WELCOME TO OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH

Mass Requests Sat, 12/5

5:30pm Doris Martin † Baca Family

Sun, 12/6 Plan ahead! - CA International Marathon

8:00am Deceased McArdles † Jim & Jane McArdle

9:30am Mario Affinito † Nancy Affinito

Ante and Andelka Jaksich †† John Jaksich

11:00am All the People

7:30pm OLA Parishioners Fr. Eduino

Mon, 12/7

8:00am Kent Abbes † Abbes Family

Tues, 12/8

8:00am Fr. Cipriano Ramos † Fr. Eduino

Marjorie Daffern † Ned & Beverly Whitcomb

Wed, 12/9

8:00am Gorgania De Vega † Aida De Vega

Thurs, 12/10

8:00am Paul Hickey † Abbes Family

Fri, 12/11

OLA Parishioners Fr. Eduino

Sat, 12/12

5:30pm Fr. Bill Broderick † Fr. Eduino

Gino Bertolucci † Kelley/Bertolucci Families

Sun, 12/13

8:00am Dale Fuller † Portillo Family

9:30am Mario Affinito † Nancy Affinito

Bill & Ruth Bossenmaier †† Read Family

11:00am All the People

7:30pm OLA Parishioners Fr. Eduino

Mass Requests Please contact the Parish Office if you would like to re-

quest a Mass to honor someone special.

Weekly Calendar Sat, Dec 5th

Flame Giving Tree Decoration 10:30am, Church

Sun, Dec 6th - CA Int’l. Marathon Blocking Street

Open Gym Basketball 7:30am, Parish Hall

Flame Meeting 10:30am, St. Paul’s Room

Baptisms - Group 12:00pm, Church

Bereavement 6:30pm, St. Anne’s Room

Mon, Dec 7th

Christmas Program Practice 9:00am, Church

Basketball Practice 3:00pm, Parish Hall

BSA Troop 328 Troop Meeting 6:00pm, Seton Hall

Girl Scout Leader’s Meeting 6:00pm, St. John’s Room

Christian Meditation 7:30pm, School Library

Tue, Dec 8th

Basketball Practice 3:00pm, Parish Hall

Young Rembrants 3:05pm, School Meeting Room

Building & Grounds Mtg. 6:30pm, St. Paul’s Room

Knights of Columbus Bus. Mtg. 6:30pm, St. John’s Hall

Baptismal Preparation 7:00pm, St. Anne’s Room

Catechesis for Adults 7:30pm, Seton Hall

Wed, Dec 9th

Legion of Mary Meeting 8:45am, St. Anne's Room

Basketball Practice 3:00pm, Parish Hall

Youth Group 7:00pm, St. John's Hall

7th & 8th Grade Youth Group 7:00pm, Seton Hall

Thu, Dec 10th

Martha & Mary Gathering 10:30am, Seton Hall

OLA SVdP Monthly Meeting 3:45pm, Seton Hall

Pack Meeting 6:15pm, Seton Hall

Fri, Dec 11th

Preschool Christmas Prayer Service 11:00am,

St. John’s Hall

Grade 1 Christmas Program 2:00pm, St. John’s Hall

Breakfast With Santa Set-Up 3:00pm, Parish Hall

Catechesis for Adults 7:30pm, St. John’s Hall

*The most current calendar is at http://olaparish.beehv.com/facility-reservation

Bulletin Submission Timeline Submissions are needed two Fridays prior to the bulletin you want your information in because we send it out to be

printed. For example, a submission made by Dec4th will appear in the Sunday, December 13th Bulletin. Please send

submissions via email to development@olaparish.net or drop it off at the Parish Office. Thank you. Jane

Convalidation Announcement We are pleased to announce that Amy

Solis Lopez and Ryan Marshall Breault-

were united in Sacramental marriage on

November 21, 2015.

Breakfast with Santa Sunday, December 13th from 8:00am to 11:30am please join us at our community building event, Breakfast with San-

ta! The Knights of Columbus will be preparing a hearty breakfast while Santa visits with the children. The cost of

breakfast is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children, and $17.00 for a family. Photos with Santa will be offered for $4-$10.

The Martha & Mary Group will sell baked items. The Shoppe will be open for the children to purchase gently used

gifts for their family. If you come for the fun, please bring breakfast food items to donate to the SVdP Food Locker.

OUR PASTOR SPEAKS

John the Baptist Came to Tell Us to Prepare the Way of the Lord In this second Sunday of Advent the Gospel recalls the mission of John the Baptist. His way the joy of announcing a

baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins and to tell the world to prepare the way of the Lord for all flesh will

see the salvation of God. When he was born his father Zechariah prophesied that he would give people knowledge of

salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. St. Paul tells us that we prepare for the Lord by the love of Jesus Christ that

bears fruit of righteousness for the glory and praise of God. All three readings challenge us to rejoice in the joy of the

Lord, in the joy of the One Who remembered us and to prepare His way by spreading the joy of His love. All acts of

love and kindness leads us to God and reveals God to us.

24th Annual Giving Tree

Tags are available on the OLA Giving Tree at the back of the church. Please choose a tag, purchase an appropriate

new gift, wrap it, attach the tag firmly, and return the gift to the tree by Sunday, Dec. 20th before NOON. Thank you

so much for sharing your Christmas joy and hope with those less fortunate. May you be blessed for your generosity!

se contact Christine 761-4939, Beth 487-2374, or MaryCaye 481-7484 with any questions you may have.

Reconciliation Dates December 9th 7:00pm at St.Philomene Parish

December 10th 7:00pm at Presentation Parish

December 14th 7:00pm at OLA

December 15th 7:00pm at St.Lawrence Parish

December 16th 7:00pm at St.John the Evangelist Parish

December 16th 10:00am & 7:00pm St.Ignatius Parish

December 17th 7:00pm at St.Mel Parish

Inspiring Catholic Reading

Catholic Customs and Traditions by Greg Dues.

The First Reading speaks of the extravagant preparations God makes for the restoration of His people. (Israel having

been clothed in mourning will now be clothed in splendor, with the cloak of justice and a mitre on her head, making

Jerusalem a holy, priestly city. The children of Israel will return to her from all the farthest corners of the earth.) Even

now He makes those same preparations so that we can turn our hearts to Him. During this Advent season, we are

called to return to God from the exile we have created for ourselves through lives of selfishness and sin.

The Responsorial continues this theme of restoration, speaking of the joy of returning from exile to a land of fertility.

Leaving that self-created exile of selfishness and sin gives us the joy of embracing God, and responding to Him, our

deepest need. Surrendering to His love will transform the desert of our hearts and give us the power of self-discipline,

making our hearts a land overflowing with fertility.

The Second Reading, St Paul wrote shortly after facing death. Now he knows what is truly important and he prays that

we may discern correctly, growing in love while seeking and finding the truth. St Paul prays that we do so while there’s

still time and discover what is pure and blameless. This is a goal of the Advent season, to seek the truth with all our

strength, to purify our hearts so that we can live the truth and be found blameless at the coming of the Lord (on Christ-

mas day and at the end of time).

The Gospel calls us to prepare the way for the Lord, to turn away from sin so that we can embrace the salvation God

offers. We cannot hope to embrace the Babe of Bethlehem if we do not turn away from sin.

YOUTH NEWS & EVENTS

Youth Group - Soap for Souls

Year Round - OLA youth group is sponsor-

ing a toiletry drive year round for St. Vin-

cent de Paul. You ever wonder what to do

with all your hotel shampoos and soaps? Donate to us!

We are in need of soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lo-

tions, etc. of any size. Baskets will be in the back of the

church labeled Soap for Souls. The youth will assem-

ble sets for our SVdP clients. We appreciate your gen-

erosity.

OLA Youth Groups

7th/8th and High School Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:30pm: Youth

Group meetings are held in St. John’s

Hall. Please contact Johann for more

information at 488-4626 or

faithformation@olaparish.net.

OLA Youth Choir and Ensemble All parish and school children grades 3-12

are invited to participate in these activi-

ties. We are looking for both singers and

instrumentalists. Practices are on

Wednesday evenings from 6-6:55pm in the church, right

before the OLA youth group meetings. December prac-

tice dates are the 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd. Youth choir and

ensemble events and liturgies include: Sunday, December

20th: 9:30am Mass. Thursday, December 24th: 4:00

pm Mass for Christmas Eve. Please contact our Music Di-

rector, Casey Oliver, with any questions at wor-

ship@olaparish.net or by calling the parish office.

OLA Hosting On-Site French Classes PreK-6th We are excited to announce that Our Lady of the Assump-

tion School will be the host site for a French Language After

School Program put on by Education Francaise Sacramento

(EFSAC) beginning January 5, 2016! The French classes

will be held on Tuesdays from 4:15-5:30pm. There will be

Beginners and Level 1 classes available for Pre-K through

2nd and 3rd through 6th grade. Students need no prior

knowledge of the French language but do need to be willing

to learn a second language. EFSAC will handle everything

from instruction to tuition. Please go to www.efsac.com for

online registration and for more information, please email

them at info.efsac@gmail.com.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Molly Chambers and Mollie Kauderer

who participated in the Diocesan Speech Contest the week

before Thanksgiving. The entire 7th grade class wrote and

gave speeches on the following topic: During Pope Francis’

visit to the United States, at the World Meeting of Families,

he said, “All that is good, all that is true, all that is beautiful

brings us to God. Because God is good, God is beautiful,

God is the truth.” What do these words mean to you as a

faith-filled adolescent?

Molly and Mollie were OLA finalists, and they represented

OLA School at the contest. They each had outstanding per-

formances, and our school is very proud of them. OLA also

recognizes Ty McGlynn, Lillian O' Gara, Mary O'Callaghan,

and Jared Agos for their excellent speeches!

Extending a Warm Welcome and

a Fond Farewell We would like to extend a warm wel-

come to Mrs. Lynn Sweeney our new

Extension/Kinder Rich Director. We

have had the pleasure of working with Lynn at Our

Lady of the Assumption School for the past ten years,

as the aide in Kindergarten and recently as the aide in

Third grade. Her smiling face and kind ways has

made it obvious that teaching and working with chil-

dren is a joyful blessing from God for her. She looks

forward to the opportunity to get to know even more

of our students and their families. Lynn is married

and has two wonderful boys, who both attended Kin-

dergarten through Eighth grade at OLA. She has a BS

in Marketing from Western Michigan University and a

Master Certificate in Early childhood Education from

American River College.

We thank Ms. Theroux for her top notch work and

keep her in our prayers for all the best in her future

endeavors.

Neocatechumenal Program The Neocatechumenal Program will meet every Tuesday and Friday from 7:30 - 8:30pm in St. John’s Hall. “Do not

fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you

with my righteous right hand”. – Is 41:10 Do you want to meet Him? Come to this catechesis for youth and adults and

listen to the good news. The Lord knows your sufferings, He is coming to give you happiness. If you have any ques-

tions or difficulties, please contact Derek and Louisa at 720-276-2078 or derekandlouisa@yahoo.com.

PARISH & COMMUNITY EVENTS

Community Faith Night with the Sacramento Kings The Knights are joining with other groups to attend Community Faith Night with the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena on Friday even-

ing, February 19th. All are welcome to support this special evening. Cost in the upper tier, Section 216 above the Kings bench for a special

group price of $22 each. The Knights with also present Colors for the National Anthem. For further information or reserve seats contact Gene

at 283-5223 or egobbo@surewest.net. Payment will be due in early January. Your reservations will also guarantee seating next year at the

new Golden One arena. Go Kings.

Martha & Mary’s Kitchen Bake Sale Mrs. Claus will once again be present at Santa’s Breakfast on Sunday, December 13th. Mrs. Claus is looking to the la-

dies of our parish to help with your special holiday cookie, cake, pie, and candy recipes for this wonderful event. As

you ae preparing your baked specialties, please remember that OLA is a nut-free environment. If you have any ques-

tions please email Rose at ross1671@sbcglobal.net or Joan at 849-2282.

Martha and Mary Gathering

The December Gathering will be held in Seton Hall on Thursday, December 10th. A short meeting at 11

o’clock will be followed by the luncheon at 11:30. A catered main dish with some of our favorite side dish-

es will be served. The cost is $10.00. Please make your reservation by Monday, December 7th to the Par-

ish Office at 481-5115. We do encourage the Women of the Parish to join us at our monthly Gatherings.

PERT Club Event The PERT Club will meet on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, at 11:00 am, in St. John’s Hall at

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, for a Christmas celebration with a short meeting, some

sing-along, Lotto prize drawings and door prizes. Ham, supplied by the club, will be on the

main course, surrounded by the special supporting dishes you signed up to bring. If you did-

n’t sign up, then a fruit salad or a jello salad – or some other specialty of your choice – would be welcome. Please

bring your own place setting, glass and coffee cup. 10 games of BINGO, with cash prizes, will be played following

lunch at 1:00 pm. The cost at the door will be $1.00 for members and $3:00 for guests to help cover items supplied by

the club. Please bring some nonperishable food items for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Locker. Call Jerry or Pat at 489

-8402, or George at 483-7194 if you have questions.

Christian Brothers High School Placement Exam

Eighth graders interested in attending CB in the

2016-17 school year are required to take the

placement exam on Saturday, January 16th.

Online applications are due on January 13,

2016. Please contact the Admissions Office for

more information at 733-3690 or visit the CB

website at www.cbhs-sacramento.org.

† Calvary Catholic Cemetery Annual Remembrance Tree & Candlelight Vigil †

Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services, a Ministry of the Diocese of Sacramento, will offer remembrance tree and

candlelight vigil service on Tuesday, December 8th at 7:00pm at Calvary Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum located at

7101 Verner Ave. in Sacramento. The Vigil will take place in the Chapel. Please call 726-1232 for more information.

STEWARDSHIP

Thank you for the November 28th & 29th offertory collection of $12,323.26.

Thank you for the Saint Vincent de Paul Ministry collection of $6,680.00.

Thank you for the Thanksgiving for the Poor Fund collection of $737.00.

Thank you to Kelley Smith for cycling and those who pledged for the Cycle In Fundraiser for the Mustard

Seed School raising $305.00!

“And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to

discern what is of value…” (Philippians 1:9-10)

Glittery holiday ads can blind us to our stewardship values and distort our needs and wants. It is important that during

this season of endless buying we remember that each of us also has the need to give back to God and to those that are

in need.

ONE Campaign Progress

The ONE Campaign is now many months into the pledge redemption phase. As of September 30, 2015, we have $29.5

million in both cash and pledges which will fund our strategic initiatives. An additional $4.3 million has been generat-

ed by parishes specifically for their own projects, so that the total funds generated diocesan-wide during the campaign

effort stands at $33.8 million. Bishop Soto is confident that with the guidance of our Blessed Mother Mary and the in-

spiration of the Holy Spirit, we will continue to strive to add to these totals over the four year-campaign.

Of the nearly $29.5 million in cash and pledges, the Diocese has received more than $12 million and has begun fund-

ing the causes set forth in the campaign case statement. To date, over $9.5 million has been distributed to case elements

per the allocation plan. Additionally, nearly $2.4 million has been returned to the parishes for their parish case ele-

ments.

Yet full funding of the campaign is many months and millions of dollars away. Many have completely paid their

pledges; others are still in progress. The generosity of all those participating in The ONE Campaign is appreciated

now more than ever. Only through your commitment will the designated parish projects, education, youth ministry,

pastoral care, communication and service goals reach full funding. Please call the The Catholic Foundation at 733-

0266 to make account updates or to submit a payment by phone. Your continued support of The ONE Campaign

means so much to so many.

Bishop Soto expresses his continued appreciation for your dedication and generosity. As we look ahead to the holiday

season and celebrating the birth of Our Savior we wanted to offer you the option to advance your pledge and take ad-

vantage of a 2015 tax credit.

Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS) Stop Assisted Suicide in CA before it’s too late! Earlier this year, through a Special Session, the CA legislature passed

assisted suicide allowing doctors to prescribe overdose medication to terminally ill patients. Join a coalition of physi-

cians, nurses, disability-rights organizations, and people of all faiths to stand for the lives of our elderly and dying and

oppose assisted suicide! Petitions will be available for signature outside of Masses on the weekend of December

5th & 6th. Signers must be registered to vote and can only sign once.

Why Oppose Assisted Suicide?

Sends the Wrong Message: Legalizing suicide for the terminally ill, while discouraging it for the rest of the popula-

tion, teaches that the lives of the ill and disabled do not matter to our society.

Will Worsen Patient Care: Patients in other states, like Barbara Wagner in Oregon, are being denied treatment pre-

scribed by their doctors, and instead offered drugs for assisted suicide.

Will Increase Non-Terminal Suicide Rates: Suicides skyrocket when assisted suicide is legalized. Oregon’s suicide

rate for non-terminal people increased 49% after assisted suicide became legal.

Support Elderly Religious A parishioner writes, “As a Catholic school student from grades K- 12, I was formed to be the person I am by many

religious brothers and sisters, and I am forever grateful.” Show your appreciation for the senior Catholic sisters, broth-

ers, and religious order priests who made a positive difference in so many lives. Please give generously to next week’s

collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious.