210 Oak Grove AvenueMenlo Park, CA 94025

tel: (650) 323-7914fax: (650) 323-3231

www.nativitymenlo.orgwww.nativityschool.com

The Church of the NativityMASSESSundays 08:00, 09:30, 11:30 AM and 05:00 PMSaturdays 08:00 AM and 05:00 PM (Vigil)Weekdays 07:30 AM and 05:30 PMHoly Days 07:30 AM, 05:30 and 07:30 PM

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATIONSaturdays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Opus Dei priest)

03:30 PM - 04:30 PM (parish priest)(also by appointment)

BAPTISMS 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month(contact rectory 2 months in advance)

WEDDINGS Saturdays 11:00 AM and 02:00 PM(contact rectory at least 6 months in advance)

PASTOR Rev. Msgr. Steven D. OtelliniPAROCHIAL VICAR Rev. John Mary ChungPASTOR EMERITUS Rev. Clement DavenportPERMANENT DEACON Rev. Mr. Dominick PelosoWEEKEND ASSISTANTS Rev. Kevin Gaffey Rev. Paul Maillet

SCHOOL OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Mrs. Monica Hickam • (650) 327-2319

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24-hour Eucharistic Adoration

MON-FRIMON-FRISAT

07:10 AM05:10 PM07:40 AM

Morning PrayerEvening PrayerMorning Prayer

25 DEC (Sunday)07:30 PM

Christmas DayHoly Hour for Priests

26 DEC (Monday)07:30 PM Legion of Mary

27 DEC (Tuesday)06:00 PM Cenacles of Life Rosary

28 DEC (Wednesday)29 DEC (Thursday)

06:00 PM Perpetual Help Novena

30 DEC (Friday)31 DEC (Saturday)

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM03:30 PM - 04:30 PM11:30 PM

Confessions (Opus Dei priest)Confessions (parish priest)New Year’s Eve Prayer Vigil

Solemnity of the Nativityof the Lord (Christmas)

25 December 2011“And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us,and we saw His glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son.”

John 1: 38

CalendarSCHEDULE OF MASSES

AND INTENTIONSWEEK OF 25 - 31 DEC

SAT 05:00 PM Priest’s intentionsSUN Masses Priest’s intentionsMON 09:00 AM † Umberto and Dino CanessaTUE 07:30 AM

05:30 PM† Heleodoro Beltan† Miriam and Rolly Somer;† Tom Del Sarto

WED 07:30 AM

05:30 PM

† Fokololo Mafileo;† Lupe Veamatahau† Richard LemMon

THU 07:30 AM05:30 PM

The Neylan and Cardine families† Vincent Meola

FRI 07:30 AM05:30 PM

In thanksgiving† Dina Kowalski

SAT 08:00 AM † Bob Connelly

WEEK OF 10-11 DEC

TOTAL: $11,237Religious Retirement: $5,094

Immaculate Conception: $2,851Annual Appeal Progress:

2011 Annual Appeal Goal:$69,743

$119,800

PARISH OFFERINGS

FIRST READINGBreak out together in song ... for the Lord comforts His people.

Isaiah 52: 7-10

PSALMAll the ends of the earth have seen the sal-vation by our God.

Psalms 98

SECOND READINGIn these last days, He has spoken to us through the Son.

Hebrews 1: 1-6

GOSPELFrom His fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace.

John 1: 1-18

Please pray for those in need of physical or spiritual healing

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The parish office will be closedon Monday, 26 Dec 2011

for Christmas.There will be one Mass,

at 09:00 AM, on Monday.

Pregnant? Need Help? Please contact the Juan Diego Society (408/258-2008), the Gabriel Project (800/910-0191) or

Community Pregnancy Center (650/964-8093). You have never strayed too far for the Father’s forgiveness and grace.

Ministry and Group News

Saints and ObservancesSOLEMNITY, FEAST, MEMORIAL • OPTIONAL MEMORIAL • OTHER

EUCHARISTIC ADORATIONPlease come to visit our Lord during the week, as the church is open 24x7 and He awaits you. Also, everyone is encouraged to sign up for one hour. This will ensure your weekly meeting with Jesus. You may sign up for any hour. Please con-sider the following hours which currently have no one assigned. Our Lord wishes to speak with you, and you have much to say and ask of Him:

MON: 01:00 PM

TUE: 07:00 PM

WED: 06:00 PM

THU: 04:00 PM Prayer Partner

SAT: 01:00-03:00 AM (First Saturday of the month)

Please call 650/269-7794 for more information or to sign up.

CATHOLICISM: A JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLDNativity will be hosting the newly acclaimed video series Catholicism. In this ten part program, Fr. Robert Barron (wordonfire.org) gives a very compelling story of the Catholic Faith as never seen before. Filmed in 15 countries and 50 locations throughout the world, this series not only teaches the faith, but enhances that teaching by exploring art, architecture, literature, music and all the riches of the Catholic tradition. It is the splendor of the global Church, in original, high-definition cinematography. Each of the ten one hour showings will be followed by brief discussion. Classes will be held on Tuesday mornings at 09:30 AM and then repeated on Tuesday evenings at 07:00 PM. They begin on 17 January 2012. This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to sit back and enjoy a fantastic presentation of our Catholic faith by a most engaging and insightful speaker. Invite your family, friends and even non-Catholics who want to learn about our faith to attend. A student’s guide is available to purchase for $24.00. The event will be held in the O’Hare Center. For questions, speak to Deacon Dominick Peloso, 650/269-6279.

28 DEC (Wednesday)THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MartyrsHerod, threatened by the birth of a new king, ordered the slaughter of all newborn boys in Bethlehem. Joseph, warned in a dream, had already taken his family to safety in Egypt.

31 DEC (Saturday)SAINT SYLVESTER I, Pope (d. 335)Pope in the reign of Emperor Constantine I, who built the Lateran and other churches. Sent legates to the First Council of Nicaea, and was involved in the controversy over Arianism.

29 DEC (Thursday)SAINT THOMAS A BECKET, Martyr(1118-1170)Becket held a number of prominent positions, in-cluding civil and canon lawyer, soldier and officer, and the Archdeacon of Canterbury. A friend of King Henry II, he became Chancellor of England and was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162. He was opposed to the King’s interference in ecclesiastical matters, and was exiled several times. He was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral on 29 December 1170.

27 DEC (Tuesday)SAINT JOHN, Apostle and Evangelist ( d. ~101)John, son of Zebedee and brother of James, is the disciple whom Jesus loved. He was privileged, with his brother and Saint Peter, to behold the Saviour raise up a dead child to life, then saw Him transfigured on the mountaintop; he alone reposed his head on His breast at the Last Supper. He is the author of three letters, the book of Revelation, and the most spiritual of the four gospels.

26 DEC (Monday)SAINT STEPHEN, First Martyr (d. ~33)Stephen was in charge of the original set of dea-cons appointed by the apostles to carry out works of charity. He was stoned to death on false charges of blasphemy. Among the approving bystanders at his martyrdom was Saul (the future St. Paul). In imitation of Jesus, Stephen’s final words were that God not hold against his murderers their sin.

WALK FOR LIFE BUSThis year’s West Coast Walk for Life in San Francisco will be on Saturday, 21 January 2012 at the new time of 12:30 PM. There is also a new route: we will begin at the Civic Center Plaza and end at Justin Herman Plaza/Ferry Building. We are again providing a bus for parishioners who would like to participate. We will be leaving Nativity at 11:00 AM and returning right after the walk. To sign up for the bus, call Mary Ellen Peloso at 650/269-7794. There is no charge for the bus. However, space is limited and reservations are required.

Announcements

In The Community

OUR PARISH FAMILYPlease keep all of our newest members in your prayers, as well as those who have preceded us to the Father.

BAPTISMS

MARRIAGES

NEW PARISHIONERS

DEATHS • Charles Moran• Paula Zappettini

NATIVITY SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN 2012We are now scheduling tours with parents for prospective Kindergarteners. The tours are on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 09:00 AM through the month of January. Please call the school office at 650/325-7304 to schedule an appointment. We are currently accepting applications for Kindergarten. Applications are available on our website under the Forms tab: nativityschool.com/forms/index.htm. Also, please encourage friends, neighbors, and other preschool classmates to consider Nativity School. Our Open House is scheduled for Sunday, 29 January 2012, from 11:00 AM-01:00 PM.

CHRISTMAS IN ROME AND WASHINGTONEWTN, the 24/7 Catholic cable channel will be airing Christmas liturgies from both Rome and Washington DC. Pope Benedict offers Christmas Eve Mass, 24 December 2011 at 01:00 PM; Christmas Eve Mass from Washington on 24 December 2011 at 07:30 PM and the Christmas Day Mass at 09:00 AM. The Papal message to Rome and the World will be shown on 25 December 2011 at 07:00 PM. For the New Year, Pope Benedict will lead Vespers of Thanksgiving, 31 December 2011 at 09:00 AM and 02:00 PM.

Electronic giving is offeredthrough our website

www.nativitymenlo.orgor call the parish office

for a paper form

Parish Office Hours09:00 AM-04:00 PM

Monday-Friday

LOST AND FOUNDFound: black leather gloves.

GOOD FOOD AND GOOD MUSIC!Join us for the Nativity Men’s Club 2012 Crab Cioppino Feast. Tickets are on sale for the Men’s Club Crab Cioppino Dinner on Saturday, 11 February 2011 at Nativity School in the Sobrato Pavilion. The dinner will include Dungeness Crab Cioppino, pasta, salad; sourdough bread, and dessert. The tickets are $45.00 per person and include 2 glasses of wine per adult. In addition to the best Crab Cioppino anywhere dinner entertainment will be provided by Ron Borelli, accordionist and his 5-piece band. All tickets must be purchased in advance along with your reservations. Seating is limited. Reservations are being taken until 01 February 2012, or until the seating capacity is reached, whichever comes first. Drop off your reservations at the school office or the parish

office. If you have any questions, please contact Don Coy at 650/465-4466 or nativitymc@gmail.com.

NATIVITY MOMS AND DADS OF YESTERYEARRenew past friendships and make new ones. Join the Nativity Moms and Dads of Yesteryear at Harry’s Hofbrau, 1909 El Camino Real, Redwood City, on Tuesday, 10 January 2011, at 06:00 PM. For information only call Bonnie Neylan at 650/322-8645.

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From the Holy SeeEach month His Holiness Benedict XVI asks for general and missionary prayer intentions. For December 2011, the Holy Father’s prayer intentions are:

General: Peace among All Peoples.That all peoples may grow in harmony and peace through mutual understanding and re-spect.

Missionary: That children and young people may be mes-sengers of the Gospel and that they may be respected and preserved from all violence and exploitation.T

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SCHEDULE OF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR SERVICESTHURSDAY, 22 December 201107:30 PM Advent Penance Service

SATURDAY, 24 December 2011(Christmas Eve)08:00 AM06:00 PM10:00 PM10:45 PM

11: 00 PM

Daily MassVigil Mass of ChristmasChoral Prelude to Christmas MassChristmas Proclamation and Procession to the CribChristmas Mass

SUNDAY, 25 December 2011(Christmas Day)08:00 AM09:30 AM11:30 AM

Christmas Day MassChristmas Day MassChristmas Day Mass(no 05:00 PM Mass)

MONDAY, 26 December 201109:00 AM Daily Mass (one Mass only)

SATURDAY, 31 December 2011(New Year’s Eve)08:00 AM05:00 PM11:30 PM

Daily MassVigil for the Solemnity of the Mother of GodNew Year’s Eve Prayer Vigil

SUNDAY, 01 January 2012(Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God)08:00 AM09:30 AM11:30 AM05:00 PM

Solemnity of the Mother of GodSunday MassSunday MassSunday Mass

MONDAY, 02 January 201209:00 AM Daily Mass (one Mass only)

ChristmasThe actual date of Christ’s birth is unknown. The Gospels do not record it and there is not any early tradition to identify it. Scholars identify the approximate year as sometime between 8 - 5 BC and the season as probably early spring. The feast day was placed where it was, in all likelihood, to supplant the practice of the winter solstice festival among pagan converts by pointing to Christ as the true light who comes into the world. The Western Church emphasizes the celebration of the Nativity or Birth of Jesus on December 25, while the Eastern Church celebrates His manifestation to the Magi on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6.The word Christmas was derived from the Old English Cristes Maesse or “Mass of Christmas.” Over the centuries it has become a comprehensive word including both the religious traditions and the secular traditions.In North America, the early immigrants brought their different Christmas traditions. The Germans brought the Christmas tree, the Irish contributed the lights in windows of homes, Catholic immigrants brought Midnight Mass and everyone had their own Christmas carols.

The Lights of ChristmasThe most obvious symbol of Christmas are lights – Christmas candles, window lights, luminaries, lights on the Advent Wreath and Christmas tree. All signifying that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world.

Christmas TreeChristmas trees can be found almost anywhere, any size. For many people, the Christmas tree is only a seasonal decoration. To Christians it symbolizes the green of hope at a time of dying, the burning light of Christ at a time of spiritual darkness and the fruits of paradise. Its origin as a Christian symbol may trace to an historical event. When St. Boniface evangelized the Germanic tribes he chopped down their sacred oak to prove the impotence of their god. Just as Patrick used the shamrock as a symbol of the Trinity, Boniface used the evergreen as a symbol of the eternity of the true God. The Church provides a blessing ceremony in its Book of Blessings for use in the absence of a priest.

Young Believers

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased!”