My Dear Friends in Christ,
New Year Joy and Blessings to each of you! For today on this first Sunday
of Advent we celebrate a New Liturgical Year. We will switch in our three-year
reading cycle, from Year "B" to Year "C". We will bless the Advent wreath in
the sanctuary and begin the countdown to the day of days, Jesus' Birth,
Christmas! In the Church we have visible reminders of this time of preparation: the Advent
Wreath, the color purple, and the figures of John the Baptist and Elizabeth.
Next Sunday at 3 PM we will be having Lessons and Carols here in the
Church. Since becoming pastor here I have asked Paulette King, and the choir
to move from having a Christmas concert, since we are still in the season of
preparation for Christmas, to celebrate Lessons and Carols. Paulette and the choir do an excellent job, and the
music is outstanding. However, attendance at this has not been the greatest. As the rumor mill goes, I am told
that many people shy away from the word lessons because they think it will be lectures or like school. That is
nothing of the case. A Lesson is an English term for the word Epistle or Reading. Lessons
and Carols, therefore, are 9 readings taken from Scripture which prepare us for the Birth of
Christ. In between each of these readings (lessons) the choir sings carols and the
congregation is invited to sing along. The Service is usually an hour. It is a beautiful
reminder to us in Word and in song that Jesus is the true reason for the season. I hope to see
many of you next week at this service.
As I mentioned in last week's letter, at the 11 AM Mass today, Fr. Prakash, on behalf of the
whole St. Patrick Community will celebrate the Rite of Welcome for members of the RCIA. This is
an opportunity for us to show our support and our spiritual encouragement for these men, women,
and children who desire to join the Catholic Church.
I will be returning this afternoon from our 2nd annual fundraising cruise. Please watch the bulletin for
information regarding our 3rd annual fundraising cruise which will be going to Alaska on the Holland America
Ryndam at the beginning of September 2007. This is sure to be an exciting time as there will be the
opportunity for a pre-cruise land option taking the scenic Dome window railroad. These cruises are a great
way to have a great time, as well as raise money for the Church. The more people who go from our parish, the
more we, as a parish, receive from the cruise lines.
I would encourage each home to have an Advent wreath to count the weeks to the coming of Christ! Here
is a blessing to use for your wreaths at home.
Blessing for the Advent Wreath
O God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth thy blessing upon this wreath.
May its ever-increasing brightness be a sign to us of the approaching nearness of your
Son, that we might prepare in joy for his humble birth in a manger, and be ready to
receive him at his coming again in glory; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
Fr. Pecchie
Page Two - Sunday, December 3, 2006
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
?
Fr. Paul Pecchie
Fr. Prakash Madanu, ALCP.
(727) 584-2318 Tel.
(727) 586-5413 Fax.
ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH
2121 - 16th Avenue SW, Largo, FL 33770
JMJ
The Rites of Acceptance and Welcoming are being celebrated today at the 11:00 AM Mass. The Rite of Accep-
tance is for inquirers in the RCIA process who are preparing for their Baptism. They are now ready to publicly proclaim
their intention to continue their journey towards becoming Catholics. The Rite of Welcoming is for inquirers in the
RCIA process who have already been baptized and are ready to publicly declare their intention to
continue their journey towards full communion with the Catholic Church. We encourage all pa-
rishioners to pray for all those who have gone through these Rites, and as they continue their ini-
tiation process in the coming months. It is vital to the RCIA process that members of the Parish
family should affirm and support the RCIA candidates as fellow members of the Household of
Christ. Please pick up a prayer card in the basket at the Church door.
Parish & Evangelization - Page Three
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
THE COMING KINGDOM
Jeremiah could see it coming-- the kingship of Jesus and
the restoration of Jerusalem. But was anybody listening? Is
anybody listening now? It must have been tough being a
prophet, but Jeremiah was persistent in his message because
he knew that it needed to be heard.
Also persistent in his message is Paul as he encourages
the Thessalonians-- and all of us-- to live in accordance with
the kingship that Jeremiah foretold. He encourages us to con-
duct ourselves in ways of holiness so that
we may be well prepared for the king's
coming. Finally, Jesus himself tells us to
be ever diligent so that we may gain favor
before our God and King.
Jeremiah could see the kingship of Je-
sus coming. As we begin the season of
Advent, Paul and Jesus tell us not only
how to prepare for the Kingdom, but how
to live it day to day.
First Reading --
Take off your robe of
mourning and misery; put on the splendor of
glory from God (Baruch 5:1-9).
Psalm --
The Lord has done great things for
us; we are filled with joy (Psalm 126).
Second Reading --
I am confident that the
one who began a good work in you will con-
tinue to complete it until the day of Christ
Jesus (Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11).
Gospel --
The winding roads shall be made
straight, and the rough ways made smooth
(Luke 3:1-6).
In what ways do I experience
the forgiveness of God?
How often do I take time to examine the places
in my life where conversion is most needed?
Readings for the Week Ahead:
December 10, 2006
Second Sunday of Advent
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - Friday, December 8th
This solemn feast celebrates the Immaculate Conception of Mary in the womb of St. Ann, a dogma
promulgated officially in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, but believed by the Church from the beginning. St.
Ephrem, deacon and fourth-century Doctor of the Church, wrote, "You and your Mother, Lord, are the
only perfectly beautiful ones ... there was no stain of sin in your Mother." God has always supplied his
people with the gifts they needed to answer his call. If Mary were to bear the Messiah, the promised
Son of God, she would need to be a sinless vessel, a spotless maiden. It should come as no surprise
then, that God should give her that gift preserve her pure and sinless from the moment of her concep-
tion in order to prepare her to hear and answer the invitation to serve him by bearing the Savior. We
too are given all we need to do our part to bring about the Kingdom of God.
Mary, the Immaculate Conception, pray for us that we may also hear and answer, know and do the will of God.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
is a
Holy Day of Obligation.
The Mass Schedule follows:
Thursday Vigil: 4:30 PM Friday: 7:30 AM, 9 AM and 6:30 PM
Come and support your Priests and Religious!
All are invited to come and see St. Patrick's First Sacred Slugger (Priests' Softball
Team) game on Saturday, December 9th from 12 noon 2 PM. The Sacred Slug-
gers, managed by Fr. Pecchie, includes Fr. Prakash, Fr. John Blum, Fr. Ken Malley, Fr.
Joseph Musco and more. The Sisters of Our Lady of Mount Kilimanjaro will also participate.
They will be challenging the youth of our parish in a softball game. Admittance is Free! Food
and drinks will be sold as well as raffle tickets. All proceeds will go toward the March for Life Youth Trip to
Washington, D.C. Bring a lawn chair or towel to sit on. If you have any questions, call Joe Blum, ext. 320.
M
y Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who donated generously for the education of the seminari-
ans of my Religious Order (Apostolic Life Community of Priests), Holy Spirit Fathers. Your kindness and generosity is
greatly appreciated. Thank you very, very much! You are so great. I assure you that you will be remembered in the daily
Masses and community prayers of my congregation. I am writing you a special note to say a big smiling "Thank You" for all
the special things you do for me and for all your caring ways. I am so lucky to be part of St. Patrick's family. Thanks a
million. May God continue to bless you and sustain you in His loving care!
Lots and lots of Love,
Fr. Prakash Madanu, ALCP.
We are . . . Disciples in Mission
Sharing our Faith in Christ all year!
SACRAMENT
PREPARATION
Anyone who has not yet reg-
istered for sacramental prep,
First Reconciliation and First
Communion, and Confirma-
tion, please call Mrs. Blum to
register. Remember, regis-
tering for the sacraments is a
SEPARATE registration from
ERE (Sunday School).
All for the Greater Honor & Glory of God
Page Four - Faith Formation
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
Men's Bible Study Group
Robert Smith
6:45 AM - 7:30 AM (CR)
(ph. 587-7961) Every Wednesday
Adult Bible Study Group
Sr. Kathleen
9:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Every Wednesday
Bible Study:
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
RCIA is a process in which new Catholics em-
bark on and join us in a continuing and deepen-
ing conversion into faith and discipleship. It is for those
who are unbaptized and would like to be received fully into
the Catholic Church, those who have been baptized in an-
other Christian community and seek full reception into the
Catholic Church, and for those who were baptized as
Catholics but have not received the sacraments of Confir-
mation and Eucharist. Inquiry classes are held every
Sunday morning at 10 AM in the Conference Room of
Msgr. McCall Hall. For info, phone Sr. Kathleen ext. 321.
ST. PATRICK'S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious Education (K-8) Sundays, 10:30 - 11:45 AM
Going Deeper With Your Faith
Adult Education and Faith Formation
Small Faith Sharing Group
Barb Murphy 10 AM - 11:30 AM (CR)
Friday, December 8th
Catholic Social Teaching. New members al-
ways welcome! Questions? Call 585-4149
PASTOR'S CLASS with Fr. Pecchie
7:00 PM - 9 PM (CR)
Monday, December 4th
Come and listen to Fr. Pecchie as he brings
us deeper into our prayer experience.
December 3, 2006 1st Sunday of Advent Cycle C:
Be on the watch! Allow God to lead you in the ways of truth and justice.
How is God calling you to serve?
VOCATION VIEW:
(Jeremiah 33:14-16)
Mr. & Mrs.
Joseph &
Julie Blum
DRE, ext. 320
Hey kids, we need you!
We are looking for more students to take a
part in the Sunday 9:00 AM Children's
Mass! We need readers, greeters, ushers,
altar servers, and choir members. If you are
interested in any of these, please contact
Joe or Julie Blum at ext. 320 to volunteer.
Religious Education
at St. Patrick
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT MASS
We are still looking for more volunteers to
help with Children's Liturgy of the Word
at the Sunday, 9 AM Mass. This is a program for
children ages 4-6 to hear the word of God at their
level. If interested in helping with this ministry,
please call the religious education office at ext. 320.
Religious Education Classes
for K through 8th grade take
place on Sundays.
Please call Religious Ed. Office
if you are not registered.
Christmas Eve Family Mass at 6:30 PM will feature a Nativity presentation. Any child,
grades K through 8, who is interested in playing a part is welcome. No speaking parts,
procession and posing during narration and song only! Contact the rectory or Mrs. Dris-
coll at 584-7575 to participate!
School & Youth - Page Five
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
Principal: Mrs. Therese Hernandez
H.S. Youth Minister: Mr. Joseph Blum, ext. 320
In Hoc Signo Vinces … "By This Sign, You Will Conquer"
Jr. High Youth Ministers: Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Sue Tassinari, ext. 322
ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC SCHOOL
"One Mind, One Heart, One Spirit"
Celebrating over 45 years of Excellence in Education, Leadership & Service.
.
Don't forget to buy your St. Patrick
Youth T-SHIRT! Only $10.
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.
Thank you to all who helped out our youth group by purchasing a Christmas wreath. Your generosity will
help us March for Life in Washington D.C.! The wreaths will be delivered the first week of December.
We will be contacting you when they come in and the wreaths can be picked up after all Masses.
Mark your calendars ...
Next event ... the Sacred Slugger Softball Game ... it's the Priests vs. the
Youth! Saturday, December 9th from 12 noon to 2 PM. Be there to support
your St. Patrick Youth! For more info, see bulletin page 3.
PRINCIPAL FOR THE DAY SILENT AUCTION WINNER
Wednesday, November 28, 2006 Suzie O'Connor
Our Leader for tomorrow is to be congratulated!
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS
FOR THE FIRST TRIMESTER
We are happy to congratulate the following stu-
dents: Grade 3 Alexa Ignacio; Grade 4 Hannah
Gundle, Gina Kamp, Julie Petrilyak, Kaitlyn Russo,
Isabelle Wasilewski; Grade 6 Jessica Bautista,
Casey Bruda, Joseph Freitas, Christopher Griffin;
Grade 8 Catherine Cadotte, Rachael Deja, Re-
becca May, Mary Jo Monk. To be eligible a student
must maintain a 93 or above average and a grade of
Satisfactory in all subjects including conduct, effort
and behavior grades. Awards were presented at the
weekly School Liturgy on Friday, November 17th.
ALEXIS SCHLITT Sister Ruth McAvoy
Scholarship. Funded by an Anonymous Donor.
SPENCER CROSS Msgr. John M. McCall
Scholarship. Created in 2006 by an Anonymous
Donor in memory of the life and long-time
leadership of Msgr. McCall as Pastor of St. Patrick
Catholic Church and his commitment to St. Patrick
Catholic School.
We are proud of Hannah, Mary Angelica, Kali,
Gary, Ginger, Alexis and Spencer and most
grateful for the generous hearts of Mrs. Mangin, Mr.
Quebbeman, Mr. & Mrs. Demers, the Schweitzer/
Bondar Families, Mr. & Mrs. McAvoy and our
Anonymous Donor.
HANNAH GUNDLE N.G. Mangin Scholarship.
Established in 1992 by Mary Mangin in memory of her
husband Nicholas, former Superintendent of Schools for
Pinellas County.
KALI DRURY Mark Quebbeman Scholarship.
Created in 2003 in Mark's memory by his devoted
parents, Margaret and Norbert, to continue Mark's legacy
of a strong love of his family and caring for others.
MARY ANGELICA CRUZ Cecile & Norman Demers
Scholarship. Initiated in 2003 by Cecile and Norman to
carry on their commitment of educating others.
GARY WINTERMEIER Daniel John Schweitzer
Scholarship. Established in 2005 by the Schweitzer/
Bondar families in memory of the their nephew Daniel to
continue his legacy of goodness, gentleness and an
eagerness to learn.
GINGER HANH Sister Ruth McAvoy Scholarship.
Started in 2006 by Thomas McAvoy in memory of his
sister, Sister Ruth McAvoy, foundress of the religious
community of the Handmaids of the Most Holy Trinity in
South Bend, Indiana in 1968.
SCHOLARSHIPS
On behalf of all of us at St. Patrick Catholic School we
congratulate the following students for being this year's
Scholarship Recipients:
ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC YOUTH
Page Six - Stewardship
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
"Be on guard," Jesus warns in today's Gospel, "lest your spirits become bloated with
indulgence." Let us heed His warning and follow the advice of St. Paul, conducting
ourselves in a way pleasing to God, overflowing with love for one another.
See Luke 21:34.
November 26, 2006
$ 12,308.29 (401 Envelopes Used)
Catholic Campaign for Human Development
$ 430.00 (35 envelopes)
Thanksgiving Collection for our Sister Parish
$ 2,205.00
Ministry of Helping Hands
Poor Box Collection - $ 162.00
Children's Envelopes - $ 14.00
My good deed was:
? I cleaned my room. (Noah Ignacio)
??
I took out the trash and kept the fire going.
(Matt Ruppel.)
??
I was kind to a mean friend. (Katie Griffin)
??
I helped a little boy. (Sean Griffin)
? I picked up my games at grandma's.
(Tara O'Connor)
? I was good at grandma's house. (Catie
O'Connor)
May God bless and reward you for your
generous spirit and giving heart!
THANK YOU for your continued support.
ST. PATRICK PARISH
MISSION STATEMENT
We, the parish of St. Patrick,
are a well-established and growing
Catholic community blessed
with members of all ages
who come from a variety of backgrounds.
In the missionary spirit
of our patron saint,
and under the protection of Mary,
the Mother of the Church,
we desire to spread
the Good News of Jesus Christ.
We strive to live lives that will
embody Him to others in our families,
neighborhood and the larger community.
We are committed --
?
to celebrating our faith by reverent and
joyful worship,
?
to strengthening our faith through Catholic
education and ongoing spiritual formation,
and
?
to living our faith by welcoming others and
serving each others' needs.
NOURISHED BY THE EUCHARIST
and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
we commit
our time, talents, and treasures
for the glory of God
IN SERVICE to His people.
L
ibrary News:
Watch for the news of the St. Patrick
Library Book Club starting in January 2007. For
more information call Florence Deaton
at 595-3254. Come browse our stacks
in Msgr. McCall Hall today. (Library
open Sundays `til noon) and sign out
the books and tapes of your choice.
ARE YOU CONNECTED?
Check our St. Patrick website! It's
packed with parish info, ministry notes,
thoughtful reading, previous bulletins
and photos galore. Visit www.stpatrick-largo.org !
H
oliday Pies!
Our adult
choir have gift certificates
available for holiday pies.
These certificates will be sold
after each Mass on Saturday evening and Sun-
day until Christmas. Please support our choir as
they prepare for their pilgrimage to Canada next
August. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Attention Actors and Actresses
...
St. Patrick Players will be doing a production of a tableau drama depicting
Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Last Supper". If you are interested in participat-
ing please contact Betty Archer at 596-6579.
Parish Outreach - Page Seven
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
Parish Ministries
Claire Obordo
"The Word was made flesh, and made His dwelling
among us." We are the Body of Christ.
Let us reach out in SERVICE and in LOVE.
"The Word was made flesh, and made His dwelling
among us." We are the Body of Christ.
Let us reach out in SERVICE and in LOVE.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION AND BENEDICTION EVERY WEDNESDAY
Come, pray with me! Could you not watch one hour with me?
Please consider spending even one hour each Wednesday to be with Our Lord in Eucharistic
Adoration, beginning after the last morning 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 to the priesthood and religious life.
Our GriefShare sessions continue this week on Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM in the Re-
ligious Education Office. If you or someone you know is having a hard time coping
with the loss of a loved one, please consider coming to our gatherings and be with
those who understand. GriefShare is a 12 week Christian based bereavement group.
As many people have found out, this road is not one to be traveled alone. If you have
any questions or need more info., please contact Claire in the parish office, ext. 302.
Have you lost a loved one recently? Learn about the process we all go through when grieving the loss of a loved one.
GriefShare
C
ome, Prepare Him a Home!
Do YOU enjoy decorating your
own house for Christmas? Why not
help decorate God's House ... here
at St. Patrick? We need Christmas
Angels-- helpers who will put up
the lights, the wreaths and the Na-
tivity scene. Will you help? Please
phone the Rectory office.
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 will be placed in the Church for Advent. Please consider taking an Angel and helping a
deserving child with a Christmas gift. 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. Gifts for the children
should be returned by the Third Weekend of Advent, December 16 & 17. Thank You for generous giving!
May God continue to bless you and your family during this Advent season!
SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES:
Join a Small Christian Community. These groups
are meeting weekly in people's homes to reflect on Scripture and the teachings of the
Catholic Church. For more info contact Diane Kledzik at 587-7869 or Sr. Kathleen at
584-2318 ext. 321.
FREE GIFT WRAPPING on December 17th!
The St. Patrick Gift Shop will be offering FREE gift
wrapping to all it's parishioners on December 17
th
2006, at the parish hall from 8:30am to
12:00pm. Items for wrapping do not have to be a
Gift Shop purchase. May the Peace of our Lord
Jesus Christ be with you during this blessed sea-
son, from the St Patrick Gift Shop ladies.
FOUNDATIONS OF PERSONAL PRAYER: Combines daily reflection on Scripture along with weekly prayer
group sharing. It encourages prayer as two-way communication with God, and meets every Tuesday evening
at 7 PM in Msgr. McCall Hall. For more information contact Sr. Kathleen at 584-2318 ex. 321.
Staff Sgt. William J. Condon, US Army, Afghanistan
Lt. Comm. Shawn D. Fitzpatrick, USN, Virginia
Sgt. Jason A. George, US Army, Korea
Lance Corporal Jorge Granados, USMC, Iraq
Sgt. Joshua Harmon, Kentucky
Pvt. Joshua Harrison, US Army, Afghanistan
Staff Sgt. Matthew Hicks, U.S. Army, Missouri
Airman Ryan Hines, USAF
Staff Sgt. Kevin Kinkade, U.S. Army, Kentucky
Pvt. 1st Class Nick Krege, USMC, Missouri
Specialist Daniel McCarley, US Army, Florida
Airman 1st Class Kevin McCarley, USAF, Germany
Ensign Christopher McDowell, USN, Mississippi
Pvt. Chris Reed, USMC, Missouri
Major Kristin Streukens, USAF
Major Scott Trapman, US Army, Fort Lewis, WA
Staff Sgt. Saturnino Vilano, Jr., US Army, Afghanistan
Airman Christopher E. Villano, USN, Iraq
Please pray for peace and justice in the world.
Page Eight - Prayer & Schedule of Events
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
Sat.
4:30 PM
Sun.
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
5:30 PM
Mon.
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
Tue.
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
Wed.
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
Thu.
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
4:30 PM
Fri.
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
6:30 PM
Sat.
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
4:30 PM
Sun.
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
5:30 PM
Sun.
10:00 AM
10:30 AM
11:00 AM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
Mon.
5:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
Tue.
8:30 AM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
Wed.
6:45 AM
9:30 AM
9:45 AM
5:00 PM
6:45 PM
Thu.
10:00 AM
4:30 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
Fri.
10:00 AM
5:00 PM
6:30 PM
7:30 PM
Sat.
9:00 AM
12 Noon
3:30 PM
5:30 PM
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
December 2, 2006
Floyd Bilow
December 3, 2006
Arlene Sinamon
St. Patrick Parishioners
Walter Tone
Barbara Smith
December 4, 2006
Lillian Tepas
Barbara Smith
December 5, 2006
Kevin Barton
Cathy Lenkie
December 6, 2006
Vocations
Hornyak & Schwertner Families
December 7, 2006
Norma Steen
Robert James Derma
James Burke
December 8, 2006
Bernice Drake
Arlene Sinamon
Steven Butkocy
December 9, 2006
Margaret Quebbeman
Paul Lamkin
Robert O'Neil (Living)
December 10, 2006
Tom Brophy
Kevin Barton
St. Patrick Parishioners
Frank Maltese
12/03/06
NO Pancake Breakfast (postponed until 12/03)
RCIA Class (CR)
Religious Education for Children (School)
Baptism Class (PC)
Junior High Youth Meeting (YR)
Al-Anon Meeting (CR)
12/04/06
Mission of St. Patrick ESOL Class (PC Lib)
Mardi Gras Meeting (PC)
Cub Scout Pack 465 Den Mtg. (Cafe., Art, PE, Gr1)
Contemporary Worship Band Rehearsal (CH)
12/05/06
Foundations of Prayer Mothers' Group (CR)
Griefshare Meeting (Lib)
Bell Choir Practice (CH)
Boy Scout Troop 465 Meeting (Cafe.)
Foundations of Personal Prayer Mtg. (PC,CR)
12/06/06
Men's Bible Study (CR)
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (CH)
Bible Study (CR)
Mission of St. Patrick Tutoring (Lib & CR)
Benediction (CH)
12/07/06
Legion of Mary (Lib)
Vigil Mass: Immaculate Conception (CH)
Children's Choir Practice (OLM)
Adult Choir Practice (OLM)
12/08/06
Faith Sharing Group (CR)
PTO Christmas Dinner (PC,CR)
Evening Mass: Immaculate Conception (CH)
Our Lady's Oratory Prayer Group (CH)
12/09/06
Mission of St. Patrick Tutoring (CR)
Sacred Slugger Softball Game (Fld)
Confessions (CH)
Confessions (CH)
Please pray for the members of our
St. Patrick Parish family and friends
who have died recently:
Roger Ward
Betty Rolhfs
Laurette Pariseau Jack Burke
Mass Intentions
The Week Ahead
Pray for our Military
SHARE-A-PRAYER: If you or someone you know
needs special prayers, phone our prayer line and
let us pray for you and your loved ones. Phone
584-6954 or 585-7247 and our prayer warriors
will offer their prayers up to heaven for you!
`Round the Diocese & Saints Spotlight - Page Nine
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
Diocesan Announcements
St. John Damascene (675-749)
Feast Day: December 4
The Magnificat of St. Petersburg invites women of all
ages to a prayer breakfast on Saturday, December 9th
from 9 AM until Noon at St. Jude Cathedral Parish Center
at 5815 Fifth Avenue N. in St. Petersburg. Come and
share the love, faith and courage of a devoted mother
who began a ministry to the severely mentally ill after her
son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Dolores Castaldo
and her husband founded Benedict Haven, a residence
for mentally ill men including her son Sal. Tickets: $7
each by calling Jane Lonergan at 345-6207. Reserva-
tions deadline: December 5th. No tickets at the door.
St. John Damascene was born in
Damascus and educated by a monk who
had been brought to Damascus as a
prisoner. He became the finance minister
for a local Muslim leader, but eventually
entered a monastery near Jerusalem
where he devoted himself to prayer and writing. Among
his more famous works are a defense of the veneration of
images and a theological treatise, Expositions of the
Orthodox Faith, which became for the Eastern Church
what the Summa Theologica of St. Thomas of Aquinas
was for the West. Named a Doctor of the Church by Pope
Leo XIII in 1890, and quoted by Pope Pius XII when he
defined the dogma of the Assumption in 1950, this humble
man would have been surprised to find himself numbered
among the saints. He once described himself as a "lowly
and useless servant who would do better to confess his
sins to God than to become involved in theological and
political matters." "His holiness," writes one
commentator, "expressed itself in putting his literary and
preaching talents at the service of the Lord." Putting our
talents at the service of the Lord is one definition of
stewardship, and it is our way to holiness, too.
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, and
Lorraine, France. 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!
St. Juan Diego (1466 - ?)
Feast Day: December 9
In this feast we remember the man to whom Our Lady of
Guadalupe appeared on 9 December 1531. Tradition says
that St. Juan Diego, or Cuauhlatzin ("the talking eagle"),
was a leader of the Chichimeca people who lived in the
valley where Mexico City is today. After Our Lady
appeared to him and left her image imprinted on his cloak,
he received permission from the local bishop to live as a
hermit near the shrine that was built on the site of the
apparitions. There St. Juan Diego was a good steward of
the tremendous spiritual gift that he had received, humbly
caring for the church and the
pilgrims who came to see the image
of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is said
that his holiness so impressed those
he served that parents said to their
children, "May God make you like
Juan Diego." Indeed, may God
make us like Juan Diego, too open
to the gifts of God in our own time
and place, and careful always to use
them for the good of the Church.
Other Feast Days:
December 7 .........St. Ambrose (339-397)
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
St. Jerome Early Childhood
Center, located at 10895
Hamlin Blvd, Largo, will host
its 15th Annual Breakfast with
Santa on Saturday, Decem-
ber 9th 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 community. Breakfast tickets are now available at
the Center or may also be purchased at the door on the
day of the Breakfast. Tickets are $5 each or $25 for a
family, which includes breakfast, face painting, kiddie-
crafts, and a visit with Santa. Raffle tickets are also avail-
able and prizes will be raffled at the Breakfast. Come
and join us for this wonderful event. Please call 596-
9491 for more info.