-der estas figuras de Adviento? La voz de Isaías es un heraldo de buenas noticias diciéndonos que Dios está viniendo ahora con fuerza restauradora a confortar a su gente y traerlos a casa, hacienda el camino donde no lo había. Juan el Bautis-ta hace eco de esta balada, invitando a la gente a me-terse en un bautismo para cambiar sus vidas, perdo-nando y un nuevo comienzo con la venida del Mesías. (¿Puedes oír el Mesías de Handel aquí?) Entonces cele-bramos el “SI” de María de Nazaret al plan de Dios pa-ra nosotros en la Encarnación, primero a través de sus padres y después a través de su trabajo como el evan-gelista de las Américas en el Tepeyac. Para los que tie-nen oídos para oír, es como la orquesta en su totalidad y el coro en el punto más alto del Mesías. La Palabra de Dios está llamándonos a hacer un nue-vo comienzo. Con María decimos “Si” ¿Como oiremos el llamado de atención del Bautista y prepararemos el camino?

Preguntas de la semana: ¿Como te conforta el mensaje

de Juan el Bautista? ¿Como te reta?

Su pastor - P. Bob Cushing

Oracion de la Misión Parroquial Padre de Misericordia, tu Santo Espíritu nos ha llamado de muchas tierras y culturas para formar la comunidad de fe de la Parroquia de St. Joseph. Nos uniste para proclamar tu palabra de misericordia para todos a través de la oración, sacramentos y servicio, O Santísimo, muéstranos como alimentar este compromiso a través de la form ación de fe, hospitalidad y corresponsabilidad, para que a través de nosotros tu compasión ellos abracen la cruz de todos los necesitados, por Cristo nuestro Señor. Amen

Parish Mission Prayer

Father of Mercy, your Holy Spirit has called us from many lands and cultures to become the faith community of St. Joseph Parish. You gather us to proclaim your Word of Mercy for all through prayer, sacrament, and service. O Holy one, show us how to nourish this commitment through faith formation, hospitality, and stewardship, so that through us

your compassion may embrace the cross of all the needy, through Christ our Lord. Amen

St. Joseph Offertory December 3, 2017

Offertory $4,381.00 Children’s Circle $49.00 Total $4,430.00 Please turn in your Southern Cross Contribution by mail or collection basket. Make checks payable to: St. Joseph

Knights Serving Breakfast

12/10/2017 1 gal. 2% milk Truman Dixon 1 gal. orange jc. Bob Interval 10 bananas Pat Morris 12/17/2017

1 gal. 2% milk Lee Tipps 1 gal. orange jc. Roney Petersen 10 bananas Mike Frawley

Living the Eucharist is a program for the renewal of our parish that will unfold in February and March. All of us will be able to take part in it in different ways. Today we begin praying for its success as we drop our Parish Mission Prayer until Pentecost in the spring and share now in the Prayer for Living the Eucharist. Please do not let children destroy the new prayer cards that are placed in your missals!

Viviendo la Eucaristía es un programa de renovación de la pa-rroquia que se llevara a cabo en febrero y marzo. Todos noso-tros tomaremos parte en diferentes maneras. Hoy comenzamos rezando por su éxito al eliminar nuestra Oración por la Misión de la Parroquia hasta Pentecostés en la primavera y compartire-mos ahora en la Oración de Viviendo la Eucaristía. ¡Por favor no deje que los niños destruyan nuestra nueva tarjeta de oración que están en sus misales!

The Second Collection this Sunday is for the Rainy Day Fund. Next week we will take up a second collection for Re-tired Religious Sisters and Brothers. Your donation helps to provide for aging members and plan for long-term needs. Please give to next week’s Retirement Fund for Religious col-lection.

La Segunda Colecta este domingo es para el Fondo del Dia Lluvioso. La próxima semana tomaremos una segunda colec-ta para el retiro de nuestros Hermanos y Hermanos Religio-sos Retirados. Su donativo ayuda cientos de otras, a proveer para sus miembros de edad avanzada y planificar para sus necesidades a largo plazo. Les rogamos que sean generosos la próxima semana en la colecta para el Fondo para la Jubi-lación de Religiosos.

Loaves and Fishes Report

November 2017

“What does love look like? It has feet to go to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of others.” St. Augustine

49 families were helped, some in many ways

42 families were given food

45 individuals were given clothing

2 families were helped with rent

19 families were helped with utilities

1 individual was helped with a dental bill

2 individuals were helped with gas cards

Thank you, St. Joseph parishioners

Gluten free hosts: our par ish wants par ishioners who struggle with Celiac's disease - or reaction to gluten in bread - to know that

we have special hosts that are set aside just for you. Please notify Fr. Bob about which Mass you are attending and he will have the

proper altar bread prepared for you to receive the precious host in this form.

PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL THOSE IN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY: LT. Tim Boyce, U.S. Navy, Rann Howell, and Colonel Mark B. Parker.

PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL THOSE WHO ARE ILL, ESPE-CIALLY PARISHIONERS: Joyce Bachofner, Ann Inman, Arcelia Saucedo, Elizabeth Smith, Peggy Thomas, Donna Sturgis, Howard Sturgis, Judy & Lowell VanDruff, Warnell Ziolkowski, Carlene Murray, Rose Mary Fulford, Dorothy Gaskill, Bill & Glen-da Brewington, Bob & Kathy Odam, Colleen Matich, Cin-dy Adams, Debbie Cahill, Leslie Bennett, Marilyn Bonac-ci, Dorothy Henry, Ken Jorishie, Abraham Gomez, Tom DiBiase, Glenn & Shelly Chase, Kathleen (Billie) Herbert, Gerard Bartido, Carol McCloskey, Clinton Vaughn, Mor-gan Hess & Ann Marie Hess, Genevieve Martin, Bob In-terval, and Mac Munn.

PLEASE PRAY FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS OF OURS: Robert Cushing Jr. & Doris Cushing, Pat Marsh, Lisa Dwyer, Hannah Phillips & Family, Gloria Ray, Glynda Gausnaell, Lindsay Joyce, Patricia Carter, Connie McAl-pin, Roger Gaskill, Michael McAlpin, Jason McCullum, Dan Cason, Albert Gatton, Paul Tang, Michael Driggers, Maurice Hannah, Earl Black, Tom Grizzaffe, James Ken-neth Cox Jr., Lonny Joseph Waring Jr., Merinda Mixon, Annie Burns, Toby Foster, Bill Caballero, Harris Lott, Florence Struempler, Lindon Deal, Sr. Francis Ann Cook, James Stokes, Cindy Taylor, Saturnino Yepez Luna, Kris Kruse, April Snider, Brett Crews, Robin Johnson, and Thomas Williams, Angel Sinai Gomez, Kim Messenger, William Willis, Sandy Wright, Ashley Hoffman, Sue Ros-si, Brittany Alderman, Betty Denyko, and Sr. Chris Cul-len, MFIC, David Greg Russell, Chloe Robinson, William Martin IV, Michelle Rio, Bobby Ziolkowski, Stan Stipe, Sharon Deal Joseph McHendry, Ron Milkas, Dr. Richard Lynch, Rose Parisse, Adrian Arnold, Erin Crosby, Rosa Maria Santos, Norma Walker, Marian James, Mervyn Humphreys, Jamie Baker, Cynthia Miller, and Ida Cook.

You’re invited to pray the Rosary in English this week at Debbie Cahill’s home. Please join us in prayer on Wednes-day, December 13, 2017 at 10:00 am. Her home is located at 433 Loblolly Lane in Waycross. Please contact Ann Johnson with your prayer intentions at 912-288-0315.

The Theresa Spatola Family extends their appre-

ciation for all your thoughts, prayers, cards, me-

morial contributions, and luncheon.

They are very thankful for all your acts of kind-

ness and helpfulness during their time of grief.

Thank you,

Joseph Spatola and Carmen Spatola Families

Word from Pope Francis:

“The watchful person is one who, in the noise of the world, does not let themselves be over-whelmed by distraction of superficiality, but lives in a full and conscious way, with a concern above all for others.”

12/04/2017 Daily Mass, Pope Francis

1st Communion Teacher/Catechist needed! For our “Out-of-Cycle” students, we need someone to help them prepare for the sacrament of Holy Communion during PRE. This must be a special person to help us with youngsters from 4th to 9th grade who really want to get ready for their First Holy Communion. Can you help us? Contact Lacey!

¡Se necesita Catequista/Maestra para la Primera Co-munión! Para nuestros estudiantes “Fuera de Ciclo” necesitamos a alguien para ayudarlos a prepararse para los sacramentos de la primera Comunión durante ERP. Debe de ser una persona especial para ayudarnos con jóvenes desde 4to hasta 9no grado que realmente quieren estar listos para hacer su Primera Santa Comunión. ¿Puede ayudarnos? ¡Contacte a Lacey!

La fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe co-menzara el lunes 11 de diciembre a las 10 PM con

el Rosario, seguido de las Mañanitas a las 11 PM. La Misa especial de Guadalupe será a las 6 PM el

martes 12 de diciembre; será precedido por los bailes a las 5:40 PM y seguido por una Fiesta. Las

posadas serán a las 5 PM el domingo 17 de di-ciembre.

Exec. Parish Finance Council will meet next Mon-day, Dec 18, at 6:15 PM in the office.

Your CCW is preparing for their annual Azalea Festi-

val, and we are accepting donations for our Country

Store. If you are cleaning out or have items to do-

nate to us, we would be delighted to accept your offer.

We cannot take clothes or electronic items and all items,

must be in good clean condition. You can take your

items by the parish hall, and we will add them to the

Country Store inventory.

Thank you very much for your help!

Connie Interval 912-387-9214

Christmas Pageant Mass Practice: Do you want to take part in the family Mass at 6 PM on December 24, Christmas Eve? Come try out for a part and enjoy being in the fun of our Christmas experience! At 6:30 PM this Wednesday evening, December 13.

Práctica de la Presentación de Navidad: ¿Quieres tratar para una parte en la Misa de la familia a las 6 PM el 24 de diciembre, la Nochebuena? ¡Venga pruebe para una parte y disfrute de estar en la parte agradable de nuestra experiencia de navidad! A las 6:30 PM este miércoles en la noche, 13 de diciembre.

Altar Server Training: During PRE this Sunday [December 10] Mr. Lee Tipps is training those 3rd to 6th Graders who would like to learn about what Altar Servers do during Mass.

A heartfelt thank you for all who provided food for the Theresa Spatola funeral meal. We had such an abundance of delicious food. Your generosity is so greatly appreciat-ed. So many helped with setup and clean up before and af-ter the meal. A grateful thank you to all. Thank You, Beverly DeLoach and Warnell Ziolkowski

Entrenamiento de Monaguillos: Durante ERP este domingo (10 de diciembre) Mr. Lee Tipps estará en-trenando a esos de 3ro a 6to grado que quieran aprender acerca de ser Monaguillos durante la Mi-sa.

The WORD Among US: A good way to get most out of Advent is to study and pray with the daily readings of this holy season. Excellent articles and commentary on the readings are available in this booklet. Several dozen of them are available in the vestibule of the Church, in Eng-lish and in Spanish. If you can contribute $5 for each one, please do so, in the normal collection. “First come, first served!”

La PALABRA Entre Nosotros: Una Buena manera de entender la mayoría del Adviento es la de estudiar y rezar con las lecturas diarias de esta santa estación. Hay exce-lentes artículos y comentarios sobre las lecturas disponi-bles en este librito. Hay varias docenas de ellos disponi-bles en el vestíbulo de la Iglesia, en inglés y en español. Si puede contribuir $5 por cada uno, por favor hágalo, en la colecta normal. “El que primero llega, ¡se lo lleva!”

You’re invited to help decorate

our Church for Christmas.

Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:00 am

The More, the Merrier!!!!

Office for the Protection of Children and Young People, toll free

reporting hotline: (888) 357-5530

Our parish family extends condolences to the

families of Gary Tanguay and Theresa Spatola for

their loved ones who died recently. “Eternal rest

grant unto them, O Lord, and may your perpetual

light shine upon them!”

This Week at St. Joe’s

12/11/2017 Monday 12:10 pm Mass; 7:00 pm Stewardship /Evangelization Meeting; Monday Vigil of Our Lady of Guadalupe; 10:00 pm Rosary; 11:00 pm Mañanitas sung 12/12/2017 Tuesday 6:00 pm Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and Fiesta 12/13/2017 Wednesday 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Adoration; 6:00 pm Mass; 6:30 pm Christmas Pageant Practice 12/14/2017 Thursday 9:00 am Mass; 6:00 pm Choir Practice 12/15/2017 Friday No Mass; Office Closed 12/16/2017 Saturday 5:00 pm-5:45 pm Confession; 6:00 pm Mass- English; 3rd Sunday of Advent; 2nd collection for Religious Retirement 12/17/2017 Sunday 9:00 am PRE/Youth; 11:00 am Youth Mass-Bilingual; 3rd Sunday of Advent; 2nd Collection for Religious Retirement

Bulletin Deadline: All announcements and news items for the next Sunday's bulletin need to be given to our parish secretary (Barbara) .[sjcwaycross@att.net] by Monday morning.

December 9, 2017 6:00 pm Mass-English Lector: Ann Johnson EM: Maria Contreras and Louise Walker Server: Lee Tipps Usher: Mike Frawley and Joe Robison Intention: None December 10, 2017 10:30 am Mass-English Lector: Joseph Johnson EM: John Chancey, Anna Saucedo, Loretta Coar, Eloise Purdom, and Randy Yon Server: Lauren Hackett and Emma Hackett Usher: Michael Hackett and Jim Craig Intention: Pro Populo December 10, 2017 6:00 pm Mass-Spanish Lector: Maribel Rios EM: Montse Diaz, Ana Velez, y Francisco Velez Server: Marisol Cavillo y Valentina Diaz Usher: Vicente Rodas y Abel Rodriguez Intention: None December 16, 2017 6:00 pm Mass-English Lector: Members of Gus & Barbara Karle Family EM: Ann Johnson and Louise Walker Server: Fran McElroy Usher: Bob Scheuing and Dave Cahill Intention: Barbara and Gus Karle December 17, 2017 11:00 am Youth Mass Bilingual Lector: Youth to be announced EM: Montse Diaz, Christian Blasko, Socorra Martinez, Connie Barefield, and Anna Saucedo Server: Brayan Rios and Stephanie Rios Usher: Spencer Hughes, Jakob Badillo, Diego Tinajero-Aguilar, y Francisco Velez Intention: Pro Populo

Christmas Flowers Order Form

You will find some red Christmas Flowers order forms in the Church foyer. Please take one home if you would like to donate

some flowers in honor/or memory of someone this Christmas.

The cost is $20.00 per flower and order forms must be turned in

by December 18, 2017. Just return the red flower flyer with your

donation in the collection basket. Thank You!

The family of Brenda Sue Cardenas wants to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and cards.

Thank You, Glenn Cardenas and Family

RCIA – The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults – will meet earlier this Tuesday evening, December 12, at 5:40 PM in order to participate together in the special celebration of the Hispanic Community, the Solemnity of our Lady of Guadalupe. Mass starts at 6 PM, the dancing 20 minutes beforehand, and after-wards dinner is served in the parish hall with MORE dancing. For more information, contact Fr. Bob at frbobcush-ing@gmail.com or 478-284-5235 or call Fran McElroy 267-496-1965; mommac48@gmail.com .

Stewardship/Evangelization Committee will meet Dec 11, Monday night at 7:00PM in the Conference Room. Come find out what all the fuss is about with Living the Eucharist!

Comité de Corresponsabilidad/Evangelización se reunirá el 11 de diciem-bre, lunes en la noche a las 6:25 pm en el Salón de Conferencias. ¡Venga a darse cuenta de cual es la bulla acerca de Viviendo la Eucaristía!