ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC COMMUNITY Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day ...

17 Pages·2017·4.21 MB·English

WELCOME TO
ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

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B December 12th
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7:00 PM Mass
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Mariachi and Fellowship to follow
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D in St. Patrick Hall
Community, Personnel, & On-Going Information
PARISH OFFICE STAFF SATURDAY LITURGY SUNDAY LITURGY
Pastor………………………………………...322-4505, ext. 220 Vigil: 5:00 PM 7:30, 9:30, & 11:30 AM
Rev. Martin J Dobrzynski …….. [email protected] DAILY LITURGY HOLY DAY LITURGY
Associate Pastor……………………………..322-4505, ext. 229 Weekdays 7:00 AM See page 15 of the bulletin for
Rev. Gregory Bim-Merle…[email protected] Saturday 8:00 AM Holy Day Mass Schedule.
Permanent Deacon………………………….. 322-4505, ext. 285
Deacon Edwin Gatons…...……[email protected]
SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION
Permanent Deacon…………………………...322-4505, ext. 286
Sacrament of Penance...Saturday 3:30 PM-4:30 PM
Deacon Jack Krol………………[email protected]
Baptisms...First time parents at St. Michael must attend a
Permanent Deacon…………………………...322-4505, ext. 284
Baptism Prep session before the baptism date can be scheduled.
Deacon Ron Pyle.... .…….…[email protected]
Please call Janice at 322-4505, ext. 241 to schedule the prep
Executive Secretary…………………………. 322-4505, ext. 220
session and/or baptism date.
Mrs. Michaeline Gargas………[email protected]
Marriage….The bride, groom, their parents/grandparents
Communications Coordinator ……………….322-4505, ext. 263
must be active registered members of the parish for at least three
Mr. Patrick Massoels………[email protected]
years prior to reserving a date for the wedding. The diocese
Director of Liturgy & Music…………………322-4505, ext. 227
requires that arrangements must be made at least six months in
Miss Debbie Mangione……[email protected]
advance of the wedding date in order for the proper personal,
Pastoral Associate…………………………………..322-4505, ext. 241
spiritual and liturgical preparations of the couple to be
Mrs. Janice Gatons………..…[email protected]
completed.
Finance/Accounting Services Manager……...322-4505, ext. 226
Sacrament of the Sick...Please call the office until 4:00 PM.
Mr. Glenn Cantrell…………[email protected]
After 4:00 PM, please call 322-6623 Monday-Friday and
Campus Facilities Coordinator..……………..……….. 808-1489
anytime on the weekend.
Mr. Rick Gilbert………...……[email protected]
Anointing of the Sick is celebrated on the third Saturday of each
Administrative Assistant……………………..322-4505, ext. 225
month at the 8:00 AM Mass in the chapel.
Mrs. Debbie Fotia………………[email protected]
Bulletin Editor/Accounting Clerk……………322-4505, ext. 239 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Mrs. Rhonda Haddad…………[email protected] Wednesdays from 1:00-6:00 PM in the chapel.
Accounting Clerk…………………………….322-4505, ext. 234 BULLETIN DEADLINE:
Mrs. Fran Hintz…………...….…[email protected] Monday prior to the Sunday printing 12:00 PM (Noon).
Head Sacristan ……………………………….322-4505, ext. 228 H olidays have exceptions. Please submit potential bulletin
Mrs. Joan Hamnik articles by email to [email protected] or in print
P ARISH OFFICE HOURS form to the office or by fax to 322-4508.

Office Hours: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Monday-Friday and
by appointment PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS
Phone:……………...[phone] Fax………[phone] John Companik……………………………………………..Chair
Email………………[email protected] Daniel Price……………………...Vice Chair/Parish Life Liaison
Website…………….www.stmichaelparish.life Lee Ann Egan…………………...Spirituality & Worship Liaison
David Gray………………………Peace & Social Justice Liaison
ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL
Linda Hansen……………….…..Education & Formation Liaison
Office Hours: 8:00 AM-3:30 PM Monday-Friday
Linda Kinzer …………………..Education & Formation Liaison
Phone……[phone] Fax……..[phone]
Alice Lewinski…………………..Peace & Social Justice Liaison
Website……………….www.stmichaelparish.life/school
Jim Prasopoulos………………...……………Parish Life Liaison
Principal
Lynn Schmitt……………………………….Stewardship Liaison
Miss Colleen Kennedy……[email protected]
Joseph Tomaszewski……………………….Stewardship Liaison
School Executive Assistant
Gib Wieser………………….…...Spirituality & Worship Liaison
Mrs. Karen Rapacz…………[email protected]
Jeffrey Cox……………………………………………..Secretary

FAITH FORMATION Rev. Martin Dobrzynski……………………………….…..Pastor

Office Hours: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Monday Rev. Gregory Bim-Merle……………………….Associate Pastor
12:00-8:00 PM Tuesday & Wednesday Deacon Ed Gatons…………………….……...Permanent Deacon
11:00 AM-4:00 PM Thursday Deacon Jack Krol…………………………….Permanent Deacon
By appointment on Friday Deacon Ron Pyle……………………………..Permanent Deacon
Phone …….[phone] Fax…….[phone]

Director of Religious Education
Mrs. Marge Swanson…..…[email protected]

Traditional Classes…Tuesday or Wednesday 6:00 PM-7:30 PM St. Michael Parish
Good Shepherd Classes….Tuesday 6:00 PM-7:30 PM 1 E. Wilhelm St.
Schererville, IN
Sunday Family Classes…..Once a month 9:30 AM-11:00 AM
46375
Website: www.stmichaelparish.life Page 2 December 10, 2017
From the Pastor’s Desk
God’s patience is your salvation. St. Peter is clear about one thing in today’s second reading—the Lord
does not delay! Rather, for the Lord, one day is as a thousand years. And why is this so? So you and I can be
ready for that great day when the Lord does come. God does not delay, God is infinitely patient with us finite
beings. Indeed, you and I must learn a hard lesson first. We have yet to fully understand that all our rushing
about trying to make life “just right” or “fun” does neither. Just the opposite, all our “busyness” takes us away
from others--family members, friends, and those who need us and our energy, the poor, homeless and the
outcast.

But maybe we don’t slow down because we’re afraid of what we might see once the dust settles. Yet, facing
who we really are is essential if Christmas is to be more than just a time of parties and presents. Though Advent
is a time of joyful anticipation, it is still a time of preparation. You and I need to prepare our hearts and minds
for the great feast, indeed for the great feast in eternity.

For Catholics, the Sacrament of Penance reminds us of the reconciliation the
Christ Child brought to this world. One might think I can do this by myself; I
don’t need to go to confession. Certainly God’s mercy is available to us all
through Christ. However, full reconciliation with those whom our actions, or
lack of action, hurt comes to us through the Church, the sacrament of Christ’s
reconciliation in the present. Confession is necessary for reconciliation with
my fellow Christians, without this dimension we fool ourselves into justifying
our actions or inaction that affects others and ourselves.

There are many reasons people stay away from celebrating God’s reconciliation in the Sacrament of Penance.
Some reasons are embarrassment, fear, pride, or even laziness. Give yourself a gift this year and hand the fear
and embarrassment over to God. Set aside the pride that keeps you from His presence in this sacrament and
wake up from your sleep for the time draws near. The priest is not a judge, but like in all sacramental encoun-
ters, he is an outward sign of the unseen reality of God’s forgiveness. Take note of the absolution prayer the
priest says at the end of your confession:
God the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son has reconciled the world to
Himself and sent the Hoy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church,
may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and the
Son, and the Holy Spirit.

This prayer summarizes the teaching of our Church on this matter. It is the ministry (the work) of the Church
(that is everyone represented in the person of the priest) to make God’s reconciliation visible in this world. God
gives the pardon and the peace and the priest, in the name of the Church (Christ’s body on earth) absolves (that
is pronounces this freedom from guilt) to the penitent.

The Sacrament of Penance is being celebrated throughout the year on Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 PM but
during this season it is also celebrated in a communal fashion. Together we celebrate God’s mercy in listening
to the Word of God, reviewing our conscious and making our contrition. Then each person is invited to individ-
ual confession. As we go to the priest individually everyone prays for the other. When all are finished, every-
one sings God’s praise and offers each other the peace of Christ. A peace renewed through our confession and
absolution.

Much good happens at this time of the year. Yet, it is clouded by the fact that our rush to get into Christmas
actually might extend our real waiting for God’s loving presence in our life and in this world. Slow down! Let
go of some of the things that busy you and burden you. In doing so, you may be very surprised to see that you
have what you need and then the Lord could come to you like a dear unexpected friend on Christmas Day.
Website: www.stmichaelparish.life Page 3 December 10, 2017
Spirituality and Worship Commission
Commission Members: Director of Liturgy, Art & Environment,
Eucharistic Ministers, Hospitality, Lectors, Music, Sacristan, Altar
Servers, Cross Bearers, Prayer Ministry, RCIA, Ministers of Care,
Deer Creek Ministers
Please come share a moment of prayer &
fellowship and take a moment off from

THE CRAZINESS OF
You Are Invited to Help Prepare the
SHOPPING,
BAKING & PARTIES Church for Christmas
On December 19th at 6:30 PM, the Art & Environment
Ministry will decorate the church for Christmas. Come
help put up and tinsel the live trees, hang the artificial
garland and the Advent links in the Gathering Space,
move the crèche figurines up from the basement, and
whatever else needs to be done. Service hours are
December 11th and 18th

available, but parents need to accompany children
under 16. Please call Judy at 365-8613.
Rite of Christian
Save the Date
Initiation of Adults

During the season of Advent let us
remember the joy and peace that living
the Catholic life can bring. Let us pray
for those who are searching for God and
for those who are thinking about finding
out more about the Church. Please call
322-4505, ext. 241 for information.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA ) is the process for those who are
over the age of 8, baptized in another
January 7th
faith tradition, non-baptized, or only
baptized in the Catholic faith and wish to 3:00 PM
complete their Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism,
in the Church
Confirmation, and Eucharist.
Parish Advent Activity
The Art & Environment Ministry has picked four charitable organizations to sponsor for our annual
parish Advent activity. These groups are: Sojourner Truth House, the Carmelite Home, Good
Samaritans and Respect Life.
On the tables in the Gathering Space, there are links of paper with items needed by the above charities.
Please take one or more links home and purchase these items. Return the link and the gift and place in
the baskets provided. At Christmas, we will join the links and decorate the Gathering Space. Let us fill
the space with a chain symbolizing our love and concern for our brothers and sisters.
Website: www.stmichaelparish.life Page 4 December 10, 2017
Education and Formation Commission
Commission Members: Director of Religious Education, School Principal, Sport/
School Advisory Board/HSA Representatives, Marriage Prep, Baptismal Prep, Adult
Catholic Education, Vocations Ministry, RADIATE Youth Ministry, Bible Study
Warrior of the Week This week’s Warrior of the Week is David Flores.
David began his journey as a student at St. Michael
School in kindergarten. He plays soccer and runs
track for the Warriors and also volunteers for the
Salvation Army outside of school. David’s favorite
things about SMS are the sense of community and
our faith in God. He’s not sure yet which high school
he will be attending, but when he leaves SMS, he will
miss his friends, teachers, and the school in general.
He says, “I have had so many fond memories of this
beautiful place.” David’s advice to younger students
is to try as hard as you can, and when you get
knocked down, get back up and achieve your goals.
He says, “I wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t
for that.” Congratulations David, and have a great
8th grade year!
Eighth Graders Hanging Out with the Younger Crowd

The eighth grade classes have been seen “evangelizing” around the halls of SMS! They spent time
learning more about the lives of some saints from our kindergarteners. Each eighth grader paired up with
a kindergarten buddy and assisted them in reading what they wrote and showing off their colored portrait
of their saint. The kindergarteners were so excited that they could teach the “big” eighth graders
something! The eighth graders also shared their design skills with the first graders helping them to color
and decorate crowns to honor the last feast day of the liturgical year, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus
Christ, King of the Universe. In January, the eighth graders will host a retreat for the fourth and fifth
grade students. They will also participate in and serve the third graders and their families at their Com-
munion Celebration Breakfast. Our goal is that by the end of the school year, our amazing eighth graders
will have spent some time in fun and fellowship with every grade!
Article submitted by Della VanderPol-Middle School Religion Teacher
Pictures submitted by Patrick Massoels
Website: www.stmichaelparish.life Page 5 December 10, 2017
Education and Formation Commission
Lower Your Taxes and Help the High School Students: Celebrate
Christmas with RADIATE Tonight
Children at St. Michael School
6:00-8:00 PM in St. Patrick Hall

The State of Indiana has a School Scholarship Tax
Credit Program. Here is how the program works. RADIATE invites all high school students for fun,
An individual or business will donate money into this friends, and faith.

program for St. Michael School. The donation can Be sure to sign up for our texts for the most updated
only be used for financial aid scholarships. You will info so you won’t miss out! Text “@radiate” to
receive an Indiana State tax credit for 50% of your 81010.
donation amount. For example, if a business or
Upcoming Events:
individual donates $100, they will receive a $50 tax

Dec. 10th: All high school students are invited to
credit on their Indiana State income taxes. If a
our Christmas party! 6:00-8:00 PM in St. Patrick
business or individual donates $1000, they will
Hall. Please bring a White Elephant gift for the gift
receive a $500 tax credit on their Indiana State
exchange.
income taxes. You can also use this same donation
Dec. 15th (Fri.): Caroling Service Project at
as an itemized tax deduction for your federal
Dyer Nursing home (behind DQ) at 4:30 PM.
income taxes. It is truly a win-win situation. You
Come share your Christmas spirit with the
can lower your taxes while helping the children at
residents. 8th graders are invited too!
St. Michael School. This tax credit program is only

available while state funding is available. In recent Questions? Please contact Jeannine Quigley (Adult)
years, the tax credit program was only available at 775-5356, [email protected],
through mid-December. The bottom line is to make Mike Reesman (Adult) at 670-1975 or Grace
your donation as early as possible to take advantage Richardson (teen) at 276-9903.
of this tax saving program.
To donate online: Get Your Oplatki—and
https://www.scholarshipsforeducationchoice.com/
donors/idonate/ Support RADIATE
On the page, you will see a Choose Your Designation

RADIATE will be selling Oplatki this weekend
field, use the drop down search and select
and Dec. 16th & 17th after all Masses in packets of
St. Michael School, Schererville. If you do not
3 for $5 and 15 for $20. This Eastern European
make this selection, your donation will not be
tradition celebrates family by sharing a Christmas
applied to St. Michael School.
wafer with those present while praying for God’s
To donate by mail:
grace and the welfare of all and remembering those
Make your check payable to Sagamore Institute
who couldn’t be with us. Continue this wonderful
SGO. On the check, please indicate that it is for
tradition or consider adding it to your own
St. Michael School, Schererville. You should mail
Christmas celebrations.
the check to:
Our teens are on fire for their faith—come to the
SEC at Sagamore Institute
back tables after Mass to meet them and be
2902 North Meridian Street
energized!
Indianapolis, IN 46208
We will gratefully and enthusiastically accept all
Thank you for your generosity. If you have any
donations. Thank you for your support.
questions or seek additional information, please

If you have any questions, please contact Jane
contact Marty Lucas at 219-789-6970 or
Wallace at [email protected] or
[email protected].
219-796-5328.
Website: www.stmichaelparish.life Page 6 December 10, 2017
Education and Formation Commission
Faith

Formation
December Calendar

Dec. 12th: Good Shepherd/Traditional Classes Dec. 19th: Good Shepherd/Traditional Classes
6:00-7:30 PM 6:00-7:30 PM
Dec. 13th: Traditional Classes 6:00-7:30 PM Dec. 20th: Traditional Classes 6:00-7:30 PM
Dec. 26th/27th: No Classes-Christmas Break

“It’s Netflix for Catholics!”
- FATHER GREGORY

FORMED is a revolutionary online platform that provides access to the best Catholic audio talks,
movies, ebooks and video-based studies from trusted providers like the Augustine Institute, Ignatius Press,
Catholic Answers, the Knights of Columbus, St. Paul Center, Sophia Press and more!
St. Michael has purchased this program for one year to provide our parish of all ages access to excellent
Catholic resources. In a parish, school, or home setting, utilizing the best in current technology, FORMED
becomes a powerful evangelization tool for the parish in this modern world. You will soon be able to sign
up free using the parish code.

Watch for the details in the December 24th Bulletin.
Peace & Social Justice Commission
Commission Members: Ministry of Consolation and Hope,
Good Samaritans, Pastoral Care, Respect Life, Health &
Spirituality Committee, Parish Nurse Ministry, Rebuilding Hope
Mission Team, Visitation Ministry, Labors of Love
We are here to assist
anyone with temporary Blood Pressure, Glucose and Oxygen
help. If you know
Level Screenings
someone from
s
Schererville, Dyer, or The next screenings will take place
St. John who could use the weekend of Dec. 16th and 17th in
help with their NIPSCO bill, rent, or groceries, the east coat room after the 5:00 PM,
please have that person in need (due to privacy 7:30 AM, and 9:30 AM Masses by
act) call 322-4505, ext. 250 and leave a message. the parish nurses.
Website: www.stmichaelparish.life Page 7 December 10, 2017
Peace & Social Justice Commission
Welcome the Newly Baptized

Gouveia Katherine Wachel
Mary Merkle, Donna Cistaro, Tina Serna, Noah Ramirez, Glenna Goldasic, Jean Mastey,
Dianna Voyak, Stella Sowinski, Alan Girnus, Elizabeth Jean Sanchez, Rich Elliott,
Connie Hernandez, Jen-Mei Dorris, David Sarros, David Godlasic, Phil Krivickas,
Zbigniew Sochacki, William Kotinek and all those in need of the healing touch of God.

Life is precious; handle with prayer.

Placing the name of a loved one or yourself in the bulletin Prayer List can be done
through Michaeline or Debbie at 322-4505, ext. 220 in the parish office. The names
are placed in the bulletin for a period of four weeks after which time they are either removed or placed in the
Book of Intentions in the Chapel. In praying for a sick person, we show our solidarity with that person and
we remind ourselves to do all that is within our power to help in the healing done through our Lord, Jesus
Christ.

Please remember that the names of parishioners and non-parishioners who are still in need of our
prayers after the 4 week period of time of being in the bulletin are placed in our Book of Intentions in
the Chapel. It is updated weekly.

St. Michael’s parishioners are in bold, italic print.
“Help trim our tree, help trim our tree..
How lovely are thy branches.”
In our gift to others, we remember the true meaning of Christmas,
the birth of the Prince of Peace.
You are invited to place a donation in a signed card.
In that spirit, your cards help decorate our trees and
your donations will allow our ministry to continue
to do the work that is asked of us.
We wish you and those you love peace and God’s blessings.

The Good Samaritans thank you for your generous hearts.
CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SALE

The Respect Life Ministry will be selling Family Christmas Cards after all Masses this Sunday
and the weekend of December 16th/17th. For $2.00 you not only get a beautiful card to send to
your family for Christmas, but their name will be entered into our book of intentions and prayed
for at Mass on February 4th.
Website: www.stmichaelparish.life Page 8 December 10, 2017
Parish Life
Commission Members: Welcoming Ministry, Holy Name
Breakfast with St. Nicholas Society, Knights of Columbus, Festival Committee,
Comforting Chefs, Senior GEMS, Boy Scouts of America
Today After All Masses in
St. Patrick Hall
Save the Date

Have your child’s picture taken
with Baby Jesus and St. Nicholas. That’s Amore Dinner

Dance
A continental breakfast will be available:
juice, milk, cereal, donuts, bagels
February 10, 2018
Good will offerings accepted.

Cocktails at 6:00 PM

Dinner at 7:00 PM

in St. Patrick Hall

$80 per couple

Thank You Reception

in appreciation to all St. Michael Parish volunteers
(Festival, School, Faith Formation, etc.), Liturgical Ministers,
Parish Ministries, Council/Commission Advisory Boards,

and Parish & School Staff

Wednesday, December 27th

6:00-9:00 PM

Volu nteer… St. Patrick Hall
Our appreciation

for y ou an d all
Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.

those things you
Please RSVP by Dec. 22nd at noon to the parish
do g rows and office, 322-4505, ext. 220.
grows...
Website: www.stmichaelparish.life Page 9 December 10, 2017
Parish Life
Registration for New Parishioners

There will be no parish registration in
December. The next parish registration will
be Jan. 21st after the 7:30 & 9:30 AM Masses.
You may also register at the parish office
Monday through Friday between the hours of
9:00 AM-4:00 PM. If you have any questions
please call Debbie at the parish office 322-4505,
ext. 225.
Fundraiser for St. Michael Parish

From the Past Through the Present to the Future

The original walkway in our cemetery was established in September of 2012. Since then we have had
other times when we have taken orders for the pavers to be etched and placed in the cemetery. With
advancement in technology we are now able to etch these paver bricks easier thus giving the parish an
opportunity to once again offer their availability. We will be taking orders now through March 1, 2018 to
be placed in the walkway in the spring/summer of 2018. Below is the form for the various areas of the
walkway. Letters for tax purposes are available upon request.
Name:

Address: City, State, Zip

Phone: Email:

Type of Paver: Graduate - $175 Memorial - $125.00

Founder’s Circle - $250 Benefactor - $200.00

Each paver may contain up to 3 lines, with 15 characters (this includes spaces) per line.

Mail form and check to: St. Michael the Archangel Church / Paver Project
1 E. Wilhelm Street
Schererville, IN 46375
Website: www.stmichaelparish.life Page 10 December 10, 2017