c o A to l H l in c - americanmartyrs.org Gelafio Bernice Uttrich May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the ... 8:00 Bob Byrne † (Joana Brown) 5:00 All Souls Novena

November 20, 2016Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

A W e l c o m i n g c o m m u n i t y , H e l p i n g o n e A n o t H e r t o l i v e H o ly l i v e s i n J e s u s c H r i s t .

pAstor Rev. Msgr. John F. Barry, P.A.

AssociAte pAstors Rev. Joseph Kammerer Rev. Rick Prindle

DeAcons Fred Rose Derek Brown Chris Amantea Dick Williams

Business mAnAger Bob Hodges

WeekenD mAss Saturday Vigil: 5pm Sunday: 7am, 8am, 9:30am, 11:30am and 5pm

WeekDAy mAss Monday / Wednesday / Friday: 8am, 12:10pm and 5pm Tuesday / Thursday: 6:30am, 8am, 12:10pm and 5pm Saturday: 8am

Holy DAy mAss Vigil: 5pm Holy Day: 6:30am, 8am, 12:10pm, 5pm, and 7:30pm

reconciliAtion (penAnce) Tuesday: 7am-7:15am Wednesday: 5:30pm-6pm Thursday: 7am-7:15am Friday: 5:30pm-6pm Saturday: 8:30am-9am 4pm-4:30pm Eves of Holy Days: 4pm-4:30pm Confessions by request anytime; call Rectory for appointment.

624 15t h St r e e t Manhattan Beach, ca 90266 (310)545-5651 a M e r i c a n M a r t y r S . o r g

American Martyrs | A Designated Pilgrimage Church for the Year of Mercy

In MeMorIaM

Florence Anderson Sean PleskowSharon Gelafio Bernice UttrichMay the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Pray for the SIck Please pray for the sick in our community that they may find comfort and healing in Christ, especially:

Joan Stimfig John HouffElaine McGauley Rick BoilburchJake Ruhl Sophia Burch Kurt Toppel Lisa & Tom BellJoe Cook Imelda BarryLarry Wolf Arlene PlattenJacob Conde Kathy Rico Baichtal Samantha Concetti Paul Schaffer Elizabeth Holt Smith Jack Radville Maria Babick Wendy Leroy Shellie Schmitt John Wigle Kathy O'Mara Benjamin Cipriano Rebecca Clinton Kathy West Lucia Doolack

SacraMental InforMatIon

Baptism for Infants - 1st, 2nd & 3rd Sundays at 1:00pM

Contact Deacon Fred Rose, 310-545-5651, for appointment. Pre-Baptism instruction for parents and godparents is required. Next class is Sunday, December 11.

Adult Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist (RCIA)Deacon Derek & Terri Brown, R C I A @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r gRite of Christian Initiation for Adults welcomes and prepares adults for full participation in the sacramental life of the Church. Classes begin in September.

Marriage - Contact Rectory at least 6 months prior to wedding date.

Anointing of the Sick - Celebrated throughout the year.Call anytime in case of serious illness.

Mass Intentions - Request in person at the Parish Offices.

Prayers for the Sick and Deceased - Contact the Rectorywith the names of family members who are ill or deceased.

Funeral PlanningContact the Rectory to arrange Funeral or Memorial Services.

Bereavement SupportDeacon Chris & Yvonne Amantea c a m a n t e a @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o rg | y a m a n t e a @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o rg

Sgt Ciriaco Ayala - U.S.M.C. CPT Maureen Bannon - U.S. Army LTJG Joshua Bergen - U.S. Navy Capt Evan Bernstein - U.S.M.C. Jonathan Concetti - U.S.M.C. SSG Eric Cothren - U.S. Army PVT Julia Cothren - U.S. Army LCpl Fred Hoffman - U.S.M.C. SGT Charles Koffman - U.S. Army 1LT Nicholas Marquez - National Guard SSgt Kyle Nesbitt - U.S.A.F. Brendan Quinn - U.S. Navy LT Marissa Watson - U.S. Navy

arMed forceSWe pray for those serving overseas in our Armed Forces, especially:

ParISh facIlItIeS

RECTORY 624 15th Street, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310-545-5651 | fax 424-327-9703 Mailing Address: PO Box 3639, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266-1639

PARISH OFFICE and MEETING ROOMS Mon-Fri, 9:00am-5:00pm | Sunday, 8:30am-11:30am 1400 Deegan Place, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310-545-5651 | fax 424-327-9702 Temporary Parish Offices are on 15th Street between the Gym and the Parish House. SS. BRIGID/BRENDAN (closed for remodel) O'DONNELL HALL (enter from O'Donnell parking lot, south east side of the building)ST. KATERI ROOM (enter from Deegan Place)

GYM - 701 15th Street | 310-802-8720 Do not park on 15th Street. Use parking structure and crosswalk.

HOLY FAMILY HOUSE - 700 17th Street Do not park on 17th Street. Use lower level entrance next to Gym.

PARISH HOUSE - 659 15th Street

SACRED HEART HOUSE - 720 18th Street Do not park on 18th Street. Park in O'Donnell or school lots and enter from schoolyard.

SPIRITUALITY CENTER - 770 17th Street St. Joseph's Chapel, Meditation Garden, Upper Room Library (open Sunday,10am-4pm)

We welcome you to American Martyrs Catholic Community

daIly PrayerS of the church

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION CHAPEL Mon-Fri, 7:00aM-8:00pM Saturday, 7:00aM-5:00pM Sunday, 1:00pM-5:00pM closed during regular Sunday Masses. ContaCt: [email protected]

DAILY ROSARY: Monday - Saturday, 7:30aM, in the Church

MORNING PRAYER: Tuesday, following the 6:30aM Mass

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP (DEVOTION & BENEDICTION) Tuesday following the 8:00aM Mass

ROSARY FOR THE UNBORN Wednesday following the 5:00pM Mass, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet

RESERVING A PARISH FACILITY To reserve a parish facility for your ministry or group, contact f a c i l i t i e s @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g, with the date and time of your event, number of people attending, purpose of the event, and the contact person's name, phone and email. We will make every effort to reserve a space that will accommodate your needs.We do not use our facilities for private parties.

Start your morning withThe Minute Message

Click the link at the top of our Homepage.

Follow Msgr. Barry on Twitter @msgrjohnbarr y

holy MatrIMony

Second Banns: Gabriel Fisher and Jamie Ellerbe

First Banns: John Gevargiz and Elaine Zhang

next Weekend'S MaSS celebrantS

Sat 5:00PM: Fr. Rick PrindleSun 7:00aM: Fr. Rick Prindle

8:00aM: Fr. Tom Kelly9:30aM: Msgr. John Barry (Livestream)

11:30aM: Fr. Joe Kammerer5:00PM: Msgr. John Barry

This schedule is subject to change.

November 20, 2016 | Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Find this bulletin online at AmericanMartyrs.org

thIS Week

Monday, November 219:00aM SpC Monday Morning Faith Sharing5:00pM ODH Happy Holy Hour Dance7:00pM HFH Al-Anon Meeting

TUESDAY, November 225:30aM PH Men’s AA Meeting9:15aM SpC Tuesday Morning Scripture Group3:30pM PH Legion of Mary6:00pM HFH Teen Tuesday7:00pM SCH Women's AA Meeting7:30pM SHH Al-Anon Meeting7:30pM SpC Contemplative Prayer

WEDNESDAY, November 239:30aM ODH Mothers of Young Children10:00aM PH Weekly Scripture Readings with Fr. Joe5:00pM ODH Happy Holy Hour Dance7:30pM SpC Sunday's Readings in Context

THURSDAY, November 245:30aM PH Men’s AA Meeting9:30aM CH Thanksgiving Mass10:30aM ODH Thanksgiving Bread Sharing

FRIDAY, November 25

11:15aM SpC Silent Meditation3:00pM SpC Matthew 25 Saturday's Blessings

SATURDAY, November 2610:00aM HFH AA Women5:00pM BBP Food Drive7:30pM SCH AA Meeting

SUNDAY, November 27After all Masses BBP Food Drive10:00aM SpL Spiritual Library (open until 4:00pm)

next Weekend

calendar, MaSS IntentIonS & readIngS

MaSS IntentIonS and readIngS for the Week MONDAY, November 21 - The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Readings: Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5; Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; Lk 21:1-4 8:00 All Souls Novena 12:10 Jim Goss † (Donald & Judy Sterner) 5:00 Ed Rumsey † (The Bellas Family)TUESDAY, November 22 - St. CeciliaReadings: rv 14:14-19; pS 96:10, 11-12, 13; Lk 21:5-11 6:30 All Souls Novena 8:00 Eleanor Bienlein † (Hope Rathbone) 12:10 Betty Hirschmann † (Patti & Dick Williams) 5:00 Gerry Geppert † (Laura Mazzenga)WEDNESDAY, November 23 - St. Clement I; St. ColumbanReadings: Rv 15:1-4; Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 7-8, 9; Lk 21:12-19 8:00 Robert Ades II † (The Altar Society) 12:10 Laurene Anastasi † (Sue Mullin) 5:00 All Souls NovenaTHURSDAY, November 24 - St. Andrew Dúng-Lac and Companions Readings: Rv 18:1-2, 21-23, 19:1-3, 9a; Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5; Lk 21:20-28 9:30 All Souls Novena

FRIDAY, November 25 - St. Catherine of Alexandria Readings: Rv 20:1-4, 11-21:2; Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6a, and 8a; Lk 21:29-33 8:00 All Souls Novena

SATURDAY, November 26 Readings: Rv 22:1-7; Ps 95:1-2, 3-5, 6-7ab; Lk 21:34-36

8:00 Bob Byrne † (Joana Brown) 5:00 All Souls NovenaSUNDAY, November 27 - First Sunday of AdventReadings: Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Rom 13:11-14; Mt 24:37-44 7:00 All Souls Novena 8:00 Suzanne Jones † (Estelita Garcia) 9:30 For the Parishioners, Living and Deceased 11:30 Barbara Muelrath (Bob & Sharon Ward) 5:00 Shirley A. Ellerman † (Mary A. Semeraro)

Parish Offices clOsed All parish offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25 in observance of Thanksgiving Day.There will only be a 9:30aM Mass on Thanksgiving and an 8:00aM Mass on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

cathOlic camPaign fOr human develOPment

This weekend's collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human development (CCHD) provides funding for groups that make lasting change and uplift the poor in the United States. CCHD's grants improve education, support economic development, and create affordable housing in low-income neighborhoods.Help us continue to defend human dignity and build communities of solidarity. Please give to CCHD.

FAcilities:BBP-SS. Brigid/Brendan Patio ∙ CH-Church ∙ ChP-Church Patio ∙ GYM-Gym ∙ HFH-Holy Family House ∙ ODH-O’Donnell Hall ∙ ODK-O’Donnell Kitchen PH-Parish House ∙ SpC-Spirituality Center ∙ SpG-Spirituality Garden SpL-Spirituality Center Library ∙ SCH-School ∙ SHH-Sacred Heart House SJC-St. Joseph’s Chapel ∙ SK-St. Kateri ∙ SKMR-St. Kateri Music Room

N OT E : D a te s a n d l o ca t i o n s a re s u b j e c t to c h a n g e w i t h o u t n o t i ce. P l e a s e c h e c k w i t h t h e m i n i s t r y to ve r i f y e ve n t.


November – our moNth for rememberiNg the DeaD Scrolls of the Dead - As is our tradition, our parish displays large scrolls with the names of parishioners and family members who have died during the past year. The names that have been called in to the rectory and placed in the Prayer of the Faithful are listed on the scrolls. When taken down, the scrolls will be cut up, so that families may retrieve the individual name(s) of their loved one(s). Book of the Dead - The Book of the Deceased is processed to the altar with the gifts during our Sunday liturgies. It keeps an informal record of our deceased family and friends. Parishioners are invited to enter the names of loved ones who now rest in the Lord by visiting the rectory office.

S e n i o r s ' Ch r i s tm a s Din n e r Re g i s t r a t i o n Fo rm

S e n i o r s ' Ch r i s tm a s Din n e r Tu e s d a y , D e c e m b e r 6 a t 6 : 3 0 p m

(for those who qualify by age for social security)

The 33rd Annual Seniors' Christmas Dinner hosted by Msgr. Barry will be Tuesday, December 6 at 6:30pm in O'Donnell Hall. Dinner is complimentary.

Monsignor’s elves are collecting door prizes. They can be left at the Parish Welcome Center anytime prior to the event. Thank you for supporting our seniors with your donations.

To volunteer for this event, please contact S e n i o r C h r i s t m a s D i n n e r @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g .

For question or cancellations, please contact the rectory at 310-545-5651Name Phone

I can provide transportation I need transportationAddress

Please drop this form in next Sunday's collection or leave it at the Parish CenterDue to limited space please RSVP as soon as possible; no later than Friday, December 2

Door Prizes for Seniors Christmas Dinner

Monsignor’s elves are collecting door prizes for the 33rd Annual Seniors Christmas Dinner.

Door prize donations can be left at the Parish Office. Thank you for supporting our seniors

with your donations. To volunteer to help at the dinner, contact

S e n i o r C h r i s t m a s D i n n e r @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g.

November 19-20 marks the close of the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Next weekend begins our new liturgical year with the First Week of Advent.

We are challenged to remember that our door is always open

and that it is in going out throughthe doors in action that makes the difference!

God's mercy endures forever.



MotherS of young chIldren Wednesday, November 30 9:30–11:00aM, O'Donnell HallOur guest speaker will be Lauren, the founder and owner of Art 2 Grow, who will speak to us about how to help our children both enjoy art and become good artists. MOYC provides a network of friendship and local resources to mothers with babies through pre-school aged children in American Martyrs Parish. Whether you're a first time mom or you come with a brood, we welcome you! Bring your parenting questions, your prayer intentions, and your children for playtime and fellowship in a relaxed, supportive environment. Babysitting provided. MinistRy ContaCts: Elizabeth Serrano, 310-245-4459 or Erin Hanlon, 609-760-7988 | m o y c @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g

Pancake breakfaSt today pAncAke BreAkFAst ministry is serving pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice & coffee in O’Donnell Hall after the 7aM, 8aM and 9:30aM Masses. Please pay at the door! $6 / adults, $4 / children under 12, $25 / family (2 adults w/children)

NEXT WEEK: Kids Book Club will serve Coffee and Donuts after the 7aM, 8aM, and 9:30aM Masses.

ParISh lIfe

SenIor felloWShIP grouP Our monthly gathering is Tuesday, December 6 at 10:00aM in St. Kateri. For the next couple of gatherings we will be finding out about “Women of the New Testament,” beginning at 10:00aM, followed by Games and then lunch at 12:00noon. We will be ordering lunch for this gathering so it is very important that you RSVP to Dee Kilmer, 310–676–5381, by December 2, so that we know how much food to order. Before the gathering, at 8:45aM in the O’Donnell kitchen, we will make sandwiches for St. Lawrence. Diane Dumond, 310-376-3599, and Ann Jund are in charge of sandwiches.Please join us for all or part of our gathering; we love to see new faces and make new friends.Questions? Dee Kilmer, 310-676-5381

coffee & donutS In o'donnell hall Life & Family Ministry will serve Coffee & Donuts after the 7aM, 8aM, and 9:30aM Masses.

No Cofffee & Donuts next week.

$crip $ense Looking for a Hostess Gift for Thanksgiving?Why not a gift from see’s cAnDies? If you are looking for a great bottle of wine for your holiday table, go to the experts at BArsHA Wine AnD spirits (on Sepulveda in the Baskin Robbins plaza) or BAccHus Wine (in downtown MB).Have you tried local meat and butcher shop, mAnHAttAn meAts, in downtown MB? Our parish families rave about the delicious meats, fish and poultry. And for farm fresh produce, cheeses and meats, go to groW, on Sepulveda Blvd. - a parishioner-owned shop, or use their online system and have your order delivered. Go to g r o w d e l i v e r s . c o m . If you are shopping on Black Friday, come in and make your holiday shopping efforts go further with scrip. THANKSGIVING WEEK HOURS: Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday, 9:00aM - 3:00pM Closed Thurs-Fri-Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend speCial oRdeRs oR otheR info: Contact the Scrip office at 424-327-9608 | S c r i p @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g

Monday MoRning staRteRs is on breakthrough the end of 2016 or until further notice.

The AlTAr SocieTyinvites the Parish Community

to our AnnuAl chriSTmAS luncheon

Friday, December 2 O’Donnell Hall11:45Am Kindergarten Christmas Program

12:15pm catered LuncheonDoors open at 10:00am for our Holiday Boutique - Jewelry, Linens, Crystal, Purses Fun Filled Baskets Raffle 1 Super TV Raffle

Luncheon is $20 Reservations a MUST by Monday, November 28

RSVP to Dorothy, 310-545-2016 or Mary Ann, 310-545-6171

Thanksgiving Day Mass & Pot Luck Breakfast Thursday, November 24

(This will be the only Mass on Thanksgiving day.)

You may bring the bread and/or wine that you will serve at your dinner to be blessed at the Mass.

Join us in O'Donnell Hall after Mass to enjoy sharing a continental breakfast with your fellow parishioners.

Beverages will be provided. Drop off your baked goods in O'Donnell before Mass.

To begin our Parish Christmas Project, everyone is encouraged to bring a gift-wrapped toy to

Mass on Thanksgiving Day (please attach a tag noting the gender/age of the child who should receive the gift.)

You will take the gift to the altar during the offertory.

Ad v en t CA nd l e s A r e AvA il A b l e in t h e PA r i s h Of f i C e s

Next Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent.

Bring your first blue/purple candle.Advent candle sets are available

at the Parish Center for $500 per box.


Commission Chair: Jim LaVerda S t e w a r d s h i p @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g

Stewardship . . . moving us closer to GodThere is a lot happening this Sunday. First it is The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, commonly called the Feast of Christ the King. Second, it is the final Sunday of our liturgical year and the new Church year begins next week. Finally, today marks the culmination of our Jubilee Year of Mercy.In his encyclical establishing today's Solemnity in 1925, Pope Pius XI declared, "He (Jesus) must reign in our minds - He must reign in our wills - He must reign in our hearts." His point was that Christ needs to be at the center of our lives, which is exactly what stewardship calls for — living Christ-centered lives. This God-centered attitude has several requirements for us, including recognizing Jesus as our Lord, our Savior, and our King. Placing God at the center of our lives and understanding that we need to lead lives of gratitude are exactly how we recognize and honor Christ as our King.This Sunday is also the last day of the 2016 Liturgical Year and Advent begins next week. We will have a new set of scripture readings and we will hear from the Gospel of Matthew for the majority of our Sunday reflections. Unfortunately, the beginning of the new Church year is overshadowed by the beginning of the secular aspects of the Christmas season: gift shopping, decorating, and so on. Before things get too

hectic, take some quiet time between today and next Sunday to prepare your minds and heart for celebrating the first coming of Christ.Today is the official close of our Jubilee Year of Mercy. Jesus has called us to follow Him, and to embrace discipleship and stewardship as a way of life. That is in large part what Pope Francis called us to during this Year of Mercy. Have we done anything to fulfill either of those calls? It is not too late; Jesus frequently makes it clear to us that it is never too late. Even as He was dying on the

Cross, He turned to the converted criminal and said, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Let's strive to live in such a way that we hear these same words.

Please contact us, S t e w a r d s h i p @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g with questions or comments on this article or about Stewardship.

SteWardShIPtime talent treasure

Commission Chair: Kathleen Truman s j o @ a m e r i c a n m a r t y r s . o r g

If you want to become more involved at American Martyrs, contact Jenny Attanasio at 310-545-5651.

begInnIng agaInOur group offers a welcoming and healing atmosphere for those experiencing separation or divorce. The next meeting is Tuesday, December 6, from 7:00 - 9:00pM in the Holy Family House. The topic is "Singleness."For more information call Jenny Attanasio, 310-545-5651.

StePhen MInIStry Deacon Dick & Patti Williams, 310-545-8244

Do you want Jesus to save you? When we’re hurting, hostile and negative feelings can overwhelm us. But when we’re able to talk through those feelings with someone we trust, we can see beyond those feelings and ask Jesus for the help and peace that we need. Asking for help is the hardest part. Are you ready to ask for help? Do you know someone who needs to ask for help?A Stephen Minister is someone who will listen, care, support, encourage, and pray with you. Are you feeling overwhelmed by hurting in your life? A Stephen Minister can help. Call the confidential phone line 310-545-8244. Deacon Dick and Patti Williams will meet with you to explore whether a Stephen Minister may be a good fit for you.

Pastoral Care

M25 outreach - Saturday bleSSIngS Every Friday afternoon we prepare about 100 breakfast bags which are hand-delivered early Saturday morning throughout Downtown Los

Angeles. We also distribute clothing and toiletries. We are in desperate need of:

We need 2XL & 3XL T-shirts, shirts & sweatshirts--if anyone can please donate.

Donations can be left at 625 17th Street, MB.

CaRe notes Can help you Cope Check out the Care Note rack in the Church vestibule. There are many topics that change frequently.Please deposit donations in the Poor Box.

M25 outreach -- Santa MonIca On Saturday, November 26, Matthew 25 will go to Santa Monica (OPCC at 503 Olympic Blvd) to serve those in need. We meet in the AMC parking lot at 7:00aM and return about noon.We greatly need gently used or new clothing including jeans, shirts, shoes and jackets - plus small containers of hygiene products including deodorant, sunscreen, toothbrushes, etc. Clothes can be left at the Parish Office or at the storage lockers in the underground parking near the stairs. Used school backpacks are also a welcome donation for the homeless clients.If you would like to volunteer, contact Mike Concannon, 714-852-2112 or M i c h a e l . C o n c a n n o n @ l e n d l e a s e . c o m .

“God never tires of forgiving us.”- Pope Francis

Parable of the Prodigal SonLuke 15:11:32

seekmercy.org



YOU WERE BORN IN MY HEART by Katie Martin

“You were born in my heart.”That is what my friend’s mom would say to her six adopted children when they were little. It was her way of reminding them that—while physically each of them was born from another woman who chose life and adoption—spiritually and emotionally, they each owned real estate in her heart that had been destined for them for always. “You were born in my heart.”November is National Adoption Awareness Month; in honor of this, several families from American Martyrs have graciously opened their hearts and their lives to our community in order to share with us the beauty that is adoption.“He has a thing with lights now,” Gretchen Newman said of her then 19-month-old son, Martin, as he walked through the kitchen and living room making sure all the lights are turned on.

For Gretchen and her husband, Jim, their journey toward adoption started 13 years ago when their four-day-old baby, Caroline, died after being born prematurely. Coupled with the fact that Gretchen had become quite ill during her pregnancy, doctors warned her she should not get preg-nant again.Fast-forward several years when Gretchen read an ad in the American Martyrs bulletin about an information night for Holy Family Services, an agency that specializes in adoption and foster care. The Newmans decided to proceed with the application process and, after five years of patience, prayer and a lot of persistence, were finally matched with Martin.Adopted or not, Gretchen and Jim’s experience bringing Martin home was similar to that of most new parents. “I remember that first afternoon when we brought him home, thinking ‘Oh my God, what have I done?’ ” Gretchen says laughing. In the middle of Martin’s first night, Jim echoed the same sentiments. After that, Gretchen says she found her routine and any apprehensions were thrown out the window. “It just became the new normal,” she says. “I forget all the time that he’s adopted.”Jim makes a point of noting how much Gretchen’s life has changed in the last few years. Formerly quite the powerhouse in the professional world, Gretchen has shifted career paths and now works much less than she did before they adopted Martin. She smiles as Martin plays DJ with his musi-cal toys, swaying back and forth in the style of dance that is quite becoming to most kids his age. “This,” she says with her eyes on Martin, “is far more rewarding of a job.”Parishioner Lee Dolley found himself in a situation similar to that of the Newmans when his first wife miscarried several times. Ill with diabetes since she was a child, it was impossible for her to

have children. She and Lee eventually decided on adoption, although Lee admits that at first, “I wasn’t 100 percent, but that changed in an instant.”That instant was when he met Daññelle.“We met her the day she was born,” Lee says of his daughter. He and his wife brought Daññelle home and placed her in the bas-sinette. “I was the one who stayed awake all night with my hand on her stomach because I didn’t know what the hell to do with her,” Lee says with a laugh. “Since that experience, she and I have been very, very close.”When his wife died three and a half years later, Lee and Daññelle’s bond grew even stronger."When she was a little child we went to places like the San Pedro wharf and funky little restaurants,” he says. “There’s not a merry-go-round we didn’t go on in all of Southern California; we were just out and about.”Daññelle is now married and living in Colorado with her husband, but she and Lee keep in touch almost daily. “She turned out to be a won-derful, wonderful person,” Lee says of his daughter. “I would not have had that experience without the adoptive process.”While not a particularly religious man at the time he adopted Daññelle, Lee found his way into a pew at American Martyrs several years ago when he was extremely sick. He has since become Catholic and is an active member of the parish. Reflecting back on his experience adopt-ing Daññelle, he now sees that the decision to adopt was not entirely his or his wife’s. “Somebody was watching out for us,” he says matter-of-factly, “and that was God.”Kim Neglia, whose daughter, Emily, came into their lives almost 40 years ago, echoes those same sentiments. “I believe that God chooses the children that we should have,” she says. “I don't think that God caused me not to be able to give birth to a child, but when that be-came my reality, I think that he brought the right child into my life.”

(continuted on page 10)


faIth enrIchMent & Prayer grouPS

BIBLE STUDIES Sunday’s Readings In Context Wednesday, 7:30-9:00pM, in the Spirituality Center contact: John D'Isacco, 310-546-1302 Tuesday Morning Scripture Group Tuesday, 9:15-11:00aM, in the Spirituality Center contact: Alvin Fletcher, 310-379-5241 Weekly Scripture Reading with Fr. Joe Wednesday, 10:00-11:30aM, in the Parish HouseCONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER: Tuesday, 7:30-8:30pM, in the Spirituality Center Chapel (Please use Pacific Ave. entrance.) contact: Donna Ennis, 310-941-1349MONDAY MORNING FAITH SHARING Monday, 9:00-11:00aM in the Spirituality Center contact: Joanne Dispoto, j o d i s p o t o @ g m a i l . c o m | 310-344-5833MONDAY EVENING PRAYER GROUP 2nd and 4th Monday, 7:00-8:30pM in the Spirituality Center Evening Prayer, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet contact: Cheryl Schlicht, C h e r y l . S c h l i c h t 1 @ g m a i l . c o m | 310-456-7236

PEACE MEDITATION (No session November 23) 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 7:00-8:30pM, in the Parish House contact: Beverly Busby, 310-376-2056SILENT MEDITATION Friday, 11:15-12:00noon, in the Spirituality Center Chapel (Please use Pacific Ave. entrance.) contact: Beverly Busby, 310-376-2056SPIRITUAL LIBRARY (The Upper Room) Open Sunday, 10:00aM-4:00pM, in the Spirituality Center, 2nd floor contact: Anna, 310-374-0863 or Millie, 310-938-3125

conteMPlatIve Prayer for advent

“Who is this colossus striding across the history of salvation? He is Emmanuel, God with us, our Messiah.”

Fr. Carlo Caretto Every Tuesday evening, 7:30-8:30pm St. Joseph’s Chapel in the Spirituality CenterChrist was born for each one of us, making Love a reality in our hearts. Jesus Christ comes to us today

in the sacraments, in our relationships, and in all of nature. God speaks to us of all these things in many ways, but is not likely the loudest voice we will hear. In our listening, we are reminded to “be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgives you (Epheshians 4:32). You are invited to take time apart from your active life for quiet prayer, as we reflect on the meaning of our God who comes. Please join us once, often or always, for the Love of it! MinistRy ContaCt: Donna Ennis 310-941-1349

“Silently, how silently the wondrous gif t is given. Where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.”

faIth forMatIon

Save the date! Men's Cornerstone Retreat February 3-4, 2017Registration begins the first week of December. The 26 hour retreat begins Friday at 6:00pM and ends Saturday at 8:00pM. Invest in yourself by giving some

time to strengthen your faith and deepen your perspective on life, family and God. The Cornerstone team will feed you and send you home on Saturday night in plenty of time to rest up for Super Bowl Sunday!More details soon - don't miss out as the retreat books up early. Questions? Cameron Merrill 310-463-1317, Eddie Salcedo 213-632-7435, Luke Lobo 310-266-1385 or Mike Wilk, 310-292-7774.

WoMen'S cornerStone retreat - January 27-28 Women's Cornerstone Retreat is a spiritual movement within the Catholic Church that provides the opportunity to reflect, renew and strengthen your faith while meeting other women in our parish and ultimately forming individual faith-based communities. Registration will be open December 3-18:• Register online via link at w w w. A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g• Register in person after all Masses, December 10-11 or

December 17-18• Submit an application by December 16 to Parish Welcome

Center or to Traci Dougher at contact below.Late registration accepted subject to availability. Brochures with registration applications are also available in the Parish Office or church vestibule.ContaCt: Traci Dougher, 310-357-0041 or Wo m e n s C o r n e r s t o n e R e t r e a t @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g

ALTAR SERVER TRAINING

SIGN-UP for NEW ALTAR SERVERS

MANDATORY PARENT MEETING

Tuesday - December 6 7:00pm, in the Church

PARENTS: Is your child - 5th grade or older?Are they interested in serving in the Youth Altar Server ministry at American Martyrs Church? Attend the parent meeting for future Youth Altar Servers.Get information regarding: Training requirements & training datesSign-up to be a Youth Altar Server at this meetingTraining sessions will be scheduled during Winter and Spring of 2017.

Questions? Contact Jeff & Joanne Harang, a m c y a s @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g



SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN Online safety for kidsKeeping children safe when using the internet can be challenging. It is important to establish basic guidelines for when your kids can go online, what sites they can visit, and whether they are allowed to use social media or watch videos.For more information on helping kids stay safe when using the internet, while making their experiences fun and productive, visit www.missingkids.org/en_US/websiteCampaigns/d-protectingkidsonline.jpg.

For particular help, call Assistance Ministry at 213-637-7650.

Faith-based books for kids are for reading inside the Cry Room or in the Church. Please return the books to the cart in the Cry Room at the end of Mass.Book donations are being accepted; drop them off at the Parish Office; books with themes other than faith will be donated to St. Lawrence of Brindisi. ContaCt: Mary Hornickel, 310-466-3820

faIth forMatIon

faMIlIeS In faIth Jr High Winter Dance Thursday, December 22, 8:00-9:30pM in O’Donnell Hall. All AMS and SRE 7th & 8th graders are invited to attend.SRE ClassesGrades 1-6 (3:45-4:45pm) No classes Thanksgiving Week November 29/30Sunday SRE (10:45-11:45am) No classes Thanksgiving Weekend December 4Jr High SRE (7:15-8:30pm) No classes Thanksgiving Week November 29/30

We give thanks to God for our Teachers! We are always happy to have new teachers join our ministry. If you would like more information and an opportunity to volunteer, please contact Patti Williams at the Faith Enrichment Center.diReCtoR of Religious eduCation: Patti Williams, 310-546-4734 p w i l l i a m s @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g

youth MInIStry every tuesDAy nigHt - teen tuesDAy! Sit back, hang out, pray, and build community. Evenings may include scripture study, Catholic Trivia games, or praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet or Rosary. contactS: Monica Leon, m l e o n @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g or Rachel Brown, r b r o w n @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g

Are you interested in having your child attend American Martyrs School

for the 2017 – 2018 school year?

Please join us for the following events:TK-8 Information Night Please join us for this informative meeting for a presentation from our principal, Camryn Friel, followed by a Q&A. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear about the overall school program.

TK-8 Information Night January 18, 2017 @ 7:00pm

Meet the Mustangs (Prospective Families) – RSVP Online! This is a great opportunity to view the school in action. Start-ing at 8:45am, parents are given school wide tours led by our 8th

Grade Leadership Team. Administrators, as well as current stu-dents and parents, will be available to discuss our programs and answer your questions.

Wednesday, November 30 - Friday, December 16 Wednesday, January 25 - Friday, March 31

Catholic Schools Week - Open House On this evening during Catholic Schools Week, current school families visit their child(ren)’s classrooms. This is an opportu-nity for you and your child(ren) to explore the campus, visit all the classrooms, see student work, and meet our teachers.

Catholic Schools Week - Open House February 2, 2017 @ 6:30pm

sunday Mass is shown live each week

Click the button on our Homepage

w w w. A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g

and watch Mass as it happens,

or anytime after that.

American Martyrs | A Designated Pilgrimage Church for the Year of Mercy(continuted from page 7)After struggling to have children, Kim entered into the adoption process with Holy Family Services; several months after that, she had to have a total hysterectomy. “I was very glad to already be on the waiting list,” she says, “since now it was absolutely certain that I could not give birth to a child.”Emily came home to her family when she was two months old. “I am so grateful to her birth parents for making such a difficult, yet loving, decision,” Kim says. “By God's grace and the gift of adoption, I have grown as a person and as a parent and have learned a lot about love in the process of raising Emily.”Kim is a proud mom and rightfully so. “Since graduating from college, and even during college, she has worked with special needs children,” Kim says of Emily. “She has a real gift for it.”Kim says she wrestled initially with knowing whether or not she was actually called to be a mom. “I would think that because I couldn't physically have a child maybe that meant God didn't have that as his plan for me,” she says. “I realized over time that these messages weren't from God…While learning that you're not able to have your own biological children can be devastat-ing, I'm often reminded of the scripture from Romans 8:28: ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose.’ ”This devastation-turned-elation is evidenced by Kathy Crawley as she shares the story of adopting her son, Shane. “I want every-one to experience the joy that I feel,” she says jubilantly.The sixth of nine kids, Kathy says she was shocked that she was unable to have children of her own. Feelings of self-hatred and devastation tore her to the core, but grace brought light to her darkness on a Cornerstone Retreat in 2008. She describes it as a turning point in her life, a time when she learned to let go of struggles and disappoint-ments and to simply give it all to the Lord.Several years later, while still unable to start a family, she and her husband Ron entered into the adoption process. On May 4, 2011, wracked with sadness that she might never be a mother, Kathy gathered with her Cornerstone sisters, one of whom adamantly prayed, “Lord, bring Kathy her baby now.”Only days later, an attorney called asking if Kathy and Ron would be interested in be-ing back-up parents for a young pregnant woman in Arizona. Another couple had agreed to adopt the woman’s baby if it was a girl; that baby wound up being a boy, now named Shane, who is the absolute joy of Kathy and Ron’s life.When it was time to bring Shane home, Kathy says her Cornerstone family rallied and brought her everything she needed. “I don’t know what I’m doing,” Kathy confided in a friend a few days after Shane arrived. Reassuring her that that sentiment is not unique to adoption, her friend simply replied, “Nobody does.”Kathy’s elation and pure joy is almost tangible when she talks about Shane. “God sent me the most amazing miracle; Shane has filled a hole in our lives,” she says beaming with pride. “He is the love of God made manifest.” Carol and Bob Anderson have experienced that same manifestation of God’s love through the two children they have adopted. “Our children are our greatest gift,” Carol says. “They bring joy to our lives and open our eyes to the beauty in the world.”The Andersons had agreed before they were married that they would adopt if they were unable to have children themselves. “There are many children out there waiting to be adopted and they are as easy to love as your own birth children,” Carol says. “All children are a gift from God.”And that gift is not a one-time thing with a beginning and an end. “Because two women believed in life, and trusted us with parenting their birth children,” Carol says, “we are blessed for a lifetime.”Parents aren’t the only ones who are blessed when a new life is brought home to the family. For Gigi and Robert Harnden, their biological daughter, Sarah, became a big sister when they adopted their daughter Emily from China.“Watching our children grow up together as if they were biological siblings is the greatest blessing,” Gigi says. “We don't think of Emily as our adopted daughter. She has always been with us, just like her sister. The girls act just like other siblings—in all ways.”And that seems to be a theme among all these families who have adopted: Adoption brought someone home to the family who was always meant to be there. There is no separation, no difference; it is simply family, born out of love, born in their hearts. †Katie Martin is a paramedic and parishioner of American Martyrs. She can usually be found running late for 5pm Mass on Sundays.

Additional Info & Resources• Adoptions can be through an agency or attorney and can be local or international• If you are considering adoption, talk with other families who have adopted, go to information nights

and pray about it with your spouse• For more information on adoption and fostering, visit H o l y Fa m i l y S e r v i c e s . o r g and S h a r e Yo u r H e a r t L A . o r g• If you have a personal adoption story you’d like to share, contact Steven Perry with the Life & Family Ministry

at S t e v e n . M i c h a e l . Pe r r y @ g m a i l . c o m • If you are pregnant and need help, remember that you and your baby are loved;

contact the Pregnancy Help Center at (310)787-4357• John Lennon, Nelson Mandela, Babe Ruth, Steve Jobs, Jamie Foxx, Nancy Reagan, Bill Clinton, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw,

‘D.M.C.’ McDaniels and Eleanor Roosevelt are all adopted



religious eDucAtion 310-546-47341701 Laurel Ave M.B., CA 90266-4805

diReCtoR, Religious eduCation Patti Williams p w i l l i a m s @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r gdiReCtoR, youth MinistRy Monica Leon m l e o n @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r gdiReCtoR, sunday pResChool Kristen Holleran [email protected]

ADministrAtive stAFF

Business ManageRBob Hodges

424-327-9630 bhodges@AmericanMar t yrs.org

CoMMunity seRviCes & faCilitiesBob Visty r v ist y@AmericanMar t yrs.orgevents ManageRTraci Britton tbr i tton@AmericanMar t yrs.orgfinanCe diReCtoRPattie Johnson pjohnson@AmericanMar t yrs.orglituRgy & WoRshipMonica Hughes mhughes@AmericanMar t yrs.orgMusiC diReCtoRBill Svarda 310-640-8505paRish CoMMuniCationsAnne Riordan ar iordan@AmericanMar t yrs.orgpaRish steWaRdshipJenny Attanasio

424-327-9605jattanasio@AmericanMar t yrs.org

pastoRal CenteR adMinistRatoRDottie Arias dott ie@AmericanMar t yrs.orgplant ManageRTony Hatfield ahatf ie ld@AmericanMar t yrs.orgteChnologyScott Dixon sdixon@AmericanMar t yrs.orgWelCoMe CenteR ManageRLou Anne Cappiello

424-327-9660l cappiel lo@AmericanMar t yrs.org

lAy leADersHip

pastoRal CounCil pResident Joan Gosser

pcpresident@AmericanMar t yrs.org

finanCe CounCil ChaiR Colleen Shinn

[email protected]

priests AnD DeAcons

MsgR John BaRRy 310-545-5651

fR. Joe KaMMeReR f r joe@AmericanMar t yrs.org

fR. RiCK pRindle f r r ick@AmericanMar t yrs.org

deaCon ChRis aMantea camantea@AmericanMar t yrs.org

deaCon deReK BRoWn dbrown@AmericanMar t yrs.org

deaCon fRed Rose deaconfred@AmericanMar t yrs.org

deaCon diCK WilliaMs dwil l iams@AmericanMar t yrs.org

AmericAn mArtyrs scHool 310-545-8559 | fax 310-546-72191701 Laurel Ave M.B., CA 90266-4805

pRinCipal, Camryn Friel, Ed.D. A M S @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g

AmericAn mArtyrs prescHool 310-802-81491705 Laurel Ave M.B., CA 90266-4805

diReCtoR, Mara Zepeda m z e p e d a @ A m e r i c a n M a r t y r s . o r g

Beyond our Parish

HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE DAYSMary Star of the Sea Information Evening Tuesday, November 22, 6pM - 9pM Learn about the challenging and dynamic programs offered at Mary Star of the Sea, have your questions answered, find out about the application process and receive complete information packets. More info at 310-547-1138.Loyola High School Sunday, December 4, 1pM - 4pM A Catholic, all-boys, college preparatory high school. Learn more at l o y o l a h s . e d u .Notre Dame Academy Sunday, December 4, Guided tours at 10:00aM and 1:30pM A Catholic, all-girls, college preparatory high school. Make a reservation and learn more at n d a l a . c o m .

contact InforMatIon & reSourceS

Living Every Day with PASSION & PURPOSE UCI Bren Center 100 Mesa Road, IrvineTickets ($39) are available at the AMC Parish OfficeAre you ready to become a better-version-of-yourself?How about the-best-version-of-yourself?Join Matthew Kelly for a not-so-typical church event and start living every day with passion and purpose.


m O n t h ly f O O d d r i v e i s n e X t W e e K e n d

One-pound bags of beans and rice continue to be staple foods that go a long way in the St. Lawrence community, as are these other items:

Cereal Oatmeal Instant Oatmeal Rice Beans Lentils Spaghetti/pasta Spaghetti sauce Mac ‘n’ cheese Canned meats Canned fruit Instant mashed potato mix Soups Tuna Peanut butter/jam

Your Sunday newspaper inserts and coupons can also help our friends at St. Lawrence save hundreds of dollars each week. Bring the coupons you receive in the mail or newspaper to the Food Drive table.

THE FAITH FORMATION COMMISSION INVITES YOU TO

American Martyrs Advent Book Talk with author and Angelus (The Tidings) columnist

Heather King Sunday, December 4

6:30-8:00pm St. Kateri Room

Ms. King will be discussing her book, “loaded, money and the spirituality of enough.”Hear how to detach our identity from how much or how little money we have and discover that money is a means of love and service, "as you give, so you shall receive."Books will be available for purchase. Food and beverages provided. For more information, contact Kathy Crawley at k a t h y c r a w l @ a o l . c o m

Please reflect on the past year and how you will commit your time, talent and treasure for this year.

Thank you for supporting our parish and its

many ministries."Stewardship is the grateful response of a Disciple who

recognizes and receives God's

gifts and shares these gifts in

love of god and neighbor"

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D E C E M B E R 1 0 - 1 1

Call Lory Zimnoch, 310-561-3702if you have questions.

If you know of a parishioner in need, contact Dottie Arias, 310-545-5651.

Come volunteer to help! Drop ins welcome.

What is the Annual Christmas Project?• An American Martyrs PARISH tradition that brings our faith

community together to collect wish-list items that are, in turn, distributed to various organizations at Christmas time.

• An opportunity for all parishioners to share the joy of giving with those who might not otherwise receive Christmas gifts, or families that might not have a decent meal on the table on Christmas Day.

What items are needed?NEW UNWRAPPED TOYS (please, no stuffed animals)** GIFTS FOR TEENS **NON_PERISHABLE FOOD NON FOOD ITEMS (such as toiletries) BEDDING / BLANKETS / LINENS CASH / SCRIP donations.

See details in Next Week’s Bulletin

Documents

c o A to l H l in c - americanmartyrs.org Gelafio Bernice Uttrich May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the ... 8:00 Bob Byrne † (Joana Brown) 5:00 All Souls Novena