st. charles borromeo catholic church third sunday of ... · third sunday of advent, december 17,...

Third Sunday of Advent, December 17, 2017

Pastoral Staff: Father William Dotson, Parochial Administrator, [email protected] Father Don Schramm, Retired, [email protected] Father Ricardo Escobar, Associate Pastor, [email protected] Deacon Gerson Parra, Transitional Deacon Deacon Don McElroy, Senior Deacon Deacon Jorge Perez, Deacon, Latino Ministry Coordinator Steve Moeller, Acolyte to be Deacon Sr. Raquel Ortez, S.S.N.D. Director of Religious Education Ms. Kristin Williams, Youth & Family Minister Mrs. Donna Crawley, Office Manager Mrs. Mary DuBois, Office Secretary Dr. Jackie Voelkl, School Principal Mrs. Mary Kutchback, Organist, Pastoral Associate for Seniors Mrs. Beth Duello, Director of Music Mr. Juan Saldana, el coro Mr. Doug Cornwell, Parish Council Chairperson

Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. or by appointment Sacrament of Baptism: Prep meeting First Monday of the Month. Call the parish office for more information. Sacrament of Matrimony: Please contact the priest or deacon of your choice prior to setting a date. Marriage Preparation takes at least six (6) months. Eucharistic Adoration: Third Mondays, 8:30am to 6:30pm Third Saturdays, 8:00pm to 11:00am Perpetual Help Devotions: Tuesdays following the 8:00 a.m. Mass Parish Hall Rental: Neal or Pat at 636-949-9722 (gym) Donna at 636-946-1893 (café)

Founded 1791

OUR WARM WELCOME TO ALL! We welcome all who come and worship with us. If you wish to join our parish faith family, or have a change in your contact infor-mation, kindly complete this form. You can return it to the Rectory, place in in the collection, or give it to a Priest or Deacon.

Name________________________________________________ Cell/Phone Number_______________________________

Address/Zip______________________________________________________ Email____________________________________

___ Please make the above changes to my parish record ___ Interested in information about annulments/validation ___ I wish to find out more about the Catholic faith ___ Information on having my children baptized ___ I would like to speak with a Priest/Deacon ___ Please pray for: __________________________________

DECEMBER 17. 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church 601 N. 4th, St. Charles, MO 63301

Parish Vision Statement:

We are the parish that, through our communion with Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit: Welcomes all; Celebrates our unity, diversity, and traditions; Uses God’s gifts to

serve and teach others and be the face of Jesus Christ in the Community.

Parish Office: 636-946-1893 www.borromeoparish.com School Office: 636-946-2713 www.borromeoschool.com Religious Education Office: 636-946-2916 email: [email protected] Latino Ministry: 636-946-1893 email: [email protected] St. Vincent DePaul Society: 636-925-1616 leave a message after the recording


From the Pastor’s Column / Noticias del Párroco

As the Eucharist unites us as one Body in Christ, may we faithfully live and share the Gospel. A medida que la Eucaristía nos une como un solo Cuerpo en Cristo, vivamos y anunciemos fielmente el Evangelio.

-Fr. William Dotson

End of the Year Gifts If you plan on making an end-of-the-year donation to the parish, please be aware of the following law. According to the IRS, for the donation to be applied to 2017, you must either deliver it to the parish office before December 31, or, if you are mailing it, it must be postmarked by December 31. Any gift delivered to the parish after January 1 or postmarked later than January 1 will appear in your 2018 end-of-the-year statement. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Regalos por el Fin del Año Si planeas dar una donación a la parroquia para el fin del año, por favor tenga en cuenta la ley siguiente. De acuerdo del IRS, para que la donación se cuente para 2017, necesitas entregarla a la parroquia antes del 31 de diciembre, o, si estás poniéndola en el correo, la donación necesita ser matasellada antes del 31 de dic-iembre. Cualquier donación que es entregada a la par-roquia después del 1 de enero o es matasellada después del 1 de enero será grabada en tu declaración del fin del año para 2018. No hay excepciones por esta ley.

Bilingual Masses

One of the things that people that people mentioned most frequently in the Parish Forum as an area to im-prove is a greater integration of our English and Spanish speaking communities. This is also one of my main priori-ties as a pastor. Because the Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives as Catholics, our unity in worship is central to our unity as a parish. For this reason, we are having more frequent bilingual Masses. Since there may be some confusion in terminology, I want to explain the difference between an English Mass, a Spanish Mass, and a bilingual Mass. - An English Mass, such as our regular daily or Sunday Masses, will be entirely or mostly in English. - A Spanish Mass, such as 11:30 Sunday and 6:15 Wednesday, will be entirely or mostly in Spanish. - A bilingual Mass will be a mix of both languages. The prayers and readings will alternate between the two, and the homily will be given in both languages. Bilingual Masses will be scheduled for holidays and other im-portant celebrations, allowing all of our parishioners to join together in prayer and worship.

Misas bilingües

Una de las cosas que personas que las personas mencionaron más frecuentemente en el Foro Parroquial como un área para mejorar es una mayor integración de nuestras comunidades de habla inglesa e hispana. Esta es también una de mis priori-dades principales como pastor. Debido a que la Eucaristía es la fuente y la cumbre de nuestras vidas como católicos, nues-tra unidad en la liturgia es fundamental para nuestra unidad como parroquia. Por esta razón, estamos teniendo Misas bilingües más frecuentes. Puesto que puede haber cierta con-fusión en la terminología, quiero explicar la diferencia entre una Misa en inglés, una Misa en español, y una Misa bilingüe. - Una Misa en inglés, como nuestras Misas diarias o domini-cales, será en su totalidad o en su mayoría en inglés. - Una Misa en español, como el domingo a las 11:30 y el miércoles a las 6:15, será en su totalidad o en su mayoría en español. - Una Misa bilingüe será una combinación de ambos idiomas. Las oraciones y lecturas se alternarán entre los dos, y la homi-lía se dará en ambos idiomas. Misas bilingües se programará para las festividades y otras celebraciones importantes, para permitir que todos nuestros feligreses a unirse en oración y adoración.

1 de Enero

El 1 de enero, la Solemnidad de Santa María, Madre de Dios, tendremos dos Misas: 8am y 10am. ¡Ven a misa y comienza el nuevo año bien!

January 1

On January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, we will have two Masses: 8am and 10am. Come to Mass and start the New Year off right!

The Parish Offices will be closed

December 25-January 1.

La oficina parroquial estará cerrada del 25 de diciembre

hasta el 1 de enero.


This Week with our St. Charles Borromeo Parish Family

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR NEWEST PARISHIONERS Cody Blentlinger

Joselyn & Patrick Miller and baby Margaret “Maggie” Valerie Tonsor

Gerald & Mary Vitale and Gerald Jr, Carly and Antho-ny

James Keeler Rollins Diana Stephens

Mrs. Theresa Diguida Aaron & Heather Henningfeld, & daughter, Cassidy

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR NEWLY BAPTIZED

William Gerald Shulte, son of April Lauren (Branch) and William Joseph Schulte

Alexander John Buschling, son of Rebecca Sue (Dunlap) and Christopher William Buschling

Emila Grace Cornwell, daughter of Melissa Ann (Althauser) and Douglas Andrew Cornwell

Pierce Matthew Lingreen, son of Teresa Kathleen (Meagher) and Jason Matthew Lingreen

Eden Ronaldo Melgarejo, child of Blanca Martinez and Rene Melgarejo

Julian Sanchez, child of Nadia and Ulises Sanchez

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK

Dan Kitzmann, Ray Jackson Florence “Flo” Williams,

Ellie Plummer, Jacob Wappelhorst, Diana Bott,

Tonya Burgess, Lawrence Henry, Virginia Bizelli, Ray Jackson, Jack Muehlenkamp, Belle Keough

Catherine Croce (Windsor Estates) Doris Renken, Tish Greiwe

Mike Feldman, husband of Debbie and brother-in-law to the Westerfeld Family,

Chris O’Donnell, Marty & John Waigand, Grace Poeling, Ethel Elmendorf,

Ann Lamb, Beth Schroeder (1st Grade aide), Marianne Rauch’s daughter, Connie Burbes

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE RECENTLY DECEASED

John Openlander, son-in-law of Mary Quiel Marion “Jack” Thro, father of Cecelia Knoblach, Anne Eichler, Julie Fitts and Jim and Joe Thro Ann Layton, sister of Lynne Kinnison

Dr. Richard Cannon

Because Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, many people are asking if attending one Mass on the evening of December 24 would fulfill both obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and on Christmas. Canon Law is unclear on the matter. While most canon lawyers state that one would need to attend two separate Masses (one for Sun-day and one for Christmas), some state that the evening Mass is sufficient. More importantly, as the USCCB stat-ed in addressing this issue, “it would be hoped, of course, that Catholics foster a love for the Sacred Liturgy and hold a desire to celebrate the holy days as fully as is reasonably possible.” Christ commands us to love God will all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. If that is the case, we should not be satisfied with just doing the bare minimum. Let us remember that God is not content with doing the minimum for us; He showers us with abundant grace, and, as we celebrate at Christmas, even took on our human nature out of love for us. If we are asking, “What is the least I have to do,” it is probably a sign that we are not approaching our worship of God with the all-consuming love to which He calls us. All parishioners are encouraged to attend Mass for both the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas.

Debido a que la Nochebuena es un domingo, muchas personas preguntan si asistir a una Misa en la tarde del 24 de diciembre cumpliría ambas la obligación de asistir a Misa el domingo y en Navidad. El derecho canónico no está claro en este caso. Mientras la mayoría de los abogados canónicos afirman que una persona necesitaría asistir a dos misas separadas (una para el do-mingo y otra para Navidad), algunos afirman que la Misa de la tarde es suficiente. Más importante aún, como declaró el USCCB al discutir este cuestión, “se esperaría, por supuesto, que los católicos fomenten el amor por la Sagrada Liturgia y tengan el deseo de celebrar los días santos tan plenamente como sea razonablemente posi-ble.” Cristo nos manda a amar a Dios con todo nuestro corazón, alma, mente, y fuerza. Se ese es el caso, no deberíamos estar satisfechos con hacer solo el mínimo. Recordemos que Dios no está contento con hacer el mí-nimo por nosotros; Él nos derrama gracia abundante y, como celebramos en Navidad, asumió nuestra naturaleza humana por amor a nosotros. Si estamos pidiendo, “¿Qué es lo menos que tengo que hacer?” eso es proba-blemente una señal que no consideramos nuestra adoración a Dios con el amor total a que Él nos llama. Animamos a todos los feligreses a asistir a las Misas para ambos el Cuarto Domingo de Adviento y para la Navi-dad.


Please pray for our Expectant Moms Tasha- due in January 2018 Winnie-due in January 2018 Ana– due in January 2018 Jan– due in January 2018 Cynthia- due in February 2018 Aly- due in March 2018 Katelyn-due in March 2018 Sarah– due in May 2018 Molly– due in May 2018

Ladies Sodality.

Thanks to all who came to our Christmas Party. A good time was had by all. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to our Ladies and their families.

Don’t forget some events coming up in the New Year. Tuesday, January 9– Dice Game in the Café– 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 16– Blood Drive in the Gym from 2:45-5:45 p.m.

We only need 20 donors to get our $250.00 Technology Grant which is a big help to our parish school.

Tis (almost) the Season– Best Advent Ever Rediscover the Joy

In preparing for Christmas. Sign up for FREE at

BestAdventEver.com/Youreinvited Dynamic Catholic

Estamos teniendo un problema con las per-sonas que dejan chicle dentro de la iglesia, así como en la acera alrededor de la iglesia. Por respeto a lo sagrado de la iglesia, le pedimos a la gente que se abstenga de masticar chicle en la iglesia. Si le da chicle a sus hijos, aseg-úrese de que se deshagan de él de manera adecuada. Gracias por ayudarnos a mantener nuestro campus hermoso e histórico.

We are having a problem with people leaving gum inside church as well as on the sidewalks around church. Out of respect for the sacred-ness of the church, we would ask if people would please refrain from chewing gum in church. If you give gum to your children, please make sure that they dispose of it properly. Thank you for helping us maintain our beautiful, historic campus.


Parents participating in the FACTS program: FACTS now offers 24/7 support at

866-441-4637.

Men's Fellowship - New Season - New Ideas

What would you like to par cipate in on Saturday mornings regarding men's spirituality? We are Looking for new ideas, as we have read through a couple workbooks over the past several years and may want to try something new. Come help us shape Men’s Fellowship for 2018! Mark your calendars to join us on January 6th at 7am in the parish office We would like to discuss - Format - Star ng me - Loca on God Bless, Deacon Don and Scot McCullough

Thank you for the Coats!!!

Sr. Leslie Dao, director of the St. Pius V parish Immi-grant and Refugee Ministry in St. Louis, extends heart-felt thanks to all the Borromeo parishioners who contrib-uted gently used coats during 2017. Many of the coats went to refugees who had arrived in St. Louis, after years of great difficulty, without a coat or warm clothes. Coats are always needed in December, so if anyone would like to donate clean and gently used coats to Sr. Leslie’s program, please bring them to Donna Crawley at the Parish Office, or contact Mary Harrison at [email protected], or 636-949-8268.

Thank you all again.

Our Saint of the Week-St. John of Kanty, Priest-Feast Date– December 23rd

The people of Olkusz in Bohemia in 1431 had every reason to be suspicious of their new pastor. They knew what a Cracow professor would think of their small rural town. But even more insulting, their town was once again being used as a dumping ground for a priest who was "in disgrace."

John had indeed been kicked out of his university position -- unjustly. Rivals who resented John's popularity with the students had cooked up a false charge against him. John was not even al-lowed to appear at his own hearing or testify in his own defense. So at age 41, he was shipped off to be an apprentice pastor.

Certainly no one would have blamed John if he was furious at such injustice. However, he was determined that his new parishioners would not suffer because of what he happened to him. But there was no overnight miracle waiting of him in Olkusz. He was nervous and afraid of his new responsibili-ties. And, despite the energy he put into his new job, the parishioners remained hostile. But John's plan was very simple, and came not from the mind but from the heart. He let his genuine interest and con-cern for these people show in everything he did.

Despite working for years without any sign of success, he was very careful not to demonstrate impatience or anger. He knew that people could never be bullied into love, so he gave them what he hoped they would find in themselves.

After eight years, he was exonerated and transferred back to Cracow. He had been so successful that these once-hostile people followed him several miles down the road, begging him to stay. For the rest of his life, he was professor of sa-cred Scripture at the university. He was so well-liked that he was often invited to dinner with nobility. Once, he was turned away at the door by a servant who thought John's cassock was too frayed. Johndidn't argue but went home, changed into a new cas-sock, and returned. During the meal, a servant spilled a dish on John's new clothes. "No matter," he joked. "My clothes deserve some dinner, too. If it hadn't been for them I wouldn't be here at all."

Once John was sitting down to dinner when he saw a beggar walk by outside. He jumped up immediately, ran out, and gave the beggar the food in his bowl. He asked no questions, made no demands. He just saw someone in need and helped with what he had.

John taught his students this philosophy again and again, "Fight all error, but do it with good humor, patience, kindness, and love. Harshness will damage your own soul and spoil the best cause.

"In His Footsteps: John put all his effort into a new and frightening job, that others might have considered beneath him. Today do some-thing you have never done before or do something in a new way, perhaps something that has frightened you or you felt was beneath you. This can be something as simple as trying a different type of prayer or as complex as serving others in a new way.

For more on this saint or others, please see Catholic Online– Saints and Angels


St. Charles Borromeo Memorial Gift Cards We have available in our Narthex, church office, and at our local funeral homes, Memorial Gift Cards. You can designate your gift to our Capital Improvement Fund, SCB School’s Help-A-Student Tuition Aid, SCB St. Vincent De-Paul Society, or any other SCB program or project. When you are making arrangements for the funeral and visitation, you may ask your funeral director to set these cards out. Or, when you are going to the visitation, you may pick up a card in the box in our Narthex. I would bet many of our beloved Borromeo members who pass on would love to have their Memorial Gifts given to SCB Parish because they (and we all) are so proud of our wonderful Parish Family here.

Monday, December 18-- Late Advent Weekday Eucharistic Adoration 8:30 am-6:30 p.m. Caring Tree—2-7 p.m. SC Room/ Cafe SVDP Meeting in SC Room– 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 19-Late Advent Weekday W-CRHP 9 –6:30 p.m. Church Office Pinewood Derby Set Up-7-9 p.m.– Café Cub Scout Den 2– 6-8 p.m. SC Room Wednesday, December 20–Late Advent Weekday Cub Scouts 6-8:30 p.m. Cafe Adult Choir Rehearsal– 7:15-9:00 p.m. Emaus– 7 p.m. in SC Room Thursday, December 21-St. Peter Canisius, Priest Giving Tree-4-7 p.m. SC Room/Café RCIA/RICA– Advent Celebration 6-8 p.m. in the St Charles Room Friday, December 22-Late Advent Weekday No Events on the Calendar Saturday, December 23-St. John of Kanty, Priest W-Fellowship 6:00 a.m. in Church Office Sunday, December 24-4th Sunday of Advent No Events on calendar today

Parish Events Calendar

December 18-Eucharistic Adoration from 8:30

a.m. until 6:30 p.m. in our Church

December 18– Giving Tree from 2-7 p.m. in the

St Charles Room and the Café

December 19, -Set up for the Pinewood Derbry

from 7-9 p.m. in the Cafe

December 20,-Emaus at 7 p.m. in the St Charles

Room

December 21– RCIA/ RICA Advent Celebration

in the St. Charles Room

December 27– NO CHOIR REHEARSAL tonight

December 29– Prayer Shawl Ministry from 6-9

p.m. in the Café

January 3, 2018– NO CHOIR PRACTICE tonight

January 8– Parish Council Meeting 7 p.m. School

January 9– Pro-Life Meeting in SC Room –7 p.m.

January 10 –Rosary Run Planning Meeting at

6:45 in the Church Office

January 12-14, 2018-LUKE 18 Weekend

January 15, 2018- Protecting God’s Children–

Workshop 6:30 p.m. Café-(English version)

Activities This Week/ Actividades de esta Semana

If you plan on doing Christmas shopping online, re-member to use Amazon Smile. Instead of going to amazon.com, go instead to smile.amazon.com. If you have not already used Amazon Smile, select St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church as your charitable organization to support (verify the location, as there are multiple St. Charles Borromeo churches). Every time you shop on smile.amazon.com, Amazon gives a portion of your purchase to our parish.

St. Charles Borromeo Prayer Tree: 928-2970 or [email protected]

If you need a last minute gift for your loved ones this Christmas, don’t forget all the great gift cards you can purchase through our Scrip Program. The school bene-fits and you can cross another task off your Christmas shopping list. Thanks for supporting our school by your Scrip purchas-es.


Borromeo Youth Ministry News For any information about our St. Charles Borromeo Youth News, please email

[email protected] or call me at (636) 946-1893

SCB High School Youth Group(9th-12th Graders) Regular Meetings 7-8:30 p.m. on Sundays in the St. Charles Room

Upcoming Events for High School Youth Group. including 8th Graders Dec. 17th: Christmas party! Come play Christmas games, Christmas trivia, watch a Christmas movie and prepare for Jesus’s birth! Dec. 21st: We need help with the Giving Tree Pick-Up!! 4-7 pm at the parish office. We need youth and strong adults to help! Take time to give of yourself to those in need these holiday – you won’t regret it.

SCB Middle School Youth Group–(7th and 8th Graders) Regular Edge Meetings from 3-4:30 p.m. in the St. Charles Room one Monday a month unless otherwise noted.

Events for Middle School Youth Group Dec. 21st: We need help with the Giving Tree Pick-Up!! 4-7 pm at the parish office. We need youth and strong adults to help! Take time to give of yourself to those in need these holiday – you won’t regret it. Dec. 29th: Dodgeball Tournament! 6:30-8:30 pm in the gym. Bring your friends for a great night of fun!

Follow us on Instagram (@sbcyouth), Twitter (@SCBYouthGroup) and Facebook (Saint Charles Borromeo Youth

Ministry) Want to join our GroupMe? Email me your name and phone number.

Giving Tree 2017 Announcements Thank you to the many groups and individuals who helped make this Christmas season bright for over 85 local families. You contributions of food, gifts and cash will come together on December 21st as families pick up gifts and food baskets for not only a holiday meal, but additional items for nutritional breakfast and dinners to last until the children return to school. Special grat-itude to: * Nineteen groups or families who adopted full families and made Christmas extra special. * St. Charles Borromeo National Junior Honor society whose food drive in November help build the holiday baskets for families of 1 - 5 persons. with additions of meat purchased with cash donations, and fruit from Meal-a-Month. Extra items are requested by our local Salvation Army experiencing a shortage in their food drives this year. * Academy of the Sacred Heart families for extra large food baskets as well as adoptions of a record seven families this year. * Those who picked an ornament off the tree and lovingly chose something new for that adult or child. * The wonderful St. Vincent De Paul volunteers who spend much of November and December in-volved with contacting clients and organizing Thanksgiving and Christmas specials for families in need. What a wonderful group of parishioners who give of their time and talents to help those experiencin homelessness, fear of losing their home or family crisis requiring help with clothing, utilities, etc. Finally, this will be our last year organizing this event in behalf of the families of St. Charles Borromeo. Matt and I have moved from the area and want to leave this program in the loving hands of another individual or couple to lead this event. Notes and training are available and your holiday season will be sunny and bright! Please contact SVDP president, Joyce Cain or Donna Crawley in the office.

We are still in need of sleephouses for the Luke 18 retreat Jan. 12-14th. Not sure what a sleephouse is? Email Kristin for more info! [email protected]

Young Adult January Event! Jan. 27th at 11 am. Join us for Rosary, Rosé, and brunch! RSVP to Kristin Williams at

[email protected] for the address.


Readings of the Week/Lecturas De La Semana

December 17, 2017-Gospel Reflection

Your Loving Sacrifices Make All The Difference

December 17 2017-Third Sunday of Advent

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist says, "I am the voice of the one crying in the desert; make straight the way of the Lord.” Let us ask for the grace to help others to know the love of the Lord. Christmas is a time of love and gift giving...please give to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul so that those who do not have clothes and food can share in the blessings of Christmas.

WE THANK EACH OF YOU for the great love you show to our Borromeo Family carrying on the work of Jesus and to those in need-by the generosity you display when you share your treasure, and all God’s gifts to you, given for others.

Contributions for December 9/10, 2017

Offertory Envelopes: $15284.50 Loose: $1533.01 Matching Gifts $5520.00 Total Offerings: $22,337.51 Christmas $250.00 Capitol Improvement $216.00 Help a Student $2105.00 Human Dev Campaign $30.00 St. Vincent de Paul $7103.98 Seminary $201.00 Retired Religious Fund $30.00

Monday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Wednesday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Friday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Saturday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38

November Corporate Matching Gif t s Corporate Matching Gift $10,107.50 Boeing $10,107.50 Total Corporate Matching Gifts Year to Date $53,122.50 Your participation in the Matching Gift Program to benefit our Parish School is appreciated. If you do not already do so, and would like more infor-mation on Matching Gift Program, please contact Ken Kapeller at 636-946-3356. Thank You!

This Sunday’s Gospel invites us to continue our reflection on the person and mission of John the Baptist. Today we depart from the Gospel of Mark and read a selection from the Gospel of John.

The Gospel for today combines a brief passage from the pro-logue to John’s Gospel with a report about John the Baptist. As in Mark’s Gospel, the Gospel of John contains no birth narra-tive. Instead, John’s Gospel begins with a theological reflection that has come to be called the “prologue.” This prologue places the story of Jesus in its cosmological framework. It speaks of Jesus’ existence with God since the beginning of time. In John’s Gospel, Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of the Old Testa-ment and the culmination of the Word, the light that is coming into the world’s darkness.

Following this prologue, John reports on the ministry of John the Baptist. We learn about the attention that John the Baptist received from the Jewish authorities. Messengers from the Jew-ish priests, the Levites and the Pharisees question John about his identity and the meaning of the baptisms that he is performing. John’s Gospel uses these questions to establish the relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist. John the Baptist is not the Messiah, nor is he Elijah or the Prophet. In John’s denials, we hear echoes of the kind of messianic expectations that were common in first-century Palestine.

The only affirmative response that John the Baptist gives is when he quotes the prophet Isaiah. Upon answering the next question, John announces that the savior they seek is already among them, but as yet unrecognized. John’s response high-lights for us an important Advent theme: Jesus has already come into the world as our savior. During Advent, we pray that we will be able to recognize Jesus’ presence in our midst. Advent also reminds us that Jesus will come again to fulfill the promise of salvation. We pray that we will continue to be watchful as we anticipate that great day.

The third Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete Sun-day. Gaudete, a Latin word which means “ rejoice,” is taken from the entrance antiphon for Sunday’s Mass. This theme is echoed in today’s second reading from the first Letter to the Thessalonians. It is a reminder that Advent is a season of joy because our salvation is already at hand.


Servers, 8:00am Mass– December 18-20, 2017 Mon, Dec 18–Maggie Howard, Kris Lewis, Kennedy Jensen,

Lucy Voekl

Tues, Dec 19–Maggie Howard, Kris Lewis, Kennedy Jensen,

Lucy Voekl

Wed, Dec 20- Maggie Howard, Kris Lewis, Kennedy Jensen,

Lucy Voekl

Thurs, Dec 21-volunteers needed

Friday, Dec 22- volunteers needed

Ministry List December 23/24, 2017 Lista del ministerio

(Volunteers needed for Greeters and Gi Bearers)

Saturday, December 23, 2017– 5:00 p.m. Mass L/C: Gary Eisenhart Tom Schneider EM Cup: Michelle Grunder, volunteer please,, Jeane e Clery, Bridget Ohmes HOST: Dorothy Williams, Peter Mihelich SERV: John Paul & Peter Montgomery USH: Jim Lammert, Don Richardson John Williams, Frankie Fessler GB: volunteers please GR: volunteers please

Sunday, December 24, 2017 7:00 am Mass

L/C: Bob Baronovic Mary Baronovic EM Cup Jean Schaeffer, Bill Kish, Joann Sullivan SERV: 2 volunteers please USH: Jim Eisenbath, Cathy Herrod, Charlie Weber, John Weber GB: volunteers please GR: volunteers please 9:00 a.m. Mass L/C: Bob Lanigan, Kevin Tollefson Children’s Choir EM Cup: Judy Dwyer, Paul Luebbers Sharon Schnarre, volunteer please HOST: Lauren Teschendorf, Jenny Luebbers SERV: Claire Sanders, Peter Lauman, Maggie Howard USH: Ken Kapeller, Charlie Schroeder Rich Wessler, Ron Roczski GB: volunteers please GR: volunteers please 11:00 a.m. Mass-Spanish Mass L/C: to be determined el coro EM Cup: to be determined HOST: to be determined SERV: Alex Pintor, Melisa and Adolfo Zamorez USH: Jesus Manzanarez, Adolfo Zamorez volunteers please GB: to be determined before Mass GR: volunteers please

Monday, December 18, Late Advent Weekday 6:30 a.m. Royce Melton 8:00 a.m. Patricia A. Posey Tuesday, December 19, Late Advent Weekday 6:30 a.m. Jerry Primeau-5th Anniv 8:00 a.m. Jerry Borgmeyer-16th Anniv Wednesday, December 20, Late Advent Weekday 6:30 a.m. Dorothy Mae Mazanec 8:00 a.m. Margaret “Rose” Weber– 5th Anniv 6:15 p.m. Helen Ohlms Thursday, December 21, St. Peter Canisius, Priest, 6.30 a.m. Martha Schimweg-10th Anniv 8:00 a.m. Robert Glosier, Sr.-30th Anniv Friday, December 22-Late Advent Weekday 6:30 a.m. George Bruer-19th Anniv 8:00.a.m. Rosemary Scaglione– 2nd Anniv Saturday, December 23– St. John of Kanty, Priest 8:00 a.m. Shirley Basler 5:00 p.m. Bernadine Vogt-12th Anniv Sunday, December 24--Fourth Sunday of Advent 7:00 a.m. Ernie Schrader-6th Anniv 9:00 a.m. Henry W. “Hank” Pieper 11:00 a.m. Our Parish Family 5:00 p.m. Dr. Henry Clever, Jr. 7:30 p.m. Jose Damian 11:00 p.m. Gertrude Schneader

Meal a Month for December The next Meal a Month grocery collection will be December 16/17, 2017 Items needed are: Dry Beans, Applesauce, Peanut Butter, Chicken Noodle Soup, Vegetable Soup, Canned Chicken, and Grocery Bags. During the month of December only, we are also collecting bags of apples and or/oranges. Thank you SCB Members who contribute monthly to this life sustaining Ministry.

MASS INTENTIONS INTENCIONES DE LAS MISAS

The Eucharistic ministers for the Christmas Eve Masses are posted on the usher’s closet door in the Narthex. In addition to this, Carol Faubert has sent out an email with all the ministers listed for the various evening masses. If you have any questions, please contact Carol Faubert at [email protected].


Oficina: Tel: (636)946-1893 Fax (636)946-5598

Sacramento de Reconciliación (Sacrament of Reconcilia on) Sábados de 4 – 4:45pm o por cita con el padre Wil-liam o padre Donaldo

Sacramento de Bau smo (Sacrament of Bap sm) Clases de bau smo para padres y padrinos – Primer Domingo de mes. De 9:30 a 11:00am en la oficina parroquial. Únicamente adultos. Bau smos son el Cuarto Domingo de mes, después de misa. Favor de hablar con el diacono Jorge para registrarse y coordinar el bau smo.

Sacramento de Matrimonio (Sacrament of Matrimony) Contactar al Diacono Jorge o padres William o Don-aldo cuando menos seis meses antes de la boda para empezar los prepara vos.

Adoración al San simo (Eucharis c Adoracion) Exposición del San simo - Tercer Lunes del Mes de

8:30 am a 6:30 pm LifeLine- úl mo Martes del Mes a las 7 pm Adoración Nocturna - Tercer Sábado de Mes de 7

pm a 12 pm Rosario Todos los Viernes en la Iglesia de 6 – 6:30pm

Tercer domingo de Adviento – Domingo de Gaudete Alegrémonos! En el Domingo de Gaudete recordamos la alegría que está por venir muy pronto para el mundo: Jesucristo. ¿Dónde encontramos nuestro gozo en la vida? Si buscamos en cualquier cosa menos en Cristo, estamos buscando los lugares equivocados, porque la verdadera alegría viene del conocimiento que Dios nos ama y ha venido a salvarnos del pecado y la muer-te. Como Juan el Bau sta predicó, verdadera alegría viene por el arrepen miento. Nuestro deseo de san-

dad y búsqueda de la verdadera libertad del pecado y la muerte nos inspiran a renunciar a la maldad y para abrir un lugar para que Cristo entre en nuestros cora-zones, mentes y almas. Cuando estamos abiertos a ex-perimentar la gracia de Cristo, podemos recibir miseri-cordia, perdón, sanación, consuelo, paz y alegría.

TENGO FE

Mi hijo, tengo fe en el mejoramiento humano, en la vida futura, en la utilidad de la virtud, y en ti.

--José Martí

Si usted planea hacer compras navideñas en línea, recuerde usar Amazon Smile. En vez de ir a amazon.com, vaya a smile.amazon.com. Si no ha usado ya Amazon Smile, seleccione “St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church” como su organización de caridad para apoyar (verificar la ubicación, ya que hay varias iglesias de St. Charles Borromeo). Cada vez compras en smile.amazon.com, Amazon da una parte de la compra a nuestra parroquia.


Around Town…. Friday, November 17, 2017

– Sunday, December 31, 2017

Wintertime sparkles at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows as the Annual Way of Lights Christmas display illuminates the grounds. Since 1970, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immac-ulate have invited one and all to make the Way of Lights a part of their family tradition. This breathtaking display focuses

on the birth of Christ, the one true light of the world.

Way of Lights Hours:

Indoor Activities Open 5 – 9 p.m. Outdoor Light Display

Monday – Thursday: 5 – 9 p.m. Friday – Sunday: 5 – 10 p.m.

Start a great tradition by joining the St. Charles Municipal Band and Big Band for our sixth annual “Holiday Concert at Scheidegger” on Tuesday, De-cember 19, 2017 at The Lindenwood Theater of the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts, 2300 West Clay St, St. Charles, readily accessible from I-70. There is free parking and easy handicapped access. St. Nicholas will make a special appearance at this FREE family f r i e n d l y e v e n t . S e e www.stcharlesband.com and Face-book for more information, or call 636-949-2590 or 314-878-5296.

St. Charles American Legion hosting a NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION

$40.00 per person, doors open at 6:30 p.m. Dinner, Live Music– The Fog

call 636-345-6106 or 636-724-9712 Email: [email protected]

The St. Louis Chamber Chorus Proudly Presents A Time of Mystery

Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 3pm St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish,

601 North 4th Street, Saint Charles, Missouri 63301 MYSTERY surrounds the gift of Christ’s birth, which has been expressed memorably by poets and compos-ers, from the Latin Responsory O Magnum Mysterium, to a world premieres written by Wolfram Buchenberg. This contemporary music complements Palestri-na’s Missa O Magnum Mysterium scored for double choir, and motets by Poulenc and Raquel Cristóbal. Tickets- $40.00 per person* Student Rate $10.00 To Purchase tickets, visit chamberchorus.org or call

(636) 458-4343 FIAT Women’s Group

Our next meeting will be on December 21st at the Semi-nary (5200 Glennon Dr 63119) and our speaker will be Father Laurence Kriegshauser, Assistant Professor of Sa-cred Scripture and the Old Testament. The Rosary will be prayed at 8am, followed by Fr. Kriegshauser from 8:15 to 9am. Coffee will be offered afterwards until 9:30am. For more information, see www.kenrick.edu/fiat. All women are invited. A wonderful way to focus on the real meaning of the Christmas season!

Adoption Records Law Attention: MISSOURI BIRTH PARENTS AND ADOPTEES:

Missouri Adoption Law is Changing! On January 1, 2018, adult adoptees (ages 18 and older) will be granted access to their original birth certificate. Birth parents have the right to protect their confidentiali-ty under the new law, but they must act before January 1st. For more info, contact the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records by phone 573-751-6387 or by email at [email protected]/data/vitalrecords/adopteerightsact.php for more detailed information about the new law.

Immaculate Conception, Old Monroe - Trivia Night, March 10, 2018. "Prom Night: A Night Under the Stars." Doors open at 5:30, trivia begins at 6:30. Table price $160/table of 8. Please mail payment to ICOM School, 120 Maryknoll Rd, Old Monroe, MO 63369. For more information regarding play or sponsorship visit our website at https://tinyurl.com/ybcgxmaw or contact Jessi Gorski to reserve your table 636-73-5492.

Singles Again is a support group for separated, divorced and widowed people. Singles Again meets at St. Cletus Church the last Thursday of each month at 7:15 PM for its general meeting. St. Cletus is at 2705 Zumbehl Road, St. Charles, MO. Come and meet for friendship and support. All faiths are welcome. Contacts are Rick Pass 618-520-0966 ([email protected]) and Rose Kaiser 636-332-1959. Starting September 20 Divorced, Widowed to Transitioning Singleness (formerly called Care and Share). Starts again with Lee Schellert He goes through a book called “Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends” For more information please contact Lee Schellert at 636-946-7782

19th Annual St. Louis Marian Conference When: January 12-14, 2018

Where: Renaissance Hotel, 9801 Natural Bridge Road Speakers will include: Bishop Robert Hermann, Father Charles Becker, John Carpenter, Fr. Joseph L. Coffey, Fr. Vincent Lampert, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. EWTN: Fr. Tom Sullivan, Fr. Robert J. Brockland, CM: Wayne Website. For additional info, please call 314-401-1707 or visit www.stlmarianconference.net Everyone welcome.

Open Breakfast24 Lunch

Hours Dinner

Homestyle Restaurant

946-02661881 Sherman Dr.Senior Discounts

RICHARD R. VEITAttorney at Law

916-HELP 225 South Main(4357) Suite 250

O’Fallon, MOParishioner

DISCOVER THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCERely on the Knights of Columbus to protect your family’s future.

Contact me today.

Dylan G. Pashia636-373-3662

[email protected]

LIFE INSURANCE DISABILITY INSURANCE LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

St. Charles: 636-724-0283www.PaulFuneral.com

TOMICH LAW FIRM, LLC

947-0550309 N. MAIN ST., STE. 210 DEBORAH TOMICHST. CHARLES PARISHIONER

AlexanderInsurance Agency

821 MadisonWayne & Matt AlexanderScott & Laura Ilgenfritz

www.alexins.com636-949-9525

Mike MaroneySt. Charles Borromeo Parishioner

(636) 724-4100225 Fox Hill Road, St. Charles MO 63301

www.MySTLAgent.com

“Switch and Save!CALL ME TODAY.”

008031 St Charles Borromeo

923 First Capitol Drive

636-896-0888 / 636-723-0800www.ltsautoservice.comTires • Oil Change • Brakes

State InspectionLIVE TO SERVE

NOW HIRING$18 an hour

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LMI

Hair SalonSt. Peter Parishioner

(636) 946-8611611 First Capitol Dr.

ROOFING, INC.Specialists In Quality Reroofing & Repairs

Member RCGA and NRCAFully Insured For Your Protection

Financing AvailableSince 1978 FREE ESTIMATES

We accept: M/C VISA DISCOVER AMEX314-837-4671 • 636-949-6821

IL: 618-207-4175www.dawsonroofing.com

Dawson

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www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-855-685-5703

Continuing to Meet The Needs of Area CatholicsSkilled Nursing • Rehabilitation Center • Independent Living

723 First Capitol DriveContact Social Services at (636) 946-4140 x 107

Individual, Child, Family, and Marriage Counseling311 South Main, Ste. 100, O’Fallon, MO 63366

636-281-1990 / www.cfsstl.org

Personal Counseling and Psychiatry

Consider RememberingYour Parish in Your Will.

For further information, please call the Parish Office.

Sarah A. Smith, D.D.S., P.C.Pediatric Dentist

322 Jungerman Rd.www.drsarahsmith.com636-477-1200

– FIELDER – ELECTRICAL SERVICES, INC.LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

Service Upgrades • New Homes • Remodeling • Room Additions • Basements • KitchensBathrooms • Code Violations • Knob & Tube Upgrades • Back Up Generator Systems

$20OFF Any Electrical Work of $100 or more 314-966-3388

Termite &Pest Control

Free InspectionTodd and Tim Pickering 947-1452Rick Wilkins 281-4020

From the WLP Vault comes the Bible Story of Christmas featuring

8 Classic Christmas Carols and a reading of the Gospel of Luke 2: 4-20

by Bing Crosby! Also available on vinyl.

Visit WLPmusic.com to purchase your copy - CD $10.00

800-566-6150 Photo Courtesy of Bing Crosby Enterprises

Roy Cox Plumbing

60 Years In Business

636.724.4508

K & B AUTOMOTIVEDIAGNOSTIC SERVICE • AUTO REPAIR

ELECTRIC SERVICE • OIL & LUBEA/C SERVICE & REPAIR • TIRES

515 S. 5TH 636-493-9409

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636.926.9989www.BesedaFlooring.com

STE. PHILIPPINE, OUR LADY AND ST. CHARLES BORROMEO

CATHOLIC CEMETERIESPlaces for Remembering, Forgiving,

Healing and Thanksgiving.A Bridge to the Communion of Saints.

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Come Sail Away on a 7-nightCatholic Exotic Cruise starting

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st. charles borromeo catholic church third sunday of ... · third sunday of advent, december 17,...

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