3rd Sunday of Advent

“Rejoice in the Lord always, for the Lord is near.”

Philippians 4:4-7

Dec 10 to Dec 18, 2016 Mass Intentions + Memorial Mass SI – Special Intention Mass

Sat Dec 105:00pm SP + Helen Baldridge by Mary & Alfred Roecker

Sun Dec 11 3rd Sunday of Advent 8:00am ST Shirley Schillig by Carol & Dorothy Rolf 9:30am SJ + Helen Newton by Rex & Teresa Arb 11:00am SFX SI for the people of all 4 parishes

Mon Dec 12 No Masses today.

Tues Dec 137:00am SFX + Dick Habiger by Dan & Susan Mueller 8:30am ST + Fr. Tony Blaufuss Wed Dec 14 No Mass today. Thur Dec 15 8:30pm ST Eileen Melichar by Jim & Betty Lutz Fri Dec 16 7:00am SFX SI for AMB

Sat Dec 175:00pm SP + Rose Mary Hogan by Charlene Fladung

Sun Dec 18 4th Sunday of Advent 8:00am ST SI for the people of all 4 parishes 9:30am SJ SI Gene Highberger 11:00am SFX + Bill Truelove by Dan & Susan Mueller

Welcome to all our visitors!If you are new to the area and would like to join one of our four parishes, or are visiting and need anything during your stay, please notify the office or contact

Fr. Quentin directly. God bless!

A message from Father Quentin…

We are now at the third Sunday of Advent and have one more remaining Sunday in Advent and basically two more weeks of Advent. The anticipation of Christmas begins to set in for us.

The third Sunday in Advent is known as Gaudate Sunday, which comes from the first word of the entrance antiphon at Mass. Gaudate being the Latin word for rejoice.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed the Lord is near." (Phil. 4:4-5)

In eager anticipation of the feast of Christmas we are given an opportunity to let out a cry of jubilation. With this Sunday of rejoicing it can be hard not to want to skip right over the rest of the season of Advent to Christmas, but the second reading from James encourages us to wait in expectation.

"Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord." (James 5:7)

Christmas Mass Schedule Dec 24 6pm St. Teresa

9pm St. Francis Dec 25 9am St. Patrick 11am St. Joseph

Area Communal Reconciliation Services: St. Francis Xavier Dec 11 Noon Holy Angels, Garnett Dec 11 5 pm Sacred Heart, Emporia Dec 13 7 pm St. Patrick, Scranton Dec 14 7 pm Sacred Heart, Ottawa Dec 14 7 pm St. Boniface, Scipio Dec 18 5 pm

Main Office Hours: 8:30am – Noon: Tues - FridayWe’re closed every Monday and observed Holy Days For a meeting time that better fits your schedule, please contact Father or the office directly. Thank you. Bulletin Deadline: All items for the bulletin need to be submitted to the office by 8am each Wednesday morning in order to run in that week’s bulletin. Thanks + Mass Intentions + can be said as a memorial or for special intentions. A typical intention offering would be $10 per Mass. Masses are currently being scheduled for January 2017 and further into the new year. Please contact the office if you would like to place a request. Baptisms – Please contact Father or the office at least 3 weeks prior to scheduling.Weddings – Please contact Father or the office at least 6 months or more prior to scheduling.

CCD Announcement for all parishes: No Classes will be held from Dec. 19th to Jan. 1st

Youth Ministry deadlines for events: Feb. 9 Steubenville, Springfield, MO Apr. 1 NCYC, Indianapolis, IN Contact your parish youth minister for more information. Hope you can join in the fun!

Adoration of the Blessed SacramentSJ 2pm - 10pm each Wednesday SFX 8am - 10pm each Thursday ST 9am – 9pm each Thursday

\ Sacrament of Reconciliation

7:30 – 8:00am SFX Fridays 4:30 – 4:55pm SP Saturdays

7:30 – 7:55am ST Sundays 7:00 – 7:55am SFX 1st Saturdays

For a reconciliation time that better fits your schedule, contact Father Quentin directly. Thank you and God bless.

Please pray for all those in need of the Lord’s healing touch… Terry Anderson, Allan Baldwin, Bob Baldwin,Mike Ballard, D. Barnett, Lois Bevans, Deb Botkin, Cathy Brungardt, Jim Buffo, Lois Carpenter, Kayrn Chete, Kristine Cowan, Frank Danford, June Decker, John Phillip Evans, M. Fraas, Fr. Paul Frank, Jim Foltz, Matt Freeman, Ellen Gould, Levi Hampton, Kiefer Hawkins, Ronald Heinz, Joan Hoefler, Mark Hurt, Barbara Johnson, Doyle Johnson, Regina Dieker Kay, Kennedy Keehn, Dorian Legens, Deb Lewis, Linda Lewis, Johnny Littlefield, Elizabeth Marris, Leoma Massey, Jamie Myers, Fr. Efron Nano, Deb Neil, Pete Perez, Robin Purdon, Michele Ramirez, Nick Smith, Leo Stice, Glenda Thweatt, Iziah Till, Bella Till, Rosie Waner, Ann Frances Weatherill, Marilyn Weller, Roy White, Shane Wille, Christie Zlab

Faith Minute….. “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk,lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.” Couldn’t we also add to this list of miracles in this Sunday’s Gospel that our relationships are renewed through grace? Imagine what this Gospel verse would look like if it were specifically applied to our relationships: • We see our spouse with new eyes like when we first fell in love and speak positively about the greatness of marriage. • We walk toward each other when we are hurt rather than hiding in self-pity. • We allow our heart to be cleansed through the sacrament of Confession for our sins against others. • We listen to others with eager anticipation for what they desire to share. • We allow the Lord to resurrect our seemingly broken relationships.

St. Joseph Parish Announcements

Feast Day: March 19

Patron saint of fathers

NOTE: Mass time change during Advent. There will be No Saturday evening Mass celebrated at St. Joseph. Mass will instead be celebrated on Sunday mornings at 9:30am. Thank you. Welcome to the family of God ! Baptized this past week at the parish was Rylee Jane Brown daughter of Nathan and Jesica Brown. Congratulations and best wishes! Thank you! to everyone that came to our special hour of Adoration. It was a wonderful time spent before our Lord and we hope that you can join us in the future. December cleaner: Irene Combes

Dec 11 – Sun – 9:30am Lector Kenneth Combes Eucharist Robert Drumm, Kelly Stice Offertory George & Janet French

Dec 18 – Sun – 9:30am Lector Kenneth Combes Eucharist Joe Lichtenauer, Irene Combes Offertory Marilyn & Jamie Glissman

Knights of Columbus News

St. Teresa: Nov. Knight of the Month: Tom Johnson

Nov. Family of the Month: Jess & Rachel Rockers

Congratulations to Francis Drouhard (past state deputy 2008-2010) who was selected as the new Supreme Warden. Francis is the son-in-law of Bill Muckenthaler.

On Saturday Dec 10 at 9am the Knights of Columbus will put up the parish Christmas lights.

Knights Breakfast for the parish will be Sunday, Dec 11 following 8am Mass.

Council # 6055: Knight of the Month: Ray Ryan Family of the Month: Richard & Leslie Mahoney

St. Francis Xavier Knights Chili Feed will be held on Sunday, Dec 11 immediately following the 11am Mass.

Dec 25 – 11am – Christmas Day Lector Mary Lou Effinger Eucharist Joe Lichtenauer, Irene CombesOffertory Henry & Melissa Hall

Archdiocesan AnnouncementsSavior Book Store is Now open ONLINE and there you’ll find Bibles, Catechisms and a selection of Catholic books recommended by Archbishop Naumann. Go to www.saviorbookstore.com today and order your options for Christmas Gifts and type advent2016 for 10 % off at checkout and save! One Thing Remains will be held on Friday, Dec 30 this year. Tony Melendez is the guest speaker and musician. This event is FREE for all families and is hosted by Blessed Sacrament Church & School and will begin in the gym at 3pm with a Nacho Bar dinner at 5:30pm and then from 7-8:30pm join us for Adoration, Benediction and Reconciliation with Archbishop Naumann in the church.The Gabriel Project is for anyone that is pregnant and could use help. Please call 913-602-0306 for help. We are always seeking more help. Can you volunteer? E-mail: volunteer@gabrielprojectkc.com for more information. You are in our prayers! TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) at Prairie Star Ranch is a retreat that explores the Paschal Mystery through a series of talks, reflections

and reconciliation. Cost is $110 per person and is for ages 16 – 21yrs. There is also an adult session. To register or for more details visit: www.archkck.org/TeensEncounterChrist 2017 TEC dates held at Prairie Star Rach include: Jan 14-16 and March 11-13.

New Archdiocesan Special Needs Ministry is now available and servers persons with disabilities. Call Tom at # 913.647.3054 for special needs support.

Joyful Marriage Project created by Archbishop Naumann is a new program for strengthening marriages. Couples are invited to work together for ideas, prayers and reflections. To participate in this program, go to: joyfulmarriageproject.com God bless your marriages! Planning a wedding this year?? Engaged Encounter dates have been set for 2017. Contact Fr. Quentin with at least 6 months prior notification of the date you want to celebrate the sacrament of matrimony. Registration forms for Engaged Encounter are located in the back of each church or at the office.

The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend will be held in Kansas City on Jan 27-29. For more information or to apply, please visit our website: www.wwme4youandme.org or call Tony & Barb Zimmerman, 816-741-4066 or email directly tonybarbz@prodigy.net

Retrouvaille Weekend: Does your marriage feel off track? Life can be difficult and so can the challenges faced in marriage. Does the distance between you seem wide or are you separated? Retrouvaille offers hope for a better relationship where you learn the tools of healthy communication, how to re-build intimacy and heal. Couples of all faiths are welcome as well as non-religious couples. For more information visit: HelpOurMarriage.com and know we are praying for you!

Announcements for all 4 parishesThank you to everyone that attended the special Adoration Hour at St. Joseph’s last week. It was a wonderful time spent before our Lord. St. Teresa Christmas Program will be held Sunday, Dec. 18th immediately following the 8am Mass. Everyone is encouraged to attend! St. Francis Xavier Christmas Music Program will be held Sunday, Dec. 18th immediately following the 11am Mass. Everyone is welcome! RCIA will not be held again until January. Please watch the bulletin for future date information. We have a temporary website set up as the new one is still being created. If you need to review a bulletin or check on a Flocknote reminder, you can go to this website address and see the information. www.st-francis-joseph-patrick-teresa.org Join FORMED today for many options to grow in the faith during this Advent season. It is a Free registration! Please go to www.formed.org and use the 4 parish code K97VG2 and register your family for this wonderful opportunity.

Advent & Christmas Gift Items are now available for purchase through the office in advance for Christmas. Some of the items are on display in the gift case at St. Francis Xavier parish hall. If you would like a specific item to purchase or to check out a catalog, please contact Angela in the office. Thank you.

EWTN Advent Events can help you prepare for the season by sharing more about our Catholic Faith. Tune into EWTN on Dish 261 or to find an EWTN channel near you use www.ewtn.com/channelfinder Have a blessed Advent!

Come join the Christmas Choir There will be 2 Christmas choir practices at St. Francis Xavier on the following Tuesday nights, Dec 13 and Dec 20 at 7pm.  Anyone interested in singing for Christmas is welcome to join us!

Winter Weather Updates: During bad weather, we will notify you of our 4 parish Mass status by Flock Note and area News broadcasts. Please check your email and watch local tv stations for closings. God’s blessings and safe travels wished to all during this wintertime season.

If you know you are being admitted to a hospital, please inform Fr. Quentin prior to hospitalization and ask for the sacrament of reconciliation and anointing of the sick.

These are sacramental opportunities for all Catholic patients, not just those in danger of death. So, please contact Father, if you know you will be hospitalized in the near future, and request to receive these sacraments before hospitalization. If you are admitted to the hospital in an emergency, you can ask for Father to come to the hospital, or in a larger area, ask for the Hospital Priest.

St. Teresa of Avila Parish Announcements

Feast Day: October 15

St. Teresa of Jesus

NOTE: Mass time change during Advent. Mass will be held Sunday mornings at 8am. Thank you. Our Christmas Program will be held Dec.18 following Mass. Please plan to stay and support our youth. Pastoral Council Meeting will be held on Dec. 21 at 7pm. Please mark your calendars to attend.

Dec 11 – 8am Servers Alana Mader, Maycee Ratliff, Cassie BowenLector Bill PrachtCantor Evelyn Ervin Offertory David Blaufuss Eucharist Ron Ohl, Margie & Robert Tastove Ushers Paul Falke, Rebecca TeterHosting Knights of Colmbus breakfast Circle None

Dec 18 – 8am Servers Eli Ervin, Kate Dieker, Matt Dieker

Lector Doug Dieker Cantor Ruth Pracht Offertory Marilyn Blaufuss Eucharist Alton Ludolph, Marilyn Brooks, Dave Pracht Ushers Judy Highberger, Ryan Tastove Hosting Christmas Program after Mass Circle None

St. Patrick Parish Announcements

Feast Day: March 17

The Apostle of Ireland

December Cleaners: Joan Gagnon, Ann Collins

Dec 10 – 5pm Lector Dusty Rubick Eucharist Cookie Rausch & Alice Licteig Offertory Glenn & Joan Gagnon

Dec 17- 5pm Lector Chris Ulupano Eucharist Christine Dykes & Cara Engelken Offertory Don & Rhonda Hogan

Dec 25 – am - Christmas Day Lector Dean Stark Eucharist Jackie Klenda & Ann Collins Offertory Jake & Alice Lickteig

St. Francis Xavier Parish Announcements

Feast Day: December 3

The Apostle of the Indies & Japan

NOTE: Mass time change during Advent. Mass will be held Sunday mornings at 11am. Thank you. Thank you! to all those that participated in the Winter White Tree and the Adopt-A-Family Tree. We appreciate your help in making the Christmas season a better one for many in our community.

Dec 11 – 11am Greeters Paul & Robbi Herrman Offertory Danny & Angela Myers family Lector Kim Robrahn Eucharist& Cup

Robin BeyerLindsey Skillman, Sylvia Metzger

Sacristan Leslie Mahoney Cross Trevin Myers Servers Brody Reynolds, Hailee Goad Ushers David Combes, Richard Mahoney Hospitality Knights of Columbus Chili Feed Lunch Rosary Altar Society

Dec 18 – 11am Greeters Cynthia Rogers family

Offertory Kim & Tom Robrahn family Lector Chris Jones Eucharist and Cup

Leslie Mahoney Kim Robrahn, David Combes

Sacristan Leslie Mahoney Cross Christian DeckerServers Sage Reynolds, Destiny Clay Ushers Chris Faimon, Tim Austin Hospitality Daniel & Debra Birk, Jeff & Gwen Birk Rosary Duane Smith