December 2, 2007

Reverend Paul Pecchie, Pastor

Reverend Prakash Madanu, ALCP.

Deacon Richard Brady, Deacon Ralph Bufano

Deacon Kenneth Spaulding (Winter Months)

Retired Assisting Priests

Reverend Monsignor Richard Cahill

Reverend Kenneth Bonadies

Reverend Bernard MacAdam (Winter)

MASS SCHEDULE

Daily Masses................................................... 8:00 AM

Wednesdays with School in Session ........ 9:00 AM

Saturday Vigil ................................................4:30 PM
Sunday ............ 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM and 5:30 PM

Music Director:

Mrs. Paulette King................................................. x 316

Sacristans:

Sr. Lucy Mbuya, CDNK........................................ x 304
Sr. Castissima Masambo, CDNK .......................... x 304

Directors of Religious Education:

K-8th grade: M/M Joseph & Julie Blum ............... x 320
Adult: Sr. Kathleen Luger, OSC............................ x 321

Outreach Ministries:

Sr. Rosamunda Massawe, CDNK.......................... x 321
Ms. Claire Obordo ................................................. x 302

Youth Ministry:

H.S.: M/M Pete & Marie O'Shea .......................... x 322

Jr. High: M/M Robert & Sue Tassinari ................ x 322

First Sunday of Advent

December 2, 2007 A.D.

1507 Trotter Road, Largo, FL 33770

Mailing Address: 2121 - 16th Ave. SW, Largo, FL 33770

Parish Office: (727) 584-2318; Fax: (727) 586-5413

Website: www.stpatrick-largo.org

F
F
F
F

IRST

UNDAY

DVENT

OLLECT

:
:
:
:

All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for

doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at

his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of

heaven where he lives and reigns with you and the

Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

EAST

THE

MMACULATE

ONCEPTION

ECEMBER

,
,
,
,

OLY

BLIGATION

The Mass Schedule for this Feast Day is as

follows:

Friday, Dec. 7th, Vigil Mass:

4:30 PM and

6:30 PM, followed

by a covered dish
dinner, hosted by
the Knights of
Columbus, in
Msgr. McCall Hall. All
parishioners and guests are
invited. Bring your favorite
dish to share!

Saturday, December 8th, Feast Day Masses:

8:00 AM - followed by the St. Louis de Montfort

Consecration to our Blessed Lady and

10:00 AM - which will include the renewal of

vows by our Sisters of Our Lady of Mount
Kilimanjaro.

Please note that participation in the 4:30 PM
Mass on Saturday will not count toward one's
obligation for the Feast of the Immaculate
Conception. The Saturday 4:30 PM Mass is

Page 2 - Sunday, December 2, 2007

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Fr. Paul Pecchie

ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH

(727) 584-2318 Tel.

Fr. Prakash Madanu, ALCP.

2121 - 16th Avenue SW, Largo, FL 33770

(727) 586-5413 Fax.

My Dear Friends in Christ,

We have entered into a new year of our liturgical worship at St. Patrick, as well as

throughout the Church, on this

First Sunday of Advent

. We enter into our preparation

for the wondrous season of Christmas. This is where the challenge comes in to our faith
lives. For the world, too, celebrates Christmas as a secular reality of good cheer, parties

and incessant shopping. It is easy for us to fall into the worldly way of celebrating this holiday, but
we, as faith-filled people, must remember that Christmas is a Holy day. A day of remembrance of God's love that
He would take on flesh and walk among us to be like us in all things but sin. And for this holyday we prepare! We
prepare our minds and hearts to grasp God's infinite love for us. That He was born in time to die in history for
humanity, but more importantly for me: for each one of us, personally. And so let us "put on the Lord Jesus Christ."

Today St. Paul tells us:

"Not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and lust, not in rivalry and

jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh."

Not in promiscuity

and lust. We live in a world that constantly uses lust to get people's attention to get us to buy things we often do
not need. The world uses lust as a tool, and it makes fun of chastity especially for men. At the same time people -
including men - experience the misery caused by unchastity.

Young people - and let's face it, many older folk - are ready to hear about chastity. Crystalina and Jason Evert

give a powerful testimony to the beauty of sexual purity - or chastity. Chastity means integrating ones sexuality -
by God's grace. (see Catechism 2337ff.) It is a great challenge for young people and it is a life-long project for all
of us. It has been said appropriately, I believe, "Chastity is the cement of civilization and progress. Without it
there is no stability in society..." When chastity goes, the whole structure begins to crumble - like a building with
cheap mortar. We are experiencing that today. But Jesus does not want us to just watch things fall apart. Our
children are too valuable for that. We can make a difference - by our example. If we have allowed disorder to take
over in our lives, we can now put it away and put on Christ. Advent is the right time to respond to St. Paul's
invitation:

"Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh."

Parish News ...

O Come, O Come Emmanuel!

Fr. Pecchie

JMJ

I would like to personally thank each and every

one who have responded to our recent Jubilee
Survey. In a few weeks there will be a bulletin insert
with the results. To give you a preview of the
upcoming results, the overwhelming desire of the
parishioners who responded was to settle our debt. In
this desire there was also a concern to alleviate getting
into debt in the future.

It is no secret that the parish debt has occurred for

two principal reasons: 1) the school subsidy and 2) roof
repairs (McCall Hall and the Rectory). Repairs cannot
be helped nor can they always be predicted (case in
point, the air-conditioning units around the property
are mostly running at capacity or 75%. Repairmen tell
me sometime in the near future repair won't be
possible, but replacement necessary when? They do
not know. It can be this week or next month or next
year ... not much of a help, and so we pray all will be
held together.) However, the school subsidy can be
helped by each parishioner, whether you have children
in the school or not, realize that catholic education is a
primary ministry of the Church and this Parish. This
was something important to the founding members of
our parish and it should be important to us. Supporting
school fundraisers is a big help, as well as promoting
enrollment in our school.

I find it very disheartening to hear parishioners say:

I am not supporting that school, They are a drain on
our parish, I have no kids or grandkids there, or I did

my share up north. It goes on and on. For those
who say this, it seems you have not become a true

member of our parish, because as a parish, we have and
support a school. We see a value of a holistic education
of mind, body and spirit. And we desire all who desire
a catholic education to be able to receive one. But the
days of religious teaching in every classroom is gone.
We have lay teachers, and in justice, we must pay a just
wage, as well as a wage that will be competitive to
enable us to get quality teachers.

Over and over again, I have heard the rumors that

the school is closing or will close soon. Let me reiterate
what I have said before: it is not my intention to close
this school on my watch as your pastor. Aside from
Kindergarten which was not offered by Catholic schools
in my part of NY as a child, I have spent my entire life
in catholic education (grammar school, high school,
college, seminary and graduate school). My parents
made great sacrifices for me and my sisters to receive a
catholic education. For this, I am grateful. Maybe it is
time that, as a parish family, we realize the necessity of
sacrificing for the good of the future of our youth. Even
if we do not have children in the school, the school is
used by our parish its classrooms for Religious
Education, the Media Center for group meetings, and
the cafeteria also for many meetings. In this new
liturgical year let us recommit ourselves to the pursuit
of Catholic education.

First Reading -- He shall bring justice for

the afflicted; the earth shall overflow with
the knowledge of the L

ORD

(Isaiah 11:1-10).

Psalm -- Justice shall flourish in his time,

and fullness of peace for ever (Psalm 72).

Second Reading -- Glorify God by living

in harmony with one another, welcoming
each other as Christ welcomed you
(Romans 15:4-9).

Gospel -- Produce good fruit worthy of your

baptism; repent, for the reign of God is near
(Matthew 3:1-12).

Has there been a `John the Baptist'

in my life? Did I respond favorably

to his message of repentance?

We are . . . Disciples in Mission

Sharing our Faith in Christ all year!

BE PREPARED

Be prepared. It's that simple. As this Advent season opens

before us, the Lord Jesus summons us to stand ready for his coming.
At this time of year much of our attention is focused on being
prepared for the details that accompany the holiday season. We
purchase gifts; we decorate our homes, inside and out; we prepare
foods that we eat only during the holidays; we write and send
Christmas cards; we attend holiday concerts; we prepare either to

welcome family and friends into our homes or
arrange for visits to their homes. We really can't
escape the details that make up the season.
Perhaps this Advent is a time to attend to all
those details with a different spin. As we
prepare to celebrate the feast of Christmas, why
not be deliberate about acknowledging the
presence of the Lord as we go about these tasks?
The Lord often comes to us in wonderfully
surprising ways. Let us be prepared.

Readings Ahead:

December 9, 2007

Second Sunday of Advent

Parish & Evangelization - Page 3

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

ELEBRATING

YEARS

ARISH

EWS

Dear Parishioners of St. Patrick,

A very special Thank You to all of you, our faithful and generous parishioners,

who donated food and gift certificates for families in need this year. We received
bags of food, 17 turkeys, over 100 gift cards for turkeys and monies that have
helped 150 families (over 600 individuals!) enjoy a very blessed Thanksgiving Day
meal as well as provide for the weeks following ... that is 450 overflowing bags of
food! On behalf of them, we give thanks to you and pray God's blessings upon you!

A very special Thank You to all of our volunteers from the many different ministries who helped with our Thanksgiving

Day Food Drive members of our community, the Junior Youth Group, ERE classes, Confirmation candidates who helped
distribute bags, collect and sort the food, Boy Scouts, school children and parents, parish families and especially all of our
Helping Hands volunteers, including our drivers who delivered to the needy in the area without transportation and to those
wheelchair or homebound. This truly was the product of a parish and school family at work together.

Thank you, too, for the collection on Thanksgiving Day. We collected $2,144.00 which we will be sending to our Sister

Parish in El Salvador. On behalf of Fr. Napoleon and Fr. Raphael and our Sister Parish family, we
greatly appreciate your continued support of St. Francis of Assisi in Gotera. Please continue to
remember in your prayers our brothers and sisters in El Salvador.

A Mass will be offered for all of your intentions on behalf of our Ministry of Helping Hands and

our Outreach Program. You will also share in the Mass Intentions of our Franciscan Missionaries

throughout the world. May God bless you for your continued generosity to our brothers and

sisters in need, both here and abroad. You are especially remembered in my prayers.

Pax et Bonam,

Claire Obordo, Director of Outreach Ministries

St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Gotera, EL Salvador

Join us for our PARISH ADVENT MISSION this week in the Church.

Monday, December 3rd & Tuesday, December 4th, 7- 9 PM with Johnnette Benkovic.

The Christmas Offering: On Friday, December 14th and Saturday, December 15th at 7:30 PM, St.

Patrick is having their first Christmas musical play. Tickets for the play are now on sale. General
admission tickets are: Adults $5; Children, 12 & under $2. Quantity is limited as this play will be
held in Msgr. McCall Hall.

Sponsor tickets will be available for both nights at a cost of $25.00

each. Sponsors will be entitled to seats in a reserved section in the first few rows. Sponsor
tickets will be available for sale outside of church after most Masses or by calling David Ruppel
at 560-0063.

Come and have a wonderful evening with your family and friends. It's a night that

you don't want to miss.

All for the Greater Honor & Glory of God

Page 4 - Faith Formation

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Men's Bible Study Group
Meets off campus. For more info, contact

Robert Smith at 727-587-7961.

The Great Bible Adventure Study
Sr. Kathleen

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

No class on December 4th

Please join us for our Advent Mission
at 7 PM in the Church.

Adult Bible Study: The Gospel of Luke
Sr. Kathleen

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (CR)

Wednesday, December 5th

RCIA:

The Rite of Acceptance is for inquirers in

the RCIA process who have not yet been
baptized, and are now ready to publicly
declare their intention to continue their
journey towards becoming Catholic. The
Rite of Welcome is for inquirers in the RCIA
process

who,

having

already

been

baptized, declare their intention to continue
their journey toward full communion with
the Catholic Church.

We ask you to please pray for the

inquirers as they continue their conversion journey and for our
RCIA process as we assist them in moving toward a closer
relationship with God. Your prayers are critical to the success of
our program. We invite you to take an active role in welcoming
our soon-to-be catechumens and candidates, and to be models
of faith and Christian charity for them. For more info, contact Sr.
Kathleen at 584-2318 ext. 321.

St. Patrick's Religious Education

Religious Education (K-8) Sundays, 10:30 - 11:45 AM

Small Faith Sharing Group
Barb Murphy 9 AM - 10:30 AM (CR)

Friday, December 7th

Join our faith sharing group each Friday in the

Conference Room.

Mr. & Mrs.

Joseph &

Julie Blum

DRE, ext. 320

Going Deeper With Your Faith

Adult Education and Faith Formation

Religious

Ed.

PASTOR'S CLASS with

Fr. Pecchie

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

No class on December 3rd

Please join us for our Advent

Mission at 7 PM in the Church.

FOUNDATIONS OF PERSONAL PRAYER:

We meet every Monday at 7 PM in Msgr.

McCall Library (first room on right).

First Confession Notes:

Mark your calendars! Our next meeting
is the First Confession Retreat on
January 12th. The retreat is for both
parents and children. It will be from 10
AM until Noon in Msgr. McCall Hall.

Confirmation Candidates

Be working on finding a sponsor,
choosing a confirmation name, and
starting your service hours. Our next
meeting is on January 15th at 7 PM in
the

Parish

Center

Conference

Room. Please bring your sponsor and
have them turn in their sponsor form by
this night.

First Sunday of Advent

Sunday School resumes this week, December 2nd!

B
B
B
B

LESSING

THE

DVENT

REATH

Before using your Advent wreath, it is

appropriate to bless the wreath. This blessing

can be performed at home in the family.

Leader:

Our help is in the Name of the Lord.

All answer:

All answer: Who made heaven and earth.

Leader:

Let us pray.

O God, by whose word all things are

sanctified, pour forth Thy blessing upon this

wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare

our hearts for the coming of Christ and may

receive from Thee abundant graces. Through

Christ our Lord.

All:

Amen.

The Leader sprinkles the wreath with holy water

School & Youth - Page 5

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Principal:

Sr. Veronica

Visceglia,

SSND

Jr. High Youth Ministers: Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Sue Tassinari, ext. 322

. P

ATRICK

ATHOLIC

CHOOL

ELEBRATING

OVER

YEARS

XCELLENCE

DUCATION

, L

EADERSHIP

& S

ERVICE

St. Patrick Catholic Youth

The Junior Youth Group meets on Sunday nights from 7:00 to
8:30 PM in the Youth Room. Newcomers are always welcome!
If you have any questions, please call Sue & Bob at 585-5546.

IND

, O

EART

, O

PIRIT

ENIOR

OUTH

ROUP

"By This Sign, You Will Conquer"

H.S. Youth Ministers:

Mr. & Mrs. Pete & Marie O'Shea, ext. 322

Because foundation is everything.

REGISTRATION

for 2007-2008

SCHOOL YEAR:

Registrations are
being accepted for all grades
(PreK - 8). St. Patrick is a fully
a ccr ed it ed, C hr i st - c ent er e d
environment, known for academic
excellence. For info., please call
the school at (727) 581- 4865.

The Senior Youth Group meets Sunday nights after the 5:30 PM Mass in
Msgr. McCall Hall. Youth in high school or older are welcome to attend.

EARLY CHILDHOOD ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

St. Patrick School Early Childhood Program opened as a result of
the greater parish community's understanding of the need for a
program that offers learning experiences and
care for 3 and 4 year olds in a Christian
environment.

Applications

are

being

accepted. For info, call the school office.

NEWSPAPER RECYCLING:

Please help support your school by putting your old newspapers in the big red bin located at the
east side of the church. Thank you! Your support is always appreciated!

SHARE-A-PRAYER: If you or someone you know needs special prayers, let us pray for you and
your loved ones. Phone 584-6954 and together we will lift our hearts to God!

GIFT CARD SALE:

St. Patrick School PTO is selling
gift cards for numerous
restaurants and stores such as
C h i l i ' s , P an er a, B e a l l' s,
Albertson's, Chevron and many

more. You purchase these cards at full face
value and the school will receive a
percentage of the purchase. It costs you
nothing extra. To order cards or get
information call Julie Wintermeier @ 743-
7043 or Elaine Luker @ 595-3538.

St. Patrick Jubilee CDs:

Our adult, children and bell
choirs have recorded a CD to

commemorate our Jubilee year. It includes some of your
favorite hymns like: Here I Am Lord, Seek Ye First, Panis
Angelicus and many others. Also our musicians are
featured including an Aria from Sr. Kathleen Luger. It is a
wonderful CD to offer to your friends and family especially
at this time of the year. The cost is $15 and the CDs are
available after each Mass and also at the gift shop and
parish office. The music ministry wants to thank you for
this opportunity to serve you. God bless you all.

Page 6 - Stewardship: Sharing our Gifts

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

First Sunday of Advent

The Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.

Good stewards know that they are accountable to God for all they have and

are, and they strive to live in readiness for His coming.

TEWARDSHIP

: T

IME

, T

ALENT

, T

REASURE

THANK YOU

for your

generous support

for our parish!

God bless you!

Your generosity helps support our parish operating expenses and our

ministries each week, so that we may serve you, our parishioners, better!

November 18, 2007

$ 10,467.50 (374 Envelopes)

Catholic Campaign

for Human Development

$ 1,553.00

Children's Envelopes

$ 9.00

(3 Envelopes)

Helping Hands

$ 537.00

Nov. 22nd - Thanksgiving Day

$ 2,144.00 (95 Envelopes)

November 25, 2007

$ 10,437.78 (367 Envelopes)

Children's Envelopes

$ 4.00

(2 Envelopes)

Helping Hands

$ 249.00

elebrate St. Patrick Church's Golden Jubilee ...

by joining Fr. Pecchie on a special tour of

IRELAND

IRELAND September 15-25, 2008. Journey with us as

we travel in the footsteps of St. Patrick, and see his

impact upon Irish faith and culture. Educational

Opportunities Tours presents an exciting and

educational 11-day experience for approximately

$2698* . Cost includes roundtrip airfare from New York,

first class hotels, traditional Irish breakfast and Dinner

daily, guided sightseeing via deluxe motor

coaches and entrance fees. Please contact

Margie Feuser, pilgrimage coordinator, for

more information at 1-800-644-4659.

Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday

HELP WANTED: St. Patrick

Players need your support!

The community enthusiasm and
support for the Last Supper Tableau
held this past Lenten season has
given birth to a new play 'The

Christmas Offering' to be presented December
14th & 15th. This production will include an
exciting combination of drama, music and dance
which will be a new experience for St. Patrick
Parish.

If you are a patron of the arts and share St.

Patrick Players vision of having different age
groups work together, please call Paul at 581-2168
with your donation. Whether large or small, your
donation will be used to upgrade
our l ig ht i ng and sound
capabilities which will provide
the best audience experience.

Have you seen our Web page?

Check what's new and

floating around!

Visit www.stpatrick-largo.org today!

Come, pray with me!

Please consider

spending even one hour each Wednesday
to be with Our Lord in Eucharistic
Adoration, beginning after the 9 AM
School Mass and concluding with
Benediction at 6:45 PM. Please sign up
at the Church entrance. Wednesdays in
our Diocese have been designated as a
day to pray for holy vocations.

Retirement Fund for Religious: Next week, we will have a collection to
benefit elderly women and men religious. The average Catholic sister, brother
or order priest remains in active ministry until age 74. Today, 37,870 women
and men religious are past age 70 and need our help with the current high cost
of living and health care. To learn more, visit www.retiredreligious.org.

Mass Intentions & Schedule of Events - Page 7

Mass Intentions

The Week Ahead

December 1, 2007
Christine Botos

December 2, 2007
St. Patrick Parishioners
Deceased mem. of Shea & Elder Families
Maria Rey (Living)
Victoria Keech (Living)

December 3, 2007
Gerard Barry

December 4, 2007
Judith and Henri Bellavance (Living)

December 5, 2007
Kevin Barton
Walter Szczyrbak

December 6, 2007
Mabel Brogan

December 7, 2007
James Burke
Jean Lachowicz
Vocations

December 8, 2007
Bernice Drake
The Boutelle Family (Living)
Frank Maltese

December 9, 2007
Jean Witzleben
St. Patrick Parishioners
Marie Brehme
Helen Quebbeman

Pray for our Military

Pvt. Rose Barton, US Army, Missouri
Staff Sgt. William J. Condon, US Army, New York
Second Lt. Tara Dawe, US Army, New York
Lt. Comm. Shawn D. Fitzpatrick, USN, Virginia
Pvt. Brendan Gaines, USMC, South Carolina
Sgt. Jason A. George, US Army, Kentucky
Sgt. Jorge Granados, USMC, Florida
Sgt. Joshua Harmon, Kentucky
Staff Sgt. Matthew Hicks, U.S. Army, Missouri
Airman Ryan Hines, US Air Force
Lt. Jr. William J. Howey, III, US Navy, Connecticut
Sgt. Anthony Jordan, US Army Calvary, Iraq
Lance Corporal Nick Krege, USMC, Iraq
Specialist Daniel McCarley, US Army, Florida
Airman 1st Class Kevin McCarley, USAF, Germany
Ensign Christopher McDowell, US Navy, Iraq
Airman Theresa Newbill, US Air Force, England
Sgt. Scott Platzer, US Army, South America
A. B. Michael Pourteau, USAF, Texas
Pvt. Chris Reed, USMC, Iraq
Major Kristin Streukens, US Air Force
Major Scott Trapman, US Army, Washington
Staff Sgt. Saturnino Vilano, Jr., US Army, Afghanistan
Airman Christopher E. Villano, US Navy, Maryland
Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller, US Air Force, Iraq

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Sun.

8:30 AM
8:30 AM

10:30 AM
11:00 AM
11:30 AM

6:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM

Mon.

7:00 PM

Tue.

4:00 PM
6:30 PM

7:00 PM

Wed.

9:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:45 AM
3:00 PM
6:45 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM

Thu.

8:00 AM
8:30 AM
9:00 AM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM

Fri.

9:00 AM
3:00 PM

4:30 PM
6:30 PM

7:00 PM
7:30 PM

Sat.

8:00 AM

9:00 AM

10:00 AM

3:30 PM
5:30 PM

12/02/07
Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast (PC)
Parish Blood Drive (Parking Lot)
ERE: Religious Ed. for Children (School)
Baptism Class (MC)
RCIA: Breaking Open the Word (CR)
Senior Youth Group Meeting (PC)
Junior Youth Group Meeting (YR)
Al-Anon Meeting (Lib)

12/03/07
Advent Mission (CH)
Cub Scout Pack 465 Den Mtg. (Café, Art, PE, Gr1)

12/04/07
Mission of St. Patrick Class (Lib)
GriefShare Meeting (Lib)
Advent Mission (CH)
Boy Scout Troop 465 Meeting (Café.)

12/05/07
School Mass (CH)
Adult Bible Study (CR)
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (CH)
Weight Watchers Meeting (CR)
Benediction (CH)
Charismatic Prayer Group Meeting (CR)
Jubilee Committees Monthly Meeting (Lib/MC)
St. Patrick Players Full Rehearsal (PC)

12/06/07
Small Christian Community Meeting (Lib)
Confessions before First Friday (CH)
Legion of Mary Meeting (CR)
Children's Choir Practice (OLM)
Adult Choir Practice (OLM)
RCIA Class (CR)

12/07/07
Faith Sharing Group (CR)
Challenge Club Meeting (REL)
Vigil Mass: Immaculate Conception (CH)
Vigil Mass: Immaculate Conception (CH)
followed by Covered Dish Dinner (PC)
Small Christian Community Mtg. (Lib)
Our Lady's Oratory Prayer Group (CH)

12/08/07
Feast Day Mass: Immaculate Conception (CH)
followed by Consecration Ceremony (CH)
Junior High Youth Group Baking (Café.)
Feast Day Mass: Immaculate Conception (CH)
Confessions (CH)
Confessions (CH)

Sat.

4:30 PM

Sun.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
5:30 PM

Mon.

8:00 AM

Tue.

8:00 AM

Wed.

8:00 AM
9:00 AM

Thu.

8:00 AM

Fri.

8:00 AM
4:30 PM
6:30 PM

Sat.

8:00 AM
10:00 AM
4:30 PM

Sun.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
5:30 PM

Please pray for the members of our

St. Patrick Parish family and friends

who have died recently.

Parish Meeting Rooms: Art = Art Room (School Jubilee Building); Cafe =
School Cafeteria; CH = Church, CR = Conference Room in Msgr. McCall Hall;
FLD = Field; MC = Media Center; MR = Music Room (School Jubilee Build-
ing); PE-A/B = PE portables; OLM = Office of Liturgical Music; PC = Msgr.
McCall Hall; PCLib = Msgr. McCall Library; REL = Religion Room (old Span-
ish Room); RE Office = Religious Education Office in PC; YR = Youth Room

Page 8 - Plan Ahead & Saints Spotlight

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Diocesan Announcements

St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas (Died 350?)

Feast Day: December 6

There is more legend than fact in
the story of St. Nicholas, but we
do know that he was Bishop of
Myra in Turkey and was among
those who signed the documents
affirming the divinity of Christ
promulgated at the Council of

Nicea in 325. He must also have been a generous
man, for many of the legends about him focus on his
charity. The most famous of these says that he
secretly provided the dowries for three poor girls by
tossing a bag of gold coins through their father's
window. From this story comes the custom of
distributing sweets to children on the eve of his feast
day, and from the German translation of his name,
Klaus, comes the English
"Santa Claus." In addition to
his modern identification with
Christmas, he is the patron
saint of Russia, Greece, Sicily,
a n d

L o r r a i n e ,

F r a n c e .

Whatever the facts of his life,
his generosity was such that
he is still remembered and
revered throughout the Church
more than 16 centuries after
his death. He must surely
have been a good steward of
the gifts that were his to share!

Trip to Ave Maria: Join Fr. Pecchie and other
parishioners on a trip to Ave
Maria! On Wednesday, Janu-
ary 16th, there will be an all
day Pilgrimage to Ave Maria in
Naples. The trip includes a
tour of Ave Maria University, a
Mass and a Holy Hour at the
new shrine. The cost is $60 and includes bus
transportation and three meals. For more infor-
mation call Sr. Kathleen at ext. 321.

Imagine being taken away from your home ...
not knowing where you will go ... leaving behind your favorite things.

Now, imagine this through the eyes of a child.

The Safe Children Coalition sponsors hundreds of children who live in licensed foster

care due to abuse or neglect in Pasco and Pinellas Counties. Many are separated from

their siblings due to a shortage of foster homes. Many have special needs due to the nature of their abuse or
neglect. Please help make Christmas a special time for these children and their foster/adoptive families by
sponsoring a Christmas Angel from St. Patrick's Giving Tree.

THE GIVING TREE is now in the Church for the first two weeks of Advent. Please consider taking an Angel
and helping a deserving child with Christmas gifts. This year, the Christmas Angels are for children specially
selected from the Safe Children Coalition of Pinellas County and from our own parish and school. Please
note that their website is sponsored by an umbrella organization. If you look on the website, you will see that
Pinellas County has its own office, though it uses the Sarasota organization's website (

http://www.sarasota-

ymca.org/socialServices/countyDetail.cfm?county=Pinellas

). Gifts for

the children should be returned by the Third Weekend of Advent,
December 15 & 16. Thank You for generous giving!

May God continue to bless you and your family

during this Advent season!

BREAKFAST WITH

SANTA

St. Jerome Early Child-
hood Center, located at
10895

Hamlin

Blvd,

Largo, will host its 16th
Annual Breakfast with

Santa on Saturday, December 15th from 8 AM -
11 AM at St. Jerome Parish Center. Bring the
entire family for a morning of fun and fellowship.
Children of all ages enjoy the variety of activities
offered. This event is open to the entire commu-
nity. Breakfast tickets are now available at the
Center or may also be purchased at the door on
the day of the Breakfast. Advanced tickets are $5
each or $25 for a family, which includes breakfast,
face painting, kiddie-crafts, and a visit with Santa.
(At the door, tickets are $6 or $30 for a family of
five or more.) Raffle tickets are also available and
prizes will be raffled at the Breakfast. Come and
join us for this wonderful, annual holiday event!
Please call 596-9491 for more info.