Fr. Mike Gleeson, Pastor Fr. George Reynolds, Associate Pastor

Richard Boucher, Deacon Joe Hamamoto, Deacon

MASS SCHEDULE Saturday 8:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass Sunday

8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. 12 noon & 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday

8:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. Friday

8:15 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.

CONFESSION SCHEDULE Thursday & Friday a er

5:00 p.m. Mass Saturday a er 8:00 a.m. Mass

Saturday 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Secretary’s E-mail: secretary.stcornelius@gmail.com

Rectory Hours MON-FRI

9:00 a.m.. —7:00 p.m. SAT

9:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

St. Cornelius Catholic School Principal—Nancy Hayes

3333 North Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90808 Phone: 562-425-7813 www.stcornelius.net

St. Cornelius Church 5500 Wardlow Rd., Long Beach, CA 90808

(562) 421-8966 www.stcorneliuslb.org

PASTOR’S CORNER 1 1 PASTOR’S CORNER 1

Readings for the Epiphany (IS 60:1-6) The prophet cheers the exiles who returned from Babylon (exile) with a vision of a restored city. The prophecy is fulfilled in Christ in the new Israel, the church. Second Reading (EPH 3:2-3,5-6) God invites Jews and Gentiles to share on equal footing the salvation brought by Christ. Gospel Reading (MT 2:1-2) Three Gentiles came from a far country to pay homage to Jesus. While the Jewish leaders rejected him. HOMILY One of my favorite poems is The Journey of the Magi by T.S. Eliot. It shows how they were truly trans-formed by their experience in Bethlehem and their lives would never be the same again. As the poem states, “They were no longer at ease here in the old dispensa-tion!” A cold coming we had of it, Just the worst time of the year. For a journey and such a long journey; The ways deep and the weather sharp, The very dead of winter. At the end we preferred to travel by night, Sleeping in snatches. With the voices singing in our ears saying, That this was all folly. But there was no information, and so we continued. And arrived at evening, not a moment too soon. Finding the place; It was (you may say) satisfactory All this was a long time ago, I remember And I would do it again, but set down This set down This: were we led all the way for Birth or Death? There was birth certainly But had thought they were different; this birth was Hard and bitter agony for us, like death, our death We returned to our places, these kingdoms, But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation, With an alien people clutching their Gods I would be glad of another death.

In this year we should take our cue from Leo Tol-stoy who wrote, “Everyone thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.” Just as the Magi were transformed, so must we. Perhaps this year we can be that fourth wise man imagined by Henry Van Dyke. His name was Artaban. He had planned to travel with the others. However he delayed to help a woman who was dying. As gifts he carried a precious sapphire, a rare ruby and a pearl. He had to give up his sapphire to help a starv-ing family. When he found the stable is was deserted. The Holy Family had escaped into Egypt. Artaban gave the ruby to save a child who’s life was destined to be de-stroyed by Herod. He searched for Jesus for thirty-three years. When he learned of the events on Calvary he rushed to ransom Jesus with his priceless pearl. On his way there he met a man about to be sold into slavery. To his master he gave the pearl. At that time their was an earthquake. He was critically wounded. The man he had just rescued whispered in his ear saying, “as long as you did it for the least of these, you did for me.” We too are called to let the Christian life blossom through our attitude, our words and actions. STAR OF BETHLEHEM Sometimes we need inspirational stories to teach and inspire us so that we have the vision and courage to make a Christian response to the various situations that confront us. It would be understandable if Gordon Wilson sought revenge, yet he chose to follow the Star of Bethle-hem. Gordon Wilson’s daughter was killed by a bomb in the town of Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, Ireland in 1987 during a period known as “The Troubles.” Instead of call-ing for revenge, he forgave her killers and began to cam-paign for peace and reconciliation. He said: I am a very ordinary sort of man I have a few personal ambitions and No political aspirations. I want to live and let live. Life has been kind to me in the main, And I have tried to live by the Good Book. I do not profess to be a good man, but I aim to be. I would like to leave the world A better place than I found it, But I have no exaggerated ideas of my ability to do so. I have hitched my wagon to a star A star of hope, The Star of Bethlehem.

Siempre Adelante, Fr. Mike

HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY

SEARCHING FOR THE KING

By: Fr. Mike Gleeson, Pastor

MASS INTENTIONS † = Indicates Deceased Sunday, January 7 8:00 a.m. †Rosanne Poyer Hasse Family †John G. Weisenborn 10:00 a.m. Brian Tempel Sandy Lukehart William Thomas Walter Hasse Family 12:00 noon †Joe Malagamalii †Joe Aoga Jus no Valen n Ma as 5:00 p.m. Anne Ryan Katherine Terrio Marcey McConnell Flood Monday, January 8 8:00 a.m. The Kebie Family The Dagel Family 12:00 Noon †Joe Reily †Eric Dagel Tuesday, January 9 8:00 a.m. Fr. Mike Gleeson Fr. George Reynolds 5:00 p.m. Colleen Alm †Joe Reilly Wednesday, January 10 8:00 a.m. †Rosanne Poyer †Joe Malagamalii 5:00 p.m. Eugenio Jala †Narcisa Buendia †Benjamin Adamos Thursday, January 11 8:00 a.m. †Joe Aoga †Lio Katopau 5:00 p.m. Wayne Hawkins Teresa Phi Yen Nguyen Amede Thach Friday, January 12 8:00 a.m. †Karen Cisternino †Elvia Rosa Moncada 5:00 p.m. Eileen Terrio Lisa Nguyen Thanh Nguyen Saturday, January 13 8:00 a.m. Mark Polomik Jay & Anne e Hills 5:00 p.m. †Angela Miranda Toni Napier †Alba Lucy Elrod Sunday, January 14 8:00 a.m. †Linda Cullen †Michael Curran †Sandra Lukehart 10:00 a.m. Brian Tempel Nancy Frankart Chris Norton 12:00 noon Edward & Maureen Tuala The Tuala Family 5:00 p.m. †Joe Malagamalii †Rosanne Poyer †Joe Aoga

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WEEKEND MASSES Saturday, January 13 5:00 p.m. Fr. George Reynolds Lector Susana Tuiloma Sunday, January 14 8:00 a.m. Fr. Bill McLean Lector: LECTOR NEEDED 10:00 a.m. Fr. George Reynolds Lector: Josie Marchena 12:00 Noon Fr. Mike Gleeson Lector LECTOR NEEDED 5:00 p.m. Fr. Mike Gleeson Lector Frank Schmidt

LITURGY

The Epiphany of the Lord Li le Drummer Boy Did you know that the only reason we say that there were three wise men is that they brought three gi s? And these special gi s--gold, frankincense, and myrrh--tell us much. When one king visited or sent an ambassador to another, he would give a gi of gold to show that he acknowledged the kingship of the other. The second gi is a type of incense, which was used in Jesus me to worship God. The gi of myrrh is oil used to anoint the dy-ing. So these gi s remind us of Jesus' kingship, divinity, and his dying for us. So what gi s do we have for Jesus? Maybe we can take a hint from the wise men. If we acknowledge Jesus as king, maybe a be er gi than gold would be to pledge our obedience to him. A be er way than burning incense to pay homage to Jesus' divinity is to take me to pray through-out the day. As for the gi of myrrh, we can give Jesus the crosses we bear each day. The song "Li le Drummer Boy" reminds us that the best gi is not necessarily the most expensive. Instead, it is the simple gi that on-ly we can give. Let Epiphany remind us to offer our lives to Jesus each day. Tom Schmidt, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

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Please Pray for the Souls of

PETER MEDINA JOE MISKIEL

May They Rest in Peace

CONNECTING THE DOTS Spirituality book club We're reading Pope Francis, Amoris Lae a on love and the family and will meet not un l February 15, (3rd Thursday) at Duffy's home, 7:00 pm. Call Norma, 562:429-1094 For more informa on. All are welcome.

ADULT FAITH & SPIRITUALITY

CANDLES Candles can be purchased in the Rectory. The cost of can-dles is $5.00. The ligh ng of the candles is the responsi-bility of the buyer. For more informa on please contact the Rectory (562) 421-8966.

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PRAYERS FOR THE SICK For The Sick Who Have Asked To Be Remembered In Prayer:

Marcey McConnell Flood Elizabeth Cannata Adam & Carla Mars Sandee Bradley DJ Barwick Peggy Hasse Dolores Lounsbury Peggy Pen s Walter Bordeaux Erin & Brian Longhofer Ghusn Mhawji Martha Burris Frances Boudreau Lee Hicks Julienne Aoga Sio Patolo Kasiano Alai Fiu Iosefo Aoga Mulitalo Mikaele Patricia Wolfe Samuel McCarthy Sherill S llwell Judy Klenk Jonathan Kolp Frank Novak Jean Wells Karen Gingras Alvin York Jack Alva Cooper Chris Leon Greg & Laurie Kelly Diane Reed Larry Gaudy Travis Melnick Joseph Lesko Helen Orton Dave Wills Henry Sarnecki Bob Early Jenni Rojas Rochelle Lewis Lavin Percival Francisco Paxton Thompson Maria Valdez Rosa C. Lopez Diaz Salvador Diaz Rosa M. Vivar Anna Salinas

Bella Moody William Steele Dennis Meza Javier Roberts Jessica Ortega Erin Miskelly Renee Ganske Roman Romo Rebecca Upton Jesus Palacios Pat Kitching Jim Kline Marjorie J. Lehman Alma Gomez Carna Ahmadzai Marta R. De Quiros Fernando J. Rodriguez Ana Maria Menendez Anna Coles Ruben Diaz Hazel Foley Kathy Statlander Sharon Barre Olivia Howard Jan Wynn Carlos Jaramillo Jessica Rigsby Cliff Richard John Cutler Alberto J. Smith AnneMarie Robinson Anita Digregorio Joyce Kelly Nadine Roberts Deb Sanders Sherry Waide Carmen Bernales Ronald Collins Kenny Collins William Priest Victor DeGrazia Harry Lacave Nanda Wijetunga Lori Richards Bret Has ngs

PRAYER LIST O en mes family members and friends call us to ask

that we pray for individuals during a trying health issue. Most of the me they do not call back to let us know if the person is well. Please contact the Rectory if your

loved one can be removed from the Prayer list.

ATTENTION LECTORS If you have not received the new Eucharis c Minister & Lector schedule for this quarter, please contact the Rectory or download it from the church website. If you are unable to make your scheduled Mass, please make an a empt to find a subs tute. If you are unable to find a subs tute, please contact the Rectory by that Friday at 5pm so arrangements can be made. Your con nued service is a blessing. Thank you!

4 YOUTH MINISTRY

SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN Did you know? Teach children how to handle bullies Many schools have started ini a ves focused on elimina ng bullying, and teaching kids how to be kind to each other. At home, you can teach your children how to defend themselves and stand up for friends and classmates using firm, polite statements. Talk with your kids about bullying – what’s happening, who’s doing it, and how to stop it with the help of a trusted adult. For more informa on on bullying and in-school conflicts, visit h p://kidshealth.org/parent/emo ons/feelings/bullies.html.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS All sessions resume this week

Sunday, January 7, 2018 – Early Childhood, Children’s Liturgy of the word and dismissal for year two Children’s Catechumenate candidates (grades 4 – 8), resume during 10:00 am mass.

Children’s Catechumenate Sunday, January 14, 2017 – Dismissal, during

mass, and parent mee ng for year two Children’s Catechumenate, immediately following 10:00 am

mass, in the sixth grade classroom.

EDGE Night Junior High Edge Night will be held on Tuesday, January 16th, in the Large Hall, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. All sixth, seventh and eighth graders of the

parish are welcome to join us for a fun, faith-filled night of fellowship.

January 18 - 25, 2017 - Safe Environment Training will be held during regularly scheduled sessions for Early Childhood, Elementary and Junior High

religious educa on students. Students who have been opted out should remain home for this ses-sion. Anyone wishing to change their permission

form may do so at any me. All changes must be made in wri ng.

CONFIRMATION NEWS Our Confirma on program wishes to thank everyone who donated blankets, flannel and/or toiletries to our

blanket drive. We had 36 teens and 8 adults come help make blankets and toiletry packets on December

20th, led by Mike Schmidt & Jackie Starks. It was a true blessing and joy being able to distribute just over 160 blankets and 60 toiletry packets for those less for-tunate. Nearly 50 blankets were delivered to Project Achieve in Long Beach by Frank Schmidt on behalf of our community. A group of 15 (9 candidates and 6 adults) visited Elizabeth Ann Seton Shelter in Long

Beach, Long Beach Rescue Mission and also delivered directly to the homeless in the park next to the Mission on Saturday, December 23rd. It was an unforge able experience for our youth and it was made possible by

your generous dona ons. Thank you St. Cornelius Family! God bless.

January classes and upcoming events January 5th - 7th our Yr. 2 Candidates will be on

their annual weekend retreat. Please keep them in your prayers. May they be open to the love, mercy

and grace of our Lord.

Important During our January classes we will be offering the

Touching Safety training videos. If your son/daughter opted out of these classes (in wri ng)

they do not need to a end the first session. They will need to arrive by 3:00. For any ques ons or

concerns please email StCorneliusYM@gmail.com or Cristyhull@gmail.com.

Confirma on Year 2 Class, Sunday, January 14th. 1:30 - 6:00 p.m. Remember to dress appropriately

for Mass Celebra on.

Confirma on Year 1 Class, Sunday January 21. 1:30 - 6:00 p.m. Remaining $125 retreat balance is due on this day. Please make checks payable to St.

Cornelius. Remember to dress appropriately for Mass Celebra on.

Youth Group: Wednesday nights 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the youth room. (Please use Bellflower entrance into the large hall) Open to all High School aged

students wishing to learn more about their Catholic Faith and/or wan ng to meet fellow Catholic teens.

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SAMOAN CHOIR The Samoan Choir schedule is as follows: 1st Sunday - 8:00 a.m. 2nd Sunday - 5:00 p.m. 3rd Sunday - 12:00 p.m. 4th Saturday - 5:00 p.m. 5th Sunday - 10:00 a.m.

COMMUNITY NEWS 5

RESPECT LIFE NEWS & NOTES AudioGirl Ministries and

St. Cornelius Respect Life Team Ac-complishments for 2017

We were going to give you a list of

items we’ve accomplished, however, nothing is more important than this list: Because of the ultrasound machines we purchased and donated to Horizon Preg-nancy Clinic in Huntington Beach, 210 abortion minded women chose LIFE for their babies after seeing their child via the ultrasound. What does that number

look like? Like this…

Thank you for partnering with us to purchase ul-trasound machines to be placed in pro-life preg-

nancy clinics. Our 4th machine has been pur-chased and will be donated to The Guadalupe

Medical Clinic in Los Angeles, where up to 400 ba-bies a year are saved from abor on.

Happy New Year from

AudioGirlMinistries.com and the St. Cornelius Respect Life Team!

PEOPLE FOR OTHERS (PFO) JANUARY 2018 NEWS

MEETING People for Others will be mee ng on Wednes-

day, January 10th, at 1:00 p.m. in the Holy Family Room. PFO luncheon will be on Friday,

January 12. All parishioners are welcome to a end.

LUNCHEON

People for Others’ Potluck Luncheon for all pa-rishioners and the convalescent homes will be on Friday, January 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Large Hall. You do not have to be a member of PFO to come, enjoy the meal, and entertainment. PFO will furnish fish and chick-

en. Please it is op onal to bring a dish to feed 8- 10 people. PFO will have free Bingo. The

Luncheon theme will be “New Year” All parish-ioners are welcome to a end.

SATURDAY MASS

Our monthly Mass will be held on Saturday, January 13 at 5:00 p.m. We will pray the Ro-

sary at 4:30 p.m. prior to Mass.

We hope to see you at all PFO func ons.

7 COMMUNITY NEWS