Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church The Second Sunday of Advent December 9, 2012 2205 West Market Street ▪ Greensboro, NC 27403 ▪ (336) 274-6520 ▪ www.olgchurch.org The Second Sunday of Advent December 9, 2012 Parish Office Office Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri, 9AM-12Noon, 1PM-4PM Thursday 9AM– 12Noon only Phone: (336) 274-6520 Fax Number: (336) 274-7326 Website: www.olgchurch.org E-Mail Address: olgchurch@olgchurch.org Church Office Address: 201 South Chapman Street Greensboro, NC 27403 Catholic Social Services (336) 274-5577 Hispanic Ministries (336) 273-2343 Rev. Mr. Enedino Aquino, Permanent Deacon Our Lady of Grace School Office Mr. Kurt Telford, Principal Phone: (336) 275-1522 Fax: (336) 279-8824 Website: www.olgsch.org E-Mail Address: olgschool@olgsch.org School Address: 2205 West Market Street Greensboro, NC 27403 Schedule of Services Weekend Mass Schedule Saturday: 5:00pm Sunday: 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:30pm (Traditional Latin Mass) 4:00pm (Spanish) & 7:00pm Holy Days of Obligation: 6:00pm (Vigil), 7:00am, 12Noon, 6:00pm Mission Statement Daily Mass In the Eucharist we receive the true Christ—the foundation of our Church. With Christ in us, we form, nurture, and promote love, respect for human dignity, Christian values and teachings within our family, parish, and community through worship and service. Confession Rev. Fr. Eric Kowalski, Pastor Rev. Fr. Christopher Davis, Parochial Vicar Permanent Deacons Rev. Mr. Tony Pynes Rev. Mr. Tim Rohan, retired Rev. Mr. Paul Teich, retired Rev. Mr. Jim Toner Rev. Mr. Enedino Aquino, Hispanic Ministries Monday - Friday: 7:00am, 8:45am; Saturday: 8:00am Saturday: 3:00pm - 4:45pm Wednesday: 7:30am (following 7:00am Mass) Thursday: 5:00pm - 6:00pm or by appointment Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Thursday: 9:15am - 6:00pm Friday: 7:30am - 8:30am Benediction: 1st Sat. of each month following the 8:00am Mass Recitation of the Holy Rosary Saturday after the 8:00am Mass (except 1st Sat. of each month when the rosary is prayed at 7:30am before Mass) Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church December 9, 2012 El Segundo Domingo de Adviento SERVICIOS HISPANOS Confesiones: sábados de 3:00 p.m. 4:45 p.m. miércoles 7:30 a.m. (después de las misa de las 7:00 a.m.) jueves de 5:00 p.m. - 6 p.m. bajo cita Bautismos: Todos los sábados ver horario en el boletín. Matrimonios: Separar con 6 meses de anticipación a la fecha del matrimonio. Quinceañeras: Separar con 9 de Diciembre de 2012 6 meses de anticipación a la fecha Catecismo: De septiembre a mayo; Inscripciones desde Junio; Edad: 7 años en adelante Confirmación: De septiembre a mayo; Inscripciones en agosto; Edad: 13 años en adelante. Mas información (336) 273-2343 Servicios Sociales: Casa Guadalupe (Winston-Salem) (336) 727-4745 DIRECTORIO DE MINISTERIOS HISPANOS LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Lunes: Is 35:1-10; Sal 85 (84):9-14; Lc 5:17-26 Martes: Is 40:1-11; Sal 96 (95):1-3, 10ac, 11-13; Mt 18:12-14 Miércoles: Zac 2:14-17 o Apo 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lc 1:26-3 o Lc 1:39-47, o cualquier lectura del Común de la Santísima Virgen María, nos. 707-712 Jueves: Is 41:13-20; Sal 145 (144):1, 9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 Viernes: Is 48:17-19; Sal 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 Sábado: Eclo 48:1-4, 9-11; Sal 80 (79): 2ac, 3b, 15-16, Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Domingo: Sof 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; Fil 4:4-7; Lc 3:10-18 Párroco Padre Eric Kowalski 274-6520 Vicario Parroquial Padre Christopher Davis 274-6520 Coordinador General Diácono Enedino Aquino 273-2343 Preparación para Bautismo Javier y Josefina 617-7741 Preparadores Matrimoniales Jesús y Marina 987-8884 Encargada de Lectores Hermán Sedda 851-9503 Encargado de Ministros de la Eucaristía Jerman Duran 685-9866 Música y Coro Fitty Reyes 476-0472 Encargada de Catecismo Nuria Duran 685-9866 Encargado de Quinceañeras y Bodas Ministerio Hispano 963-3704 Ministerio de Hospitalidad Juan Luis Juárez 327-6426 Grupo Juvenil Luis Sánchez Juan Luis 253-7521 327-6426 The Second Sunday of Advent December 9, 2012 NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA GRACIA Hace una atenta invitación Celebrar juntos en familia el día de la: VIRGEN MARIA DE GUADALUPE Emperatriz de las Américas Día: Martes 11 de DICIEMBRE, 2012 LUGAR: War Memorial Auditorium del Coliseo de Greensboro DIRECCIÓN: 1921 West Lee St. Greensboro, NC 27435 Programa: 6:00 p.m. Bienvenida 6:30 p.m. Mañanitas a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe 7:00 p.m. Misa Solemne 9:00 p.m. Apariciones Guadalupanas 9:30 p.m. Música, Danzas y Cantos a nuestra Madre 10:00 p.m. Misa Solemne 12:30 a.m. Música y Cantos 1:00 a.m. Despedida Más informes al Ministerio Católico Hispano (336) 273-2343 y 963-3704 nino05@hotmail.com Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church December 9, 2012 Parish Staff Contact Information Phone (336) 274-6520 Fax (336) 274-7326 Website www.olgchurch.org Sacraments Marriage: Couples please contact one of our priests if you wish to schedule a wedding date at the parish—a minimum of 6 months preparation is required. CLERGY Pastor Rev. Fr. Eric Kowalski, elkolgcs1@gmail.com ext. 314 Parochial Vicar, Director of Liturgy Rev. Fr. Christopher Davis, frdavis@olgchurch.org ext. 313 Permanent Deacons Dcn. Tony Pynes, tpynes@olgchurch.org, ext. 345 Dcn. Tim Rohan (ret.), Call the church office. Dcn. Paul Teich (ret.), deaconpaul@triad.rr.com, 202-4428 Dcn. Jim Toner, kerygma8@aol.com, 298-7789 Baptism: Parents should attend a Baptismal Preparation Class (held the first Sunday of each month at 1:00pm in the school library). Baptisms are held on Saturdays. Please contact Alison Gregg (ext. 337 or agregg@olgchurch.org) in the office for more information. Anointing of the Sick: If you or a loved one are seriously ill or facing surgery, please contact the church office to arrange to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Director of Religious Education Jim McCullough, jmccullough@olgchurch.org, ext. 335 Assistant to the Director of Religious Education MaryAnn DiPaola, mdipaola@olgchurch.org, ext. 333 Preschool Religious Education Coordinator/VBS Lisa Balzano, lbalzano@olgchurch.org, ext. 321 Communion for the Sick & Homebound: Please contact the church office if you have a stay in the hospital or will be homebound. We would be happy to make arrangements for you to receive Communion if you are unable to attend Mass. First Communion, Confirmation, Religious Vocations: Please call the church office for information. LITURGY DEPARTMENT Director of Liturgy Rev. Fr. Christopher Davis, frdavis@olgchurch.org, ext. 313 Founding Director, OLG Schola Cantorum Brian Marble, bmarble@olgchurch.org,, ext. 337 Assistant to the Director of Liturgy Andrew O’Connor, aoconnor@olgchurch.org, ext. 330 General Information Contact the church office for the following: ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Welcome Finance/Office Administrator Jenny Montgomery, businessmanager@olgchurch.org ext. 315 Parish Records Jean Wilson, jwilson@olgchurch.org, ext. 322 Executive Assistant to the Pastor Allison Gregg, agregg@olgchurch.org, ext. 317 Receptionist Rita Eberle, reberle@olgchurch.org, ext. 310 Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Smith, jsmith@olgchurch.org, ext. 311 Accountant Danny Byerly, dbyerly@olgchurch.org, ext. 316 Verbal announcements at Mass Scheduling information/fundraiser before or after Mass Reserving a meeting space Bulletin submissions—Submissions may be sent to reberle@olgchurch.org. The submission deadline is two Fridays prior to the publishing weekend. Parking: The church has two parking areas—a small lot on Chapman Street and a larger lot on Tremont Drive. Please observe all city parking regulations when parking on the street. Bulletin Boards: To place a church related advertisement on either of the two church bulletin boards, please submit materials to the church office for the pastor’s approval. Posters/flyers placed without prior approval, will be removed. To become a member of Our Lady of Grace, please complete one of our registration forms located at the entrances of the church, on our parish website (www.olgchurch.org/registration.html), or complete the form below and we will mail you one. Welcome to the parish! Place this form in the offering basket or mail to the church office. Name: Address: City: State:_______ Zip: ____________ Phone:_________________ E-Mail: I would like to join Our Lady of Grace. Please send me a registration form. I would like information about becoming Catholic. MAIL TO: OLG Registration Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church 201 S. Chapman St. Greensboro, NC 27403 How can we help? Please call the parish office at 274-6520 ext. 310, if you have any questions. The Second Sunday of Advent December 8—December 16 Mass Intentions SAT—December 8 8:00 AM 5:00 PM SUN—December 9 7:00 AM 8:30 AM 10:00 AM 11:30 AM 1:30 PM 4:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 AM 8:45 AM 7:00 AM 8:45 AM 7:00 AM 8:45 AM MON—December 10 TUE—December 11 WED—December 12 THU—December 13 FRI—December 14 SAT—December 15 SUN—December 16 December 9, 2012 7:00 AM 8:45 AM 7:00 AM 8:45 AM 8:00 AM 5:00 PM 7:00 AM 8:30 AM 10:00 AM 11:30 AM 1:30 PM 4:00 PM 7:00 PM John Mullins† Dan Moore OLG Parishioners Albert Burch† John O’Brien, Jr. John Mullins† Marie Van Kleef Priest’s Intention David Twomey† Mario NoVoa† Andres Guzman Samuel Rohan Frances Williams† No 7:00 AM Mass Today Dominic & Redman Families Rev. James Tully† Joseph Zarate† William & Ellen Roberts† Jose H. Gutierrez John & Cindy O’Brien Deceased Members of the Janas & Wroblewski Families OLG Parishioners Rosa I. Gutierrez Joseph & Matthew Paul Vezzi & Josephine Marchese† Roger & John Martin† Priest’s Intention Priest’s Intention Amy Elizabeth Brady Eternal rest grant unto all the faithful departed, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them… Tom McGough Phyllis Gilker Scripture Readings Monday: Tuesday: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 5:17-26 St. Damasus I, Pope Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3, 10ac, 11-13; Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Our Lady of Guadalupe Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47 Thursday: St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 Friday: St. John of the Cross, Priest & Doctor of the Church Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80: 2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Sunday: Third Sunday of Advent Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18 Pray for the Sick (listed alphabetically) Roy Allard Tom Dourgarian Jim Furman Bobby Hanlon Colin Kanyuk Doris Kauder Frank Kauder Jacob Keepes Evelyn Knox Jane Kodack Dan & Marie LaBlanca Brian Marble Jeane McFillin Carol McGough Julian McClamroch Fred Myers Ed Pachasa Amor Payawal Nelson Payawal Giacomo Puccio Nancy Saksa Worth Squires Maria & Sylvia Szumilus Deacon Paul Teich Marie Van Kleef Jimmy Wright Bill Williams Sharon Wintermate Sofie Zuluga *Names appear for two weeks unless continuation is requested. Pray for Those in Military Service Remember in your prayers the men and women in the active military and their families. Your fellow parishioners are grateful for your support in prayer until their loved ones’ safe return. SP4 Sam Kiceina Private Will Stoddart CDR James Polickoski PFC Nicholas Longphre SPC Thomas Berti SPC Jason Cook PFC Brandon Bridge Andrew Dial PO1 James Andrew Ellis Maj James R. Schmid SGT Zackaria Harris PFC Kimberly Walton Lt Garland Wilson CM2 Steven Walton Sgt Adrian M. Welch Cpl James Austin Lt John Roath E-3 PFC Cody B. Brown PO3 Jesse M. Brown Maj Timothy P. Popek CPO Glen Thomas Lt Col Rick Moor SFC Frank Luedtke Pvt Colin Butts SPC Wayne Hopper SSG Steven Bixby SFC Chris Brooks SSgt David A. Weekley Pvt Crystal Martinez-Butts SPC Elliot F. Chodkowski Cpl Jonathan Hill Sgt Maj Corbin’s Unit CAPT Justin Vaughan Maj Christopher McCarthy SSgt Travis Hawley PFC Chris Kirwan, USMC Sgt Maj Bill Stoddart PFC Matthew Sarnocinski PFC Conway Prior E-4 Robert Bauer Staff Sgt. Ian Taylor Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church This Week at OLG CAF = Cafeteria; CR = Choir Room; CH = Church; LIB = Library; LS = Lower School; MS = Middle School; OLC = Our Lady’s Cottage; Monday, December 10 10:00 AM Monday Morning Bible Study, SJH-d 6:00 PM Cub Scouts, CAF 6:30 PM First Place, SJH-d 7:00 PM Christmas Pageant Rehearsal, CH Tuesday, December 11 9:15 AM Divine Mercy Cenacle, CR 7:00 PM RCIA, LIB Wednesday, December 12 7:30 AM Confession, CH 6:00 PM Walking with Purpose, CAF,LIB 7:00 PM Education & Formation Meeting, SR 7:45 PM Rosary Group, SJH-d Thursday, December 13 9:30 AM Divine Mercy Cenacle, CR 9:30 AM Adoration, CH (until 6:00 PM) 5:00 PM Confession, CH 7:30 PM Flames of Fire Charismatic Prayer Group, SJH-d Friday, December 14 Saturday, December 15 Sister Parish Cookie Sale, CY 7:30 AM Rosary, CH 10:00 AM RCIA, LIB 3:00 PM Confession, CH 5:45 PM Hispanic Faith Formation, LS, SR 6:00 PM Pro-Life Group (Hispanic), LIB Sunday, December 16 Sister Parish Cookie Sale, CY 10:20 AM Religious Education, LS, MS 10:20 AM Adult Faith Formation, LIB, SJH-d 2:45 PM Hispanic Faith Formation, LS, SR 3:00 PM Action Through Faith (Hispanic), SJH-d 5:00 PM Girl Scout Troop, LIB 6:00 PM Hispanic Posada, CAF, GYM 6:30 PM Boy Scout Troop, SR, GYM Deadline for Bulletin Article Submissions Edition Deadline for Submission Dec. 23rd 4PM, Wednesday, Dec. 12th Dec. 30th 4PM, Wednesday, Dec. 19th Jan. 6th 4PM, Thursday, Dec. 20th Jan. 13th 4PM, Wednesday, Jan. 2nd Submissions should be sent to reberle@olgchurch.org PLEASE NOTE: Submissions received after the deadline will appear in the next bulletin issue unless the information would be outdated. Thank you for your cooperation. December 9, 2012 PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN In order to fully comply with the letter and spirit of the Charter for the Protection of Children, Our Lady of Grace would like to make all parishioners aware of the Diocesan requirements for reporting ministry-related sexual abuse of a minor. Any individual having actual knowledge of or reasonable cause to suspect an incident of ministry-related sexual abuse is to immediately report the incident to the Chancery. The Chancery will then report the incident to the proper civil authorities. The individual reporting the incident to the Chancery will be notified of the particulars regarding the Chancery's filing of the incident with civil authorities. This reporting requirement is not intended to supersede the right of an individual to make a report to civil authorities, but is to ensure proper, complete and timely reporting. Should an individual choose to make a report to civil authorities, a report is still to be made to the Chancery. Address: 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 704-370-6299 All the clergy and staff of Our Lady of Grace Church and School are actively engaged in the ongoing training and education offered by the Diocese of Charlotte in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. This education consists of a two-fold requirement for ALL volunteers, age 18 and up, who work in any capacity for either the church or school, whether or not your work includes interacting with children: 1) a criminal background check and 2) successful completion of the “Protecting God’s Children” Program. This requirement includes those involved in ALL ministries (i.e., Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Usher, etc.) whether or not you have direct contact with children. Please contact Jenny Montgomery at businessmanager@olgchurch.org or call the parish office at 274-6520, ext. 315 for instructions on completing release forms for background checks and completing the “Protecting God’s Children” training online. Those currently involved in ministries or volunteering for either the church or school who have not fulfilled the requirement by January 1st, 2013 will no longer be eligible, as per the Diocesan requirements. The Second Sunday of Advent From the Pastor’s Desk “Laudetur Jesus Christus!” (Praised be Jesus Christ!) As we enter upon this Second Sunday of Advent, I’d like to take a few moments to recap some of the positive things that took place this week here at Our Lady of Grace. On Monday evening, we were blessed to have 6 priests hearing Confessions. I was particularly impressed with the number of those both from this parish and from outside our parish family who availed themselves of the opportunity to make things right with the Lord through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It was good to see all 6 priests with full lines hearing confessions for a solid 90 minutes! How blessed we are to have the opportunity to have a true conversion experience during this holy season! A word of thanks to my brother priests who took time from their own hectic parish schedules to come in priestly fraternity and unity to assist both Fr. Chris and myself. God bless you, my brothers! A few folks have inquired as to the status of the baptistery and confessional restoration projects. Both are moving along with a projected date of completion for the confessional before Christmas. The restored confessional will be handicapped accessible and will allow for a small bench to sit for those unable to kneel due to age or infirmity. A similar modification will also be carried out on the existing confessional. Many thanks for your patience during these changes which were begun during my predecessor’s time here. I am pleased that we had both the talented people and the financial resources to complete these projects. A word about the baptistery gate—when the wooden partition that comprised the “reconciliation room” was dismantled it was discovered that contrary to popular belief, the original gates had indeed been removed and were subsequently lost. A thorough search of all buildings revealed that the gates indeed had been lost, thus necessitating the removal of the entire grill (which will be refitted for use outside in our parish prayer garden area) and the installation of a new grillwhich should be in place after Easter. In the meantime, repairs are ongoing for the brickwork and the ceiling. Thanks for your patience. Finally, a few folks have been asking about the reason for the increased security at the Administration Building. It is true that in the past the front door was left unlocked and anyone could just enter unannounced. Sadly, like the Edsel and Vaudeville unlocked doors are also a thing of the past. It is not a great hardship to ring the bell once or twice and wait patiently for a minute or two to gain access. I appreciate your patience and cooperation. Oremus pro invicem! Rev. Fr. Eric L. Kowalski December 9, 2012 Holiday Schedule Christmas Around the World Monday, December 10, 10:00 am Our Lady of Guadualupe Greensboro Coliseum Tuesday, December 11 7:00 pm Mass and 10:00 pm Mass Grimsley Madrigal Singers Thursday, December 13, 7:00 pm Christmas on Campus Tuesday, December 18, 6:00 pm Christmas Eve Monday, December 24 No Morning Mass 3:30 pm Children's Pageant 4:00 pm Mass 6:00 pm Mass 8:00 pm Mass 11:00 pm Choir Program 12:00 Midnight Mass Christmas Day Tuesday, December 25 9:00 am Mass (English) 11:00 am Mass (Spanish) 1:00 pm Traditional Latin Mass Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Special Announcements Craft Group Ministry The craft group will not meet on Fridays until February 15, 2012. Please call Barbara Small at 540-9574 if you have any questions. Thanks. Parish Directories are here and available for pick-up at the entrances of the church. Please take one per family. Rite of Acceptance/Welcoming At the 10 am Mass this Sunday, Dec. 9th, we will celebrate the Rite of Acceptance for 2-3 adults becoming Catechumens, combined with the Rite of Welcoming for another 10 adults previously baptized as Christians in other ecclesial communities who would like to come into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 2013. They are not receiving sacraments this week, but are publically affirming their commitment to prepare for the Easter sacraments. Many of them will be attending the 10 am Mass over those months, and, beginning on the 9th, they will be sent out of the church at the Prayer of the Faithful, with a blessing by the priest, to study the Scriptures while we participate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Donut Sunday Host Groups Needed! A Host Group is needed for January 6 and February 3, 2013. Several volunteers are needed per Mass. Please consider hosting this important ministry by calling Debbie Barrow at 337-2335 (C) or 373-5156 (O). Thank you! Please Help Society of St. Vincent de Paul The Society is experiencing a substantial increase for emergency assistance for rent and utilities. This year as of October 30th we have dispensed over $50,000 to keep needy families from being evicted or having their water or electricity turned off. We were able to do this through the wonderful year-end generosity of individuals as well as churches and various Catholic organizations. However, we are now down to four weeks of funds for this purpose. Would you please consider donating to the Society, in care of Our Lady of Grace Church, 201 South Chapman St., 27403. Verification letters will acknowledge your contribution. Thank you, Pat Kirwan, President, St. Vincent de Paul. Urban Ministry Food Donations Please place all food donations in the cardboard bin in the side vestibule (the exit nearest the lower school). Our Lady of Grace donated 180 pounds of food on December 3, 2012. Many thanks for your continued generosity! Information Needed We are currently updating our contact information (email and phone) for all those who are on one of our various commissions, committees, councils, or ministries. We are doing this to make sure that when Father sends out email notices they are received by those who need the information. Please take a moment and send a quick email to Allison at agregg@olgchurch.org. In the email header write CONTACT INFO and in the body of the email, please make sure to include your name, your email address, telephone, AND what commission, ministry, etc. you are on. Many thanks! December 9, 2012 Manner of Reception of Holy Communion As Catholic Christians, there are several ways a person may receive Holy Communion. If you are attending Mass in the Extraordinary Form (the Traditional Latin Mass at 1:30PM), one receives Holy Communion silently and on the tongue (not answering “Amen” when the priest places the Sacred Host on your tongue). If you are attending Mass in the Ordinary Form (the Mass as it was revised after the Second Vatican Council), one has several options available. Canon Law (the Church’s law for all Catholics throughout the world) states that the manner for receiving Holy Communion is kneeling and on the tongue (responding “Amen” audibly after the Priest/Deacon says “The Body of Christ”). However, in the United States an indult (special permission) was granted a number of years back allowing individuals to receive Holy Communion standing and in the hand, also responding Amen audibly after the Priest/ Deacon says The Body of Christ. Since both bodily postures are permitted, the choice is up to the individual communicants as to which bodily posture an individual may wish to employ. To facilitate the reception of Holy Communion for those wishing to receive kneeling and on the tongue, Communion is offered at the altar rail. Reception of Holy Communion at the altar rail is not restricted only to those who wish to kneel while receiving Holy Communion. PLEASE NOTE: It is not the policy of Our Lady of Grace to restrict or forbid the manner (either kneeling or standing, in the hand or on the tongue) in which a communicant wishes to receive Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. Natural Family Planning Course Discover a safe healthy and effective means of identifying fertility through the many blessings Natural Family Planning can bring into your lives. Married and engaged couples are welcome to learn of God’s wonderful vision and plan for marriage and family through a course on the Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning (NFP). The cost per couple is $140, childcare will be available upon request. The course will be held on Sundays, January 20th, February 17th and March 3rd from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm in Our Lady of Grace School Library. WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Married Couples—Want to give the gift that keeps on giving? Attend the next worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend—it’s the best gift you’ll ever give to each other and your marriage! The weekend centers entirely on your relationship and is a positive, private experience between you and your spouse that will revitalize your marriage. Marriage Encourter weekends make great Christmas and Valentine’s Day gifts. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends are Feb. 8-10, 2013 in Winston-Salem, NC and Apr. 26-28, 2013 in Raleigh, NC. Early registration is highly recommended. For more information, visit our website at http://NCMarriageDiscovery.org or contact William & Elizabeth Nickle at applications@NCMarriageDiscovery.org or 704-315-2144. The Second Sunday of Advent December 9, 2012 Fall Festival Survey Response Requested by December 15 The Parish Council needs your thoughts on the future of the OLG Fall Festival. For the past 4-5 years we have held the Fall Festival annually with pretty much the same activities each year---Bake Sale, Crafts Sale, Basket Raffle, games for young folks, dinner on Saturday night and for the past 2 years we have also had a BBQ dinner on Friday night plus the 50-50 raffle. Our objective each year has been to make $25,000 profit. This year we fell short of our financial goal—making a little over $15,000 in profit. In the future, we would like this endeavor to be a combination of the school and church working together. Below are some questions for your consideration: Should we continue each year without any changes? Should we have this activity every other year? Should it be one day or two? Should we replace the current activities with new ones? What new activities could be implemented? Do you have a new idea other than the Fall Festival to help raise money for OLG? Please share your thoughts/opinions on the above questions and feel free to add any comments/ideas by December 15 to maryclarkmullins@gmail.com or to kenkempsr@aol.com. Together we can make this event an even better activity for Our Lady of Grace. Thank you, Father Kowalski, Father Davis and The Parish Council Celebrate Stewardship First Sunday of Advent The DSA is paid in full! Thank you to all who helped us achieve our goal! God bless you! Give to those who have given a lifetime. Senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests worked for many years for little, if any, pay. Their sacrifices now leave their religious communities without adequate savings for retirement. Your gift to today’s second collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious helps to provide prescription medications, nursing care, and more for thousands of elderly religious. Please be generous. Some of the obstacles that keep us from “making a straight path” for the Lord are the same obstacles that keep us from embracing stewardship as a way of life. John the Baptist calls us to reform our lives and let go of the selfishness and greed that keep us from following God’s will. Everything we have is a gift from GOD Parish Support Week of December 2, 2012 Actual Collection Offertory Goal Surplus/(Loss) for Week of 12/02/12 $20,240 $32,000 ($-11,760) Year-to-Date for Fiscal Year 2012/2013 Actual Collection Offertory Goal Surplus/(Loss) for FY 2012/2013 $461,731 $485,792 ($-24,061) Thank you for your continued financial sacrifices made on behalf of our parish family. God bless you, Fr. Kowalski Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church December 9, 2012 Thanksgiving Baskets Once again because of your generosity we were able to support the efforts of several local agencies and organizations that provide for the needy in our community. We were able to provide food for 100+ families who otherwise would not have had a Thanksgiving meal. Thank you to everyone who helped make this ministry a success through monetary donations as well as food contributions. You truly brightened the holiday for those less fortunate! Angel Tree Thank You! Our Lady of Grace would like to thank everyone who participated in the Angel Tree Program. We would like to thank the volunteers who graciously donated their time to assist this project. We would also like to thank everyone who opened their hearts to these children and families and succeeded in making their Christmas special. With the help and support from all of you, Angel Tree was a wonderful success. If there are any questions, please call Trish Murdock at 392-2752 or Julie Justice at 708-1131. Thank you! Tootsie Rolls Hand-out Operation LAMB Because of the generosity of Our Lady of Grace parishioners we were able to raise a total of $669 for the Tootsie Roll Hand-out on November 24 and 25. Special thanks to Fr. Kowalski for blessing this event and the office staff for their assistance. Many Blessings and thanks for your generosity, Bill Eastwood, KofC #939 Chairman, “Operation Lamb.” The Second Sunday of Advent December 9, 2012 WOMEN’S CLUB EVENTS Christmas Party Our Christmas Party on December 9th from 2:00 PM TO 4:00 PM will be held at the home of Mary & Bob Lysiak, 3718 Watauga Dr. RSVP to Mary at 294-1963 or hostesses Andrea Furr at 288-3666, Nancy Michaud at 299-8787 or Sharon Sural at 855-1850. December 11, 10:00 am OLG School Gym (Please park in rear parking lot.) Preschoolers, their parents and/or guardians are invited to this very special Christmas musical presentation! Cookie Exchange Our Cookie Exchange will be held on Thursday, December 20th, from 10:00 AM to 12 NOON at the home of Gullanar Campbell, 2513 E. Woodlyn Way. RSVP to Gullanar at 299-1450 or Lynn Bryant at 545-0626. Attractions Books Make Great Gifts! Our ATTRACTIONS BOOKS make great Holiday Gifts. Pick one up in the church office or call Louise Kemp at 2942986. Checks should be made payable to the OLG Women’s Club for $25 each. Volunteers Needed Cleaning Saturday, December 22 from 9 AM – 12:30 PM Light Cleaning & Decorating Monday, December 24 from 9 AM – 12:30 PM Father Kowalski, Father Chris and the members of the Altar and Flower Committees invite your participation in cleaning and decorating our church for the celebration of our Christmas Masses. You may volunteer for one or both days; any amount of time you can give is welcome. Saturday will involve cleaning the sanctuary, devotional and congregational areas, and entrances of the church. On Monday, our work will include light cleaning followed by decorating. This is a great opportunity for families, singles, couples, teens and groups; it is an especially good opportunity for youth who need to earn service hours. There are no special requirements – just a willing spirit and love of our magnificent church. Please bring a mop or broom, bucket, cleaning cloths, and gloves (if you use them). Questions, please call Betty Doyle at 856-7035 or Patty Jennings at 282-6847. Free and open to the public, the musical is performed by OLG School students and includes familiar Christmas Carols. Afterwards, cookies and juice will be served. To make a reservation, please call Karen Hornfeck at (336) 275-1522 or email khornfeck@olgsch.org 40th Annual March for Life Bus Trip to Washington, DC, January 25, 2013 Join thousands of fellow Pro-Life advocates as we march for the rights of the unborn, our most vulnerable citizens. A bus trip is being organized to the 2013 March for Life in Washington, DC on Friday, January 25th. The cost is $75 per person, $50 for youth and college students. The bus will pick up passengers in Greensboro, Burlington and Durham. Trip includes Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Rally and March for Life, and visit to Congressional Representatives. There is also a youth track for those interested in attending the youth rally and Mass at the Verizon Center. Please reserve your seat by contacting Lydia Manca at 336-617-8798. Make checks payable to Our Lady of Grace Church and mail to Lydia Manca at 7128 Pleasant Oaks Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410. Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church December 9, 2012 MARK YOUR CALENDAR! December 13TH Christmas on Campus Come Celebrate the Advent Season Tuesday, December 18 Since 1966 the Grimsley High School Madrigal Singers have been a top chamber choir in North Carolina and for the past nine years have been a community favorite around Greensboro at Christmastime. 6:00 pm—8:00 pm Featuring: Soup & Salad Dinner, A Live Nativity, Craft Station for the Children, A Visit from St. Nick, Music in the Church, Caroling around the Campus and activities for all ages. This Free Event is open to all. Please join us as we celebrate the holiday season. To share our blessings, all are encouraged to bring a gift for the women at the homeless shelter. Suggested gifts are: toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, socks and gloves. For more information, please call Our Lady of Grace School at 336-275-1522. The GHS Madrigals Concert 7:00 pm Our Lady of Grace Church Instantly recognizable in their custom made Renaissance attire, the Madrigals can be seen and heard annually at landmark world-class performance venues in North Carolina and beyond. The Madrigals and director Marshall Johnson are proud to Carry-on the long tradition of elite a cappella singing at GHS and are thrilled to be sharing the joys of the holiday season with you and yours! The Second Sunday of Advent December 9, 2012 CHRISTMAS FLOWERS Corpus Christi Foundation Cookie Sale December 15 & 16 after Mass Assortment of Christmas cookies: 1 lb. tin for $10 The Corpus Christi Foundation in Granada, Nicaragua is again sponsoring the annual Cookie Sale. The proceeds are used to help feed the children of Nicaragua through the year. Please consider ordering the cookies ahead of time as Christmas gifts for your loved ones and friends. If you would like to pre-order, complete the form below and return to the church office (201 S. Chapman St., Greensboro, NC 27403) or place in the collection basket in an envelope marked “Cookie Sale.” Make checks payable to OLG with “Cookie Sale” on the memo line. Orders can be picked up at the church after Masses on December 15 & 16. Contact Carlotta Riker for information at carlottariker@gmail.com or 297-4441. The tradition of placing flowers on the altar for Christmas is being offered to those who wish to make a donation IN MEMORY OF (deceased) or IN HONOR OF (living) their loved ones or friends. Your participation will enhance the beauty of the celebration of Mass through the use of flowers during Christmas, New Year’s, and throughout the year. To make a contribution during this Christmas season, please complete the form below and return it to the church office or place it in the collection basket along with your donation of $20. It is important that the information be printed legibly and completed on this order form to avoid errors in printing the list of names. Wednesday, December 12 is the deadline for names to be printed. We will be unable to accept names by telephone, so please complete the form and return it as soon as possible. Thank you! Christmas Flowers Order Form IN MEMORY OF (deceased): Cookie Order Form Name __________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________ Number of 1lb cookie tins ___________________________________ IN HONOR OF (living): Amount enclosed _________________________________ Return to church office or mail to: GIVEN BY: 201 South Chapman Street Greensboro, NC 27403 Phone Number: Or place in the collection basket at Mass. Amount Enclosed: Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Department of Liturgy Father Christopher Davis, Director Of Liturgy December 9, 2012 Religious Education Director of Religious Education, Jim McCullough 274-6520 ext. 335, jmccullough@olgchurch.org New CDs Are Here! Check for the very latest in great recorded talks on the faith! The Gift of Music We’d like to make you aware of several opportunities to share the gift of music with our parish. Our Parish Choir sings at the 10:00 am Mass each Sunday, with a break from mid-June through September. This group is a traditional choir focused on singing hymns and sacred choral works in four-part harmony (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass). Basic music reading skills are encouraged. We rehearse on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Our Instrumental Ensemble for the 11:30 am Mass is currently made up of guitar, piano, and voice. We are always in need of instrumentalists and singers. Ability to read music, single lines of music or chords is encouraged. Parts and arrangements can be provided; ideas are welcomed. We rehearse each Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Cantors serve an integral role in our parish by leading the congregation through hymns and responses, and chanting the word of God through Psalms and Antiphons. Strong leadership skills are important, and the confidence to support congregational singing is essential. Cantor rehearsals can be scheduled on an individual basis, and recordings of the music can be made as needed. If you wish to participate in any of the above opportunities please contact Andrew O’Connor at aoconnor@olgchurch.org or 274—6520 x 330. Matthew Kelly, Patrick Madrid, Dc. Alan Jones, Fr. Robert Barron—great choices of speakers in this new group of CD’s. Why not choose a couple to listen to and share with friends and family? Great for listening in the car on commute or during a break at work! 2 kiosks—back of the church and at the Tremont/school entrance. Donation of $3 per CD requested to help us nearly break even. Thanks! Why Attend 7am Daily Mass? Scripture, prayer, Apostolic teaching, Communion—all available, every morning. Do you want to look into the Catholic faith? If so, let’s talk… Get in touch with Jim McCullough at 274-6520 ext. 335 or email him at jmccullough@olgchurch.org to set up an appointment. No pressure, just a conversation. Education & Formation Commission John Endredy, Chairperson jendredy@gmail.com or 449-3656 Come One, Come All Parish Office Holiday Hours Closed for the Christmas Holiday Friday, December 21st closing at Noon Monday, December 24th—Wednesday, December 26th Closed for the New Year Holiday Monday, December 31st and Tuesday, January 1st Seven Myths about the Catholic Church & Science taught by Benjamin Wiker, PhD will be offered at OLG started on December 2. The course runs 8 sessions (with some Sundays off for the Christmas season and school breaks). The course consists of DVD lectures and discussion. It runs from 10:20 AM to 11:20 AM on Sundays in St. Joseph’s House. No pre-registration necessary. For more information on the lectures, see www.catholiccourses.com. Co-op childcare is available for children ages 1-3. The Second Sunday of Advent December 9, 2012 Capital Campaign Update Dear Parish Family, I recently wrote to all the members of our parish family. Below are some basic questions that seem to be on everyone’s mind concerning our parish Capital Campaign. Question: If I have already taken a pledge and am currently paying off that pledge, do I need to have this pledge paid off in full by December 31, 2012? Answer: NO—If you are currently paying on a pledge, you do not have to have it paid off in full by December 31, 2012. You may continue paying off your pledge after December 31, 2012 and the full amount will benefit Our Lady of Grace. Question: If I have not yet taken a pledge for our Capital Campaign but do not wish to make a pledge until after December 31st, will I be able to do so? Answer: YES—HOWEVER, please understand that while we appreciate your pledge, the full benefit of any pledge made after December 31, 2012 will NOT benefit Our Lady of Grace but will primarily benefit the Diocesan Capital Campaign with only a smaller percentage going to help us here at Our Lady of Grace. Question: I am already paying a current pledge and wish to increase/extend my current pledge, may I do so? Answer: YES—AS LONG AS YOU DO SO BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2012. The same rule above applies to current pledges extended/increased after December 31, 2012. With over $3.1 million committed, we are clearly going ahead in a meaningful way but it will be crucial to know exactly what our resources are in order to make intelligent choices. I remain committed to moving forward to secure a bright future for Our Lady of Grace Church and School. I am confident that with your renewed commitment, our church and school will continue to be the spiritual and academic powerhouse that they are in our community. God Bless You! Our Lady of Grace, Pray for Us! Reverend Father Eric L. Kowalski, Pastor Capital Campaign To-Date Target Amount $5.9M Pledges Received to-date = 520 = $3,206,339 Remaining needed = $2,693,661 Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church December 9, 2012 Youth Minister Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church of Greensboro, NC is seeking a qualified adult for a part-time position as an evangelizer for all the high school youth of our parish. This minister to youth, reporting directly to the pastor, will develop ways to awaken and enliven graces among fully initiated high school teens consciously committed to living and acting as a disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ. This youth minister will be involved with the brief final preparation for Confirmation at the end of 8th grade, but the majority of their work will be with students in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades. This job will be first, to live and model adult discipleship and active practice of the Catholic faith, and second, to constantly invite high school youth of the parish to use the many treasures of the Church to strengthen their relationship with Christ and invite other youth to join them in discipleship. This would include practices of prayer and adoration, reception of the sacraments, particularly of Confession and Communion, service to Christ in others, fellowship with other teenson-fire for Christ and on-going discernment of their gifts and vocational calls. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from a Catholic institution in religion or religious studies, or post-graduate degree work in the field, as well as two or more years of experience working with youth in a parish, Totus Tuus, or other program with focus on evangelization of young people. Strong organizational and communication skills are a must. Applicants must have a high comfort level with high school youth, as well as being comfortable as an adult role model for them, and be of high moral character. They must have a life centered on Christ, a drive to evangelize, and a deep appreciation for our Catholic heritage and its spiritual depth. Please submit resumes with cover letter and recommendations to: Fr. Eric Kowalski, Pastor Our Lady of Grace Church 201 S. Chapman St, Greensboro, NC 27403-1611