My Dear Friends in Christ,
I am glad to be back from the
fundraising cruise to the
Eastern Caribbean. We had a great time. The extra bonus was that Italian cruise lines
not only have a chapel on every ship but the Blessed Sacrament is also on every ship.
How comforting to know that as we sail the seas Our Lord was truly with us. In
September 2007 we will be taking our Third Annual Fundraising Cruise to Alaska with a land
package also available. Watch the bulletin in January for more information. As I shared in last
week's bulletin regarding Lessons and Carols, I hope to see many of you this afternoon to
spiritually prepare for Christ's Coming.
Many of you have read The Screwtape Letters. C. S. Lewis wrote them from the point of view of an
experienced demon named Screwtape who advises his nephew on how to bring a young man to ruin by a
series of temptations. It seems likes the tempters have all the advantages because they offer things humans
want: sex without commitment, easy money, superiority over others, escape from duties, payback, and other
things all bad lies, but very appealing. The devil appears to have the winning side, but at a certain point,
Screwtape admits to his nephew that their enemy (God) is not to be underestimated. Almost in exasperation,
Screwtape says: "We must never forget what is the most repellent and inexplicable trait in our enemy; He
really loves the hairless bipeds."
When you come right down to it that is what God ultimately offers us. He really loves us confused, prideful
creatures us "hairless bipeds," as C. S. Lewis expresses it. God's love is amazing when you think about it. Yet, in
today's second reading, St. Paul speaks plainly about the "affection of Christ Jesus." Now, there
is a powerful phrase: the affection of Christ Jesus.
I think you know what affection means. God has arranged things in such a way that almost
every person has some experience of strong affection: a young man so deeply in love with a girl
that he thinks about her day and night; a parent who would sacrifice anything for their child; even
the feeling we have toward our pets. The last example might seem amusing, but in relation to God,
the proportion is something like that of an owner to their pet except that the gap is unspeakably
greater! But this affection is real. St. Paul tells us about this affection of Christ Jesus.
We sometimes talk about God's unconditional love. What that phrase means is that by his very nature God loves us.
And his nature cannot change. His love is unconditional because, of all beings, he is without conditions. However,
unconditional love does not mean that he is content to leave us as we are or let us do anything we please, like some
overindulgent grandparent. It would be a pretty meager love if God did not expect something of us. St. Paul tells us that
God wants us to be "pure and blameless." Are you pure and without blame? I know I am not. But God wants you and
me to become pure and blameless.
In the Gospel, St. John proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin. We cannot experience the love
of God, the affection of Jesus Christ, unless we recognize our sins. To come into God's presence
requires cleansing. Allow me to use a comparison, which perhaps is overly simple. There are many
who have a dog for which they feel a great affection. The dog does almost everything asked of him
and requires very little persuasion. There is, however, one thing which dogs often hate and fear: a
bath. When he realizes he is being lead to a bucket of soapy water and a hose, he will dig in his paws
and become immovable. You pet him, you speak to him nicely, you offer him a treat all to no avail.
Finally, the dog must be dragged to the dreaded water. Once you begin scrubbing, he seems to resign
himself to the ordeal. And when the bath is over, he runs and shakes himself for pure joy.
You and I might have similar feelings toward the cleansing God wishes to give us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation
which is a kind of second baptism. How difficult to acknowledge our sin before God and another human being! We
might think, "I am clean enough." But God does not see it that way. He wants us to be pure and blameless.
Just to sum up: God's unconditional love made evident in Jesus does not mean indulgence. He is not a doddering
grandfather, who just likes to "watch the kids have a good time." No, He is a loving Father with high expectations for
his children that we become pure and blameless. He invites us today to turn away from sin and allow him to cleanse
us. Such is the affection of Christ Jesus.
Marantha ~
Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
Page Two - Sunday, December 10, 2006
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
?
JMJ
RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS: The average Catholic
family spends $12 per year on cookies, $21 on potato chips, and
$29 on take-out coffee. Donations to the Retirement Fund for Re-
ligious average a little more than one dollar per year per adult
Catholic. The RFR benefits more than 37,000 elderly women and
men religious who received only small stipends for their decades
of service. Your gift makes a difference! Please be as generous
as you can.
Parish & Evangelization - Page Three
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
PUT ON JOY
Today, Baruch speaks of the splendor that lies ahead for the
city of Jerusalem and for all of us, regardless of where home is for
us. Throw off strife, he tells us, and put on joy. Like a favorite old
sweatshirt, joy fits, and how warm it keeps us, even when the winds
blow cold.
Paul knows of this joy as he pens his
letter to the Philippians, praying that they
may grow in their ability to discern what is
righteous and good. And Luke speaks to
us of John, who was foretold by Isaiah and
who sings a similar song-- "Prepare the
way of the Lord," for salvation is at hand.
A man ahead of his time, Baruch spent
his days joyfully awaiting a distant glory.
On this Second Sunday of Advent, Paul
and John know that this glory is upon us.
First Reading --
Your God will sing joyfully
because of you, as one sings at festivals
(Zephaniah 3:14-18a).
Psalm --
Cry out with joy and gladness: for
among you is the great and Holy One of
Israel (Isaiah 12:6).
Second Reading --
Rejoice in the Lord al-
ways. I shall say it again: rejoice!
(Philippians 4:4-7).
Gospel --
Whoever has two cloaks should
share with the person who has none. Who-
ever has food should do likewise (Luke
3:10-18).
How well do we serve others? Are we sharing
our extra clothing and food with those who
have none? Do others see Christ in us?
Readings for the Week Ahead:
December 17, 2006
Third Sunday of Advent
P
ARISH
N
EWS
We are . . . Disciples in Mission
Sharing our Faith in Christ all year!
Last week at the 11 AM Mass, we celebrated the Rite of Welcome for the Cate-
chumens and Candidates who intend to continue their journey in
faith. Please pray for all those who have gone through this
Rite. 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.
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!
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 in the Church for the first two weeks of Advent. Please consider taking an Angel and
helping a deserving child with a Christmas gift. This year, the Christmas Angels are for children specially se-
lected from the Safe Children Coalition of Pinellas County and from our own parish and school. Please en-
sure that gifts for the children are returned to the Conference Room by December 16 & 17. Thank You
for generous giving! May God continue to bless you and your family during this Advent season!
TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART! Know and control your
Blood Pressure. The Parish Nurses will be taking blood
pressures TODAY Sunday, December 10th, 10-11 AM in
Msgr. McCall Hall.
BLOOD DRIVE TODAY!
SUNDAY, 8:30 AM TO 1:00 PM
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE
THIS CHRISTMAS
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 (CR)
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 15th
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 11th
Fr. Pecchie continues our journey into
Meditative Prayer.
December 10, 2006 2nd Sunday of Advent Cycle C:
John the Baptist cried out and made ready for the Lord.
Who will promote the gospel in our community?
VOCATION VIEW:
(Luke 3:1-6)
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.
We are looking for VOLUNTEERS to help out in the NURSERY at the 9:00 Mass ...
St. Patrick School parents can get hours for volunteering, and students can earn community service hours.
Only one teen volunteer and one adult volunteer is needed each Sunday, so sign up now for one shift each
month throughout this school year. Please e-mail Piper at lcpjlargo@yahoo.com or call the religious educa-
tion office at ext. 320 if you are interested in helping.
Religious Education Classes
for K through 8th grade take
place on Sundays.
Please call Religious Ed. Office
if you are not registered.
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.
ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC YOUTH
Thanks to our Priests, Religious, Youth and all who came out for our
Sacred Slugger Softball Game! Special thanks to ... Fr. Pecchie, Fr.
Prakash, Fr. John Blum, Fr. Ken Malley, Fr. Joseph Musco and Fr. David
Toups, our Deacons, the Sisters of Our Lady of Mount Kilimanjaro as our
cheerleading squad, and you who helped support our March for Life trip to
Washington, D.C. May God bless you all!
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The Magic of Christmas will come alive at the St. Patrick Catholic School Annual Christmas
Concert. Yes, the Stars will be shining on Friday, December 15, 2006 at 7 PM at Clearwa-
ter Central Catholic High School.
MID-TERM EXAMS
Mid-Term Exams will be administered for Grades 7 & 8 on December 12,13,14, 2006.
Thank you to Brianne, Chris, Luke, Mark and Tyler for their time,
talent and treasure in cooking a meal for 50 people at Ronald
McDonald House. Helping those who are in need is a basic duty
of disciples of Christ.
O
nce again, our children's choir from the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass and the school hand chimes choir brought the
true spirit of the season for the people at the Oak Manor Senior Living Community in Largo on Sun-
day, December 3rd. The children surely give a lot of joy to all who heard them. Thanks
also to parents who brought and supported them!
Our adult choir also had the opportunity to perform at Madaline Krater's 100th birthday
celebration at Barrington Terrace. What an honor and joy it is to serve one of our parish-
ioners, who still at her age, attends our 11:00 AM Mass on Sunday! Congratulations
Madaline and may God continue to bless you with good health!
Our adult choir will also bring good cheer to the folks at Sable Palm and again at Barring-
ton Terrace on December 11th. It is always a highlight of our preparation for Christmas.
These wonderful people give us so much love and gratitude in return. What more can you receive....
Our music ministry wants to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry and Blessed Christmas!
Next youth event . . . December 16th: Fun night in teen room. Time TBA.
Page Six - Stewardship
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
Summary Report for St. Patrick, Largo
as of December 2006
PARISH INFORMATION:
Assessment: .................................$119,658.00
This is the amount St. Patrick Parish must give
to the Diocese for the 2006 Appeal.
Pledged: $69,111.60
Paid: $66,408.80 + Pledge Balance: $2,702.80
# of Gifts:
238
Average Gift:
$290.38
This is the number of gifts by our parish-
ioners (out of our 1176 registered fami-
lies) who have made a pledge by sending
their donation in the APA Diocesan enve-
lope.
% of Assessment:
57.8
% Participation:
20.2
Just over 20% of our parishioners have
participated in the 2006 APA!
Please prayerfully consider making your pledge today.
You may use the Diocesan APA envelopes marked
"St. Patrick Church, Largo #370". IT'S NOT TOO
LATE TO SEND IN YOUR PLEDGE!
% of Parish
Participation
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Good Stewards believe that God, who has begun this good work in them, will carry it
through to completion. In words and deeds, they can sing with the Psalmist,
"The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy!"
December 3, 2006
$ 14,140.79 (436 Envelopes Used)
Ministry of Helping Hands
Poor Box Collection - $ 298.00
Children's Envelopes - $ 11.25
My good deed was:
? I vaccumed my house. (Matt Ruppel)
??
I said extra prayers. (Sean Griffin)
??
I gave my money to the poor. (Noah Ignacio)
??
I prayed the Advent Chain for my family.
(Johnny Kamp)
??
I made cookies for my relatives.
(Katie Griffin)
? I was being good. (Suzie O'Connor)
??
Tara O'Connor
? Catie O'Connor
May God bless and reward
you for your generous
spirit and giving heart!
THANK YOU for your
continued support.
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, (the library
is 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 certifi-
cates available for holiday
pies. These certificates will be sold after each
Mass on Saturday evening and Sunday 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.
Balance still owed to Diocese: $50,546.40
2006 Annual Pastoral Appeal Update
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
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Coun-
cil # 4892 meets on the second
Thursday of the month at 8 PM in
the Cafeteria. Call Bob Lamelle at
584-1234. Hope to see you there!
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.
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.
?
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!
ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE
Please join us in celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation
on Wednesday, December 20th beginning at 7:00 PM in the Church.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is truly a symbol of Christ's presence in the
Church. It is a way we put our lives back together with God, Family, Church
and one another. It is a way we recharge our lives; a unity with God. It is a
wonderful way to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Savior. Please
join us, as it is the best opportunity to go to Confession before Christmas.
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
Major Michael Trofinoff, US Army, Iraq
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
Fri.
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
Sat.
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
4:30 PM
Sun.
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
5:30 PM
Sun.
8:30 AM
10:00 AM
10:00 AM
10:30 AM
3:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
Mon.
5:00 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
7:00 PM
Thu.
10:00 AM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
8:00 PM
Fri.
10:00 AM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
Sat.
9:00 AM
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 9, 2006
Robert O'Neil (Living)
December 10, 2006
Tom Brophy
Kevin Barton
St. Patrick Parishioners
Frank Maltese
December 11, 2006
George McCarty
Don VanSlavich
December 12, 2006
Mary Cullen
Arlene Sinamon
December 13, 2006
Rose Marie Ponzo
David Rotella
December 14, 2006
Jenny Hartley
Frank Maltese
December 15, 2006
Joseph Zupansic
Anthony Sartiano
December 16, 2006
Frances Plummer
Sr. Anne
Cherylene Marie Henry
December 17, 2006
John McEvoy
Edward & Olive Dietl
Maria Rey (Living)
St. Patrick Parishioners
12/10/06
Pancake Breakfast (PC)
Blood Pressure Check (PC)
RCIA Class (CR)
Religious Education for Children (School)
Advent Lessons and Carols (CH)
Junior High Youth Meeting (YR)
Al-Anon Meeting (CR)
12/11/06
Mission of St. Patrick ESOL Class (PC Lib)
Contemporary Worship Band Rehearsal (CH)
Pastor's Class (CR)
12/12/06
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)
12/13/06
Men's Bible Study (CR)
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (CH)
Bible Study (CR)
Mission of St. Patrick Tutoring (Lib & CR)
Benediction (CH)
Respect Life Meeting (CR)
12/14/06
Legion of Mary (Lib)
Children's Choir Practice (OLM)
Adult Choir Practice (OLM)
Knights of Columbus Meeting (Cafe.)
12/15/06
Faith Sharing Group (CR)
Children's Christmas Concert (Off property)
Our Lady's Oratory Prayer Group (CH)
12/16/06
Mission of St. Patrick Tutoring (CR)
Confessions (CH)
Confessions (CH)
Please pray for the members of our St.
Patrick Parish family and friends who
have died recently:
Alphonzo Sanfelippo
Bertha William
Carl Tribuzio
Mass Intentions
The Week Ahead
Pray for our Military
`Round the Diocese & Saints Spotlight - Page Nine
http://www.stpatrick-largo.org
Diocesan Announcements
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Feast Day: December 12
Martha Mary Guild Christmas Luncheon
When:
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Where: Wine Cellar Restaurant
Time:
11:30 AM (Cocktails)
12 noon (Luncheon)
Guests * Parishioners * invited Cost $20
For Reservations Phone
Pat Siglain 596-8244 or Mary Ann Smith 593-3188
This feast reveals anew the
great love God has for us
and the lengths to which he
will go to make that love
known. A widower named
Juan Diego was on his way
to Mass one morning in
1531, when the Blessed
Virgin Mary appeared to
him. Speaking in his native
language and with the face
and features of the peasant
people of that place and
time, Our Lady of Guadalupe came in a familiar guise. As
in the incarnation, when God came as one like us, to dwell
with us and share his life with us, so in her appearance to
St. Juan Diego, Mary looks and sounds like one of his
neighbors to reveal her solidarity with the faithful of the
Americas. "True Marian devotion reaches its fullness and
its most rightful expression," said Pope Paul VI, "when it
is a path to the Lord and directs all its love toward
him." May our celebration today and the prayers of Our
Lady of Guadalupe deepen our love of God and help us to
demonstrate that love by loving one another.
St. Lucy (Died 304)
Feast Day: December 13
St. Lucy is mentioned in the Roman canon of the Mass
with four other virgin martyrs St. Agnes, St. Cecilia, St.
Agatha, and St. Anastasia. We know little about her
except when and why she died. Legend says that while on
a pilgrimage, she had a vision of St. Agatha who told her
that her virginal consecration to the Lord would result in
great blessing to her homeland. That convinced her not to
marry, and she persuaded her mother to give her dowry to
the poor. But this so angered her fiancé that he accused
her before the magistrates. It was a time of great religious
persecution in Sicily and being convicted of following
Jesus meant certain torture and death. St. Lucy could have
given in to the demands of her
suitor or she could have
renounced her faith. Either
choice would have saved her
life. Instead, she held fast to her
belief that the Lord had called
her to a life of holiness and
earned a martyr's crown. Purity,
consecration, and courage were
the gifts of this young steward
saint. May her merits and
prayers strengthen us to make the
unpopular choices fidelity to
Jesus sometimes requires.
St. John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Feast Day: December 14
St. John of the Cross was born in Spain
and educated by Jesuits. When he was
25, he was ordained a Carmelite priest,
and shortly thereafter met St. Teresa of
Avila. Together they worked to reform
their order, eventually breaking away
and calling themselves the Discalced
(or "shoeless") Carmelites. St. John of
the Cross was a mystic and a poet, the writer of such
spiritual classics as The Ascent of Mount Carmel and The
Dark Night of the Soul. He was a man worthy of his
name, motivated by a spirit of self-denial and a love of the
cross. "The teaching of this mystical doctor has special
significance for our sensate society in which it is so easy
to become attached to pleasure and to created
goods," says one commentator. "The path of detachment
and self-denial is still the path that leads to union with
God." While not all of us are called to the extreme
asceticism of St. John of the Cross, good stewards know
that the right use and sometimes the sacrifice of God's
gifts keeps us from becoming too attached to "things" and
helps us to grow in holiness.
Other Feast Days:
December 11 St. Damasus I (305? - 384)
Experienced bookkeeper for busy school office with re-
sponsibility for cash deposits, Accounts Payable including
check writing. Good computer skills required. Mail rés-
umé to: Director of Finance, Clearwater Central Catholic
High School 2750 Haines Bayshore Road, Clearwater, FL
33760-1435. No phone calls please.
Seeking full-time maintenance position with some
weekends required, full benefits including vacation, health
insurance and pension. Floor care experience a must.
The Candidate must be an active practicing Catholic.
Please apply at the Parish Office or submit your résumé to
the attention of Thomas M. Timko, Sr., Parish Manager at
St. Michael Catholic Church, 2281 State Road 580, Clear-
water, FL 33763 or (727) 797-2375, ext. 221.