Below is the current schedule for Advent and Christmas.  Please note that it is available on the website and will be updated on the website anytime new information is available.

ST. MALACHI CHURCH
ADVENT EVENTS 2011
Wednesday Evening Prayer:      Wednesdays at 7PM
November 30: Eucharistic Adoration
December 7: Praying With Scripture
December 14: “With Roots in Eternity”   Taizé Prayer
December 22: Bridges to Contemplative Living

Eucharistic Holy Hour:    Thursdays from 11 AM to12 PM

Communal Penance Service: Sunday, December 4 at 2:00PM
St. Patrick Church
St. Herman Benefit Spaghetti Dinner: Sunday, December 4
at St. Malachi Parish Hall from 11 AM to 5 PM
All P.S.R  St. Nicholas Celebration:  Sunday, December 4
Mass at 11:00, luncheon and program at St. Malachi Center

First Reconciliation:  Tuesday, December 6 at 6:30PM
St. Malachi Church

Vigil of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Wednesday, Dec. 7
Mass at 5:30 PM
Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Thursday, December 8
Mass at 7 AM, 12 PM             5:30 PM at St. Patrick Church
Adult Faith Formation: Prayer & Reflection on the Sunday Gospels
Sundays, December 11 and 18   9:30 -10:45AM in the school

Holiday Fruit Baskets: Sunday, December 11
Delivery of fruit baskets to Seniors at Hi-Rises
Volunteers needed after 9:30 and 11AM Masses

Everyday Prophets: Tuesday, December 13 after noon Mass
Christina Austin from The Gathering Place

St. Malachi Center Christmas Boutique: Tuesday, December 13

Church Christmas Decorating: Sunday, December 18, after 12:30 Mass

Shared Ministry Christmas Caroling:  Sunday, December 18
Meet at St. Paul Community Church, 4:30 PM 4427 Franklin Blvd.

St. Malachi Center Shower Ministry Breakfast: Friday December 23

CHRISTMAS SEASON EVENTS
Christmas Eve, Saturday December 24: 4:30 & 10:00 PM
Prelude and Carol Singing begins one half hour before Mass

Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25: 9:30, 11:00 & 12:30

New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31: 4:30PM
New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1: 9:30, 11:00 & 12:30

Feast of the Epiphany, Vigil Mass, Saturday, January 7, 4:30 PM
Epiphany Celebration:  Saturday, January 7, 6:00PM in Church
Supper to follow.

Feast of the Epiphany, Sunday, January 8: 9:30, 11:00 & 12:30

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (PENANCE)
Saturdays: 3:00 – 4:00 PM    Sundays: 8:45 – 9:00 AM

Sunday, December 4: 2:00 PM   Communal Penance, St. Patrick Church

More information on these events available as dates draw near.

The Kingdom Steward is above all human! To be human is to be in relationship with God and others. This relationship calls us in “equity and justice,” to share our gifts with the needy. Through this sharing we also fulfill our need to give as those created in the
image of God.

This week we reflect on the cost of Stewardship. As Good Stewards we rejoice in the goodness of God and are righteous, vigilant, committed, and compassionate. We steadfastly support, protect, share, and promote our faith. In the midst of our humanness and brokenness our lives continue to proclaim the Good News! We work for justice and
peace, because without justice and peace chaos would reign. We the Body of Christ live always for the Reign of God.

Holy Spirit, heal my broken heart and my life. Grant me courage and strength. Help me consume rightly and joyfully all that God gives me. May God grant me mercy and peace. Jesus, help me and show me how to live out your Gospel message.

Ground that has absorbed the rain falling upon it repeatedly and brings forth crops useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God.
Hebrews 6:7

Jesus said: “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.”
Matthew 24:45-47

Is there an area in your life that requires vigilance, cultivation, or prudence? How can you positively affect this area?
List two ways you can more wisely and generously use your finances.
What does Jesus offer you or your faith community that you need to “take?” What gifts do you offer others that need to be “taken?”
Does music bless your life? How? What makes you sing? Who do you like to sing with?
Is there someone left out whom you need to include? Who is responsible for reaching out to them?
What gifts do you have that help others believe in Jesus? Do you care whether or not others believe in Jesus?
Why do you think God blesses those who mourn? How do you use your gifts to bless those who mourn?

Jesus committed His Divinity, His Humanity, His
Heart, His Spirit, and His Body to establish an eternal
Covenant with you. Today, what commitment will
you make in return?
I will imitate Jesus.

As I started thinking about my talk on stewardship I realized that I’ve been a member of St. Malachi’s for at least 20 years.  I re-entered the Church here.  The first few years I sat in the back terribly sad, broken and feeling rejected.  The parish of my grandparents and my parents, and most of my aunts and uncles and my young family hurt me terribly.  Going to Mass there was negative and drained me of energy. I’ll give you just a few examples.
My son had special needs; the PSR teacher wouldn’t work with me; but did send a note suggesting that I take my son to the church down the street – they didn’t want him – he was too difficult.
When my beloved Aunt Marie died – who had been baptized and raised in this parish and then raised her eight children in this parish and buried her husband from this parish – her adult children were told that the church was dusty because of some work that had been done and perhaps they could move her Funeral Mass somewhere else.
My last example is when my mother died.  I called the priest house to arrange her funeral and was told that the priest was too busy to speak with me.  He gathered us together at the funeral home right before the end of calling hours.  During our very brief talk, I told him that I had heard a beautiful reading at a funeral at St. Malachi’s.  He closed his eyes – raised his hand in almost a  Hitler-like fashion and said “Don’t get me started about Malachi’s”.  We’d agreed that all of Mom’s grandchilden would have a part in her Funeral Mass; and as my sister was took notes so the grandkids could prepare, she asked the priest how to spell Thessalonians.  We were all exhausted and mourning and the priest looked directly at her and said “You’re Catholic; you should know how to spell that”.

After that, I stopped going to Mass.  I was broken and had a hole in my soul.  After ahile and only because my husband encouraged me I decided to try St. Malachi’s – this place had a reputation for being different and had a commitment to the poor.  The 12:30 Mass became my haven and I started to heal.
After a few years, a very kind woman the regularly attended the 12:30 Mass, Invited me to become a Eucharistic Minister and it is an amazing experience.  I must tell you that each and every time I hold and offer you the body and blood of Christ it touches my very soul.
After a while, Fr. Tony needed a Lector and asked if I’d do that Sunday’s readings.  Now I’m a Lector; I still get nervous, but as I prepare the readings I know that sharing these holy words is a great honor.
I was asked to serve on the Board of St. Malachi Center and to participate in the Vibrant Parish Life Committee.
I was then Invited to serve on the Merger Team and the Interim Council.  At first I was very quiet – I was actually intimidated.  I wasn’t experienced at this; I knew I was far from being an expert at the workings of a parish; and I certainly wasn’t a theology major.  After lots of prayers and some encouragement, God let me know that he wanted my there – again I had been invited and I was needed because most of you are just like me.  I represented all of US.  I needed to ask my questions, support the Council, and do what ever I could to represent all of US.

I have grown and continue to grow spiritually.  This past week God gave me the most amazing spiritual opportunity.  I have met wonderful, caring people.  I have made dear friends that are loving and accepting.  I appreciate the man, who shall remain nameless, Patrick Cleary-Burns, calling us the ’12:30 Church Ladies’.  I can give what I can – when I can.  There are opportunities for all of us to serve and I promise you joy and peace.

So today – I am personally Inviting you to share your time and talents.  What you will do here at St. Malachi’s will really
count – you are needed – you can make a difference.

I want to thank Jeannie for doing the readings at today’s Mass.  There are only three regularly scheduled Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors for the 12:30 Mass.  I’m inviting you to join us.  If you’d like, I’ll help you and I can promise you that this service will touch your soul.

You can take an interest in the Council and share your thoughts and ideas.  Today after Mass in the church hall you will have an informal opportunity to talk to people from our amazing ministries.   The Hospitality Committee  always needs help – you could bake for the Mass of Remembrance next week.  The Back Door Ministry is amazing – seven days a week – and it’s getting cold they’re going to need coffee and winter items.  The Center needs readers to meet with the kids after school.  There are so many things to do here.

What every you can do – DO IT!.  If you can only do a little – DO IT!  Make a start – share your time and talents.  Be it ever so humble – - – St. Malachi’s is our spiritual home.

I’m personally Inviting you to reach out.  You are needed here.  You will be blessed.  Like me, the little things you do at St. Malachi’s will make a difference.  I can promise you it will.  I know because stewardship has helped me heal and has filled the hole in my soul.

This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift-giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.  Yes there is!

It’s time to think outside the box, people.  Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut.  How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership?  It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed?  Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a
book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen?  Perhaps that grateful gift
receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates.  And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.  Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom?  Mom would LOVE the services of a
local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal.  Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves.  They make jewelry, and pottery
and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.  And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at
your hometown theater.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house?  When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community.

If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city.  Christmas is now about caring about
US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our
communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Please join us Sunday, Ocotber 30th to celebrate All Saints!

Here are some highlights!

• 9:30 Mass followed by breakfast and PSR presentations on saints  in the hall
• Egg & cheese strata will be provided
• Bring bagels & breads, milk & juice, or fruit to share
• All St Malachi saints are invited  . . .  parishioners & Center families
• Featuring Dave Kennard on his banjo to lead us in song!
• Celebrate a “family reunion” with those who have walked ahead of us and cheer us on!
• Come dressed as your favorite saint!

The wonderful folks on the Stewardship Committee have developed these handouts for our reflection this month.  Below are the links to the first two handouts, with the last page to come next Sunday.  Please read, reflect and enjoy.

Special thanks to Jan Leitch.

Click here to view and/or download the brochure!

Christianity is first of all a way of life, rather than a way of thought. Merely studying Christian truths and gaining intellectual understanding of them is not enough. Indeed, study does not, by itself, bring us to a complete understanding of them. It is only by living the Christian life that we come to understand the full meaning of the Christian message. One cannot live the Christian life, as it is meant to be lived, without seeking to be holy. In order to be holy one must become free from the tyranny and demands of sin, of lust, of anger, of pride, ambition, injustice, and the spirit of violence. When one sincerely renounces sin and selfish living, one begins to find something of the peace and serenity that come from the awareness that God lives and acts in us. However, the” old man” of sin is not yet dead in us. Soon there begins a new phase of struggle and uncertainty, in which we learn that holiness is not easy, and is not just a matter of will power and good intentions. In this difficult struggle we gain experience of our own limitations and weakness. But we also learn, by experience, that if we trust in the power of God, and seek to imitate His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, in His passion and His victory, we receive mysterious strength that has no human source. Then we begin to become more closely identified with Christ and to realize, at least in the silence of the heart that loves and trusts Him, that He Himself lives in us and is our strength. Jesus Christ is our new and hidden self …. Christian perfection is not merely the stem ascetic detachment of the individual who has set himself to follow a heroic way of renunciation. It is above all a communion in the joyous love of Christ living in His Church. It is sharing in the joy of faith, a participation in worship and in spiritual light, a common life in the Holy Spirit. From this life no one is excluded-not the poor, not the despised, not the unfortunate sinner who consents to be loved and to return to Christ. (As printed in Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton, Writing yourself into the Book of Life, a paragrph from Thomas Mertons’s Honorable Reader, pp. 77-79. Emphasis added.)

It seems as though Thomas Merton would think attending Learn the Mass – Pray the Mass –

Live the Mass (see flyer here) is a good idea. Part of living the Christian life is worshipping to the best of our ability. The more we know about the Mass, the more apt we can worship and experience Liturgy better.  Perhaps we’ll see each other there…. In “spiritual light, a common life in the Holy Spirit” this Saturday, Oct. 1st.

There are three sessions, come to what you can.  October 1, 11 and 18.  No cost and open to all.

Click here for the flyer!