CHURCH OF SAINT MARK 2nd Sunday of Advent December 4, 2016

Fr. Paul Spellman, Pastor Fr. Michael Tang, In Residence Deacon Joseph Girard 940 Coeur d’Alene Ave., Venice, CA 90291 Phone: (310) 821-5058

E-mail:info@st-mark.net · website:www.st-mark.net

Parish Staff Maintenance Antonio Rodriguez ...... 821-5058 Rectory Care Sandra Perez .............. 821-5058 Church Care Catalina Blasi .............. 821-5058 Secretary Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Secretary Blanca Meza ............... 821-5058 Bookkeeper Joe Stockemer….…….821-5058 Liturgy Altar Servers Joan Horne.................. 463-9017 Altar Society Chris Putziger.............. 396-3265 Eucharistic Ministry: In Church MaryAnn Long...……..717-2645 To the Sick (Eng) Fr. Paul Spellman ....... 821-5058 In Church Romeo Santos………..720-0084 To the Sick (Sp) Ofelia Gonzalez .......... 306-8768 Ministry of the Word English Michael Shindle ........... 821-5058 Spanish Erick Yela .................... 463-9080 Wedding Coord. Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Quinceañera Coord. Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Music Music Director Maeve Cummings ....... 902-0109 Adult Choir Valerie Vinnard ... 323-804-7720 Spanish Choir Alex Venegas ...... 213-675-0564 Organist/Pianist Mark Balling…………..390-3646 Ushers Steve Gunning (Eng) .. 306-9035 Parish School Principal Mary Ann McQueen .... 821-6612 Secretary Mary Ann Welchhance 821-6612 Secretary Maria Donaldson...…...821-6612 Religious Education Director Judy Girard…..822-1201 ext 249 Office Secretary Maria Acosta...822-1201 ext 250 Confirmation Edwin Ambrosio822-1201ext 248 R.C.I.A. Susan Lewis…822-1201 ext 247 Parish Organization Bereavement Ministry Fritz Hirt ....................... 827-1585 Guadalupanas Isaias Flores ................ 391-5085 Knights of Columbus Steve Gunning ............ 306-9035 Power House of Prayer Barbara Kennedy ........ 823-9387 Prayer Group (Esp) Javier Hernandez ........ 702-7929 Legion of Mary Lorene Ross……...…..306-2796 Pastoral Council Tom Suchy. ................. 821-5058 Young Adult SaintMarkYAM@gmail.com St. Vincent de Paul …………………….424-272-1629 Youth Ministry Youth Ministry (Eng) …………………………822-1201 Youth Ministry (Sp) Fernando Guzman…..702-7701

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm Sunday Masses: Saturday: (Vigil) 5:30pm Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am 12 noon (Spanish) & 5:30pm Daily Masses: Monday - Saturday 8:00am Holy Day Masses: 8:00am, 12:15pm and 7:00pm (Bilingual) Eucharistic First Monday of each month Adoration : 8:30am to 8:30pm Confessions: Saturday 4:30 - 5:15pm Baptism: 3rd weekend of each month. Please contact the rectory office. Marriage: 6 months notice is required. Please contact the rectory office. Anointing of Sacrament for the sick is celebrated The Sick: upon request. Please contact the rectory office. Holy Eucharist Communion is given upon request. for the Sick: Please contact the rectory office.

2nd Sunday of Advent Saint Mark Church December 4, 2016

Pastor’s Corner Greetings from the Bay Area! This is my last Pastor's Corner from northern California and I wanted to let you know how blessed I am to have had this opportunity, and how much I have missed each of you during my sabbatical. During these four months I have had a time to deepen my spirituality in ways that I have not experienced since I entered the seminary. Just to be able to spend time praying, studying the Scriptures, and having new ministerial experienc-es has helped me to see things in a new light and to be able to develop skills that will enable me to be an effective and caring shepherd to the parish-ioners of Saint Mark Church and School. One of the areas that has been most signif-icant to me is the area referred to as "Gifts Dis-cernment" whereby each person is invited to prayerfully reflect upon the gifts that God has giv-en us, and then to seek God's will in applying those gifts to the areas in life in which we can all make God's presence more evident to our brothers and sister, especially to the poor and marginal-ized. The Jesuits have a reputation for reaching out to those who are less fortunate, and I have learned a lot from them in both theory and prac-tice. So often we fail to recognize how blessed we are, and, as a result, we fail to see the face of Christ in our brothers and sisters. To be able to have this time to listen to experts in this area and to have discussions with those who have experi-ences with these ministries has opened my eyes to ways in which our parish community can share our gifts with one another. I will be back at the parish late Friday night (December 9th) and be ready to celebrate the Masses over the weekend. I will miss every-one here in the Bay Area who have walked with me during this time, and I am looking forward to joining you again as we gather together in praise and worship.... and in reaching out to those who are lonely or suffering. May the Lord continue to bless us always and in all ways,

Father Paul Spellman

FROM OUR PASTOR

La Esquina del Párroco

Saludos desde el norte de California! Esta es mi ultima Equina del Párroco desde el norte de California y quería hacerles saber cuan bendecido me siento por haber tenido esta oportunidad, y cuánto he extrañado a cada uno de ustedes durante mi sabático. Durante estos cuatro meses he tenido tiem-po para profundizar en mi espiritualidad en formas que no he experimentado desde que entré al semi-nario. Sólo poder pasar tiempo orando, estudiando las escrituras y tener nuevas experiencias ministe-riales me ha ayudado a ver las cosas bajo una nue-va luz y ser capaz de desarrollar habilidades que me permitirán ser un pastor efectivo y diligente a los feligreses de la iglesia y escuela de San Mar-cos. Una de las áreas que ha sido más importan-te para mí es la conocida como "Discernimiento de dones", por el que se invita a cada persona a reflexionar en oración sobre los dones que Dios nos ha dado, y luego buscar en que áreas de la vida Dios desea que apliquemos esos dones para hacer mas evidente a nuestros hermanos y hermanas la presencia de Dios, especialmente a los pobres y marginados. Los jesuitas tienen una reputación para lle-gar a los menos afortunados, y he aprendido mu-cho de ellos en teoría y práctica. A menudo falla-mos en reconocer cuán bendecidos somos, y como resultado, no vemos el rostro de Cristo en nuestros hermanos y hermanas. Para poder tener este tiem-po para escuchar a expertos en esta área y conver-sar con quienes tienen experiencias con estos mi-nisterios he abierto mis ojos a las maneras en que nuestra comunidad parroquial puede compartir nuestros dones. Regresare a la parroquia el viernes a la no-che (9 de diciembre) y estaré listo para celebrar las Misas ese fin de semana. Extrañaré a todos los que han caminado conmigo durante este tiempo, y de-seo unirme de nuevo con ustedes en alabanza y adoración... y llegar a aquellos que están solos o sufriendo. Que el Señor nos siga bendiciendo siempre y en todas las formas, Padre Paul Spellman

2nd Sunday of Advent Saint Mark Church December 4, 2016

SPIRITUAL LIFE SPIRITUAL LIFE

ANNUAL ST. MARK PARISH MEN’S RETREAT The Annual St. Mark Parish Men’s Retreat will be held at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in the city of Sierra Madre. The retreat which is preached by the Passionist Retreat Team begins this Friday, January 20, 2017 in the evening and con-cludes Sunday, January 22, 2017. The lovely grounds and peaceful atmosphere of Mater Dolorosa make this a perfect spot for a weekend of spiritual renewal and growth. For reservations please contact: Fritz Hirt at 310-827-1585 or Rick Winter at 310-699-1098

CHRISTMAS CONCERT Our amazing St. Mark Adult Choir is proud to present an in-spirational Christmas concert entitled “Noel” Wednesday, December 14th at 7:00pm in the church. Come delight in some glorious Christmas carols, fun sing-alongs and beautiful sounds of the season. Admission free.

RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS Give to those who have given a lifetime. Senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests worked for many years for little, if any, pay. Their sacrifices now leave their religious communities without adequate savings for retire-ment. Your gift to next week’s special collection helps to provide prescription medications, nursing care and more for thousands of elderly religious. The envelopes are in the pews today.

HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION Thursday, December 8th is the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a Holy Day of Obligation. Please join us for one of the following Mass times: 8:00am, 12:15pm and 7:00pm (bi-lingual).

DIA DE OBLIGACION El jueves, 8 de diciembre es la Inmaculada Concepción de la Santísima Virgen María. Este es un día de obligación. Por favor de asistir una de nuestras misas : 8:00am, 12:15pm y 7:00pm (bilingüe).

GUADALUPE SOCIETY CELEBRATION The Guadalupe Society invites you to a celebration in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe December 9th - 12th.

Friday, December 9th at 7:00pm in the church Discussion on the holiness of St. Juan Diego

Monday, December 12th at 7:00pm in the church

Mariachi Serenade in front of the school at 6:45pm Eucharistic Celebration 7:00pm in the church

Reception to follow with delicious hot chocolate and Mexican bread in the Parish Hall. There will also be the traditional raffle with great prizes.

CELEBRACION GUADALUPANA La Sociedad Guadalupano de San Marcos los invita a la cele-bración en honor de la Virgen de Guadalupe el 9-12 de diciembre.

Viernes, 9 de diciembre a las 7:00pm en la iglesia Platica sobre la Santidad de San Juan Diego y otros santos

Lunes, 12 de diciembre

Tardecitas con Mariachi en frente de la escuela a las 6:45pm Celebración Eucarística a las 7:00pm en la iglesia

Después de la misa se les invita a todos al salón parroquial para saborear un rico chocolate caliente y pan dulce. También habrá una rifa con buenos regalos.

CONCIERTO DE NAVIDAD Nuestro coro de adultos de San Marcos está orgulloso de pre-sentar un Concierto Navideño titulado "Noel" el miércoles, 14 de diciembre a las 7:00pm en la iglesia. Vengan a disfrutar en cantos gloriosos y sonidos hermosos de la temporada. Entrada es gratis.

SIMBANG GABI Our annual Simbang Gabi celebration will be Saturday, De-cember 17th at the 5:30pm Mass. A reception will follow in the parish hall with Philippine dishes and dances. There will be a raffle for the traditional lantern of Philippine “Parol”. All are invited!

SIMBANG GABILa celebración anual de Simbang Gabi será el sábado, 17 de diciembre en la misa de las 5:30pm seguido con una recepción en el salón parroquial. ¡Todos están invitados!

FONDO PARA LA JUBILACION DE RELIGIOSOS Done a aquellos que han dado tanto de sus vidas. Hermanas, hermanos y sacerdotes católicos de ordenes religiosas labora-ron por muchos anos con poco o ningún pago. Sus sacrificios ahora dejan a sus comunidades religiosas sin ahorros suficien-tes para su jubilación. Su donativo a esta colecta especial el próximo fin de semana proporciona fondos vitales que cos-tean los medicamentos, enfermeros y mas para miles de reli-giosos ancianos. Los sobres especiales se pueden encontrar en las bancas hoy.

RETIRO DE HOMBRES DE SAN MARCOS El retiro de hombres de la parroquia de San Marcos se llevará a cabo en El Centro de Retiros de Mater Dolorosa en la ciudad de la Sierra Madre. El retiro empezara el viernes, 20 de enero de 2017 (en la noche) y concluye domingo, 22 de enero de 2017 (mediodía). Los jardines y la tranquilidad de Mater Dolorosa hacen de este un lugar perfecto para un fin de semana de renovación espiritual y de crecimiento. Para reservaciones póngase en contacto con: Fritz Hirt: (310) 827-1585 o Rick de invierno: (310) 699-1098

Sat. Dec 3 5:30pm Legion of Mary Sun. Dec 4 7:30am Holy Spirit 9:00am Manuel Martin † 10:30am Auveen O’Neill † 12:00pm Andrea Herrera † 5:30pm Nester Alcala † Mon. Dec 5 8:00am Richard Bumar † Tues. Dec 6 8:00am Lisanna Bono † Wed. Dec 7 8:00am Gregory Patnou † Thurs. Dec 8 8:00am Virginia Romo 12:15pm Danny Valdivia † 7:00pm Concepcion Santiesteban † Fri. Dec 9 8:00am Holy Spirit Sat. Dec 10 8:00am Ron Carpintero †

Sat. Dec 10 5:30pm Fr. Paul Spellman Sun. Dec 11 7:30am Fr. Paul Spellman 9:00am Fr. Paul Spellman 10:30am Fr. Paul Spellman 12:00pm Fr. Paul Spellman 5:30pm Fr. Michael Tang

2nd Sunday of Advent Saint Mark Church December 4, 2016

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — He shall bring justice for the afflicted; the earth shall overflow with the knowledge of the LORD (Isaiah 11:1-10). Psalm — Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever (Psalm 72). Second Reading — Glorify God by living in harmony with one another, welcoming each other as Christ welcomed you (Romans 15:4-9). Gospel — Produce good fruit worthy of your baptism; repent, for the reign of God is near (Matthew 3:1-12).

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

LECTURAS DE HOY Primera lectura — Brotará un retoño del tronco de Jesé. Juzgará a los pobres con justicia, y herirá al violento con el látigo de su boca (Isaías 11:1-10). Salmo — Que en sus días florezca la justicia y la paz abunde eternamente (Salmo 72 [71]). Segunda lectura — Vivan en perfecta armonía unos con otros. Por lo tanto, acójanse los unos a los otros como Cristo los acogió a ustedes, tanto circuncidados como gentiles (Romanos 15:4-9). Evangelio — Juan Bautista predica, “Arrepiéntanse, porque el reino de los cielos está cerca” (Mateo 3:1-12).

This Week at St. Mark’s Dec 5 - Dec 11, 2016 Mon. 8:00am Mass - Church Adoration 8:30am - Church Meditation Group 6:30pm - School Spanish Leaders 7:00pm - School Benediction 8:30pm - Church Tues. RE Grades 7-8 6:30pm - School Wed. 8:00am Mass - Church RCIA 6:30pm - School Legion of Mary 7:00pm - School Thurs. Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mass times: 8:00am, 12:15pm, 7:00pm - Church Spanish Prayer Group 7pm - Hall Spanish Youth Group 7pm - School Fri. 8:00am Mass - Church Discussion of St. Juan Diego 7:00pm - Church Sat. 8:00am Mass - Church Early Childhood 9:00am - School RE Grades 1-6 9:00am - School Confessions 4:30pm - 5:15pm - Church 5:30pm Mass - Church Knights of Columbus 6:00pm - Hall Sun. 3rd Sunday of Advent Mass Times: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm(Sp), 5:30pm - Church Children’s Liturgy 9:00am - School/Church Young Adult Ministry 2:00pm - Hall Confirmation Year 2 2:45-6:30pm - Hall

CONCERN AMERICA CRAFT SALE TODAY Beautiful handmade craft items from El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Bangladesh are for sale this Sunday December 4 after the morning masses. By your purchase of these gift items, you support the work of Concern America and help to provide a fair and just wage for many materially poor fami-lies. We invite you to think about honoring your family and friends in a very special way by choosing gifts with meaning and purpose. Concern America is an international develop-ment and refugee aid organization based in Santa Ana, CA. You may also view their crafts online at www.concernamerica.org ADULT CONFIRMATION Registration is now open for any adult who has been baptized Catholic, has received First Communion, but is not yet con-firmed. Sessions will be held in January and February. Con-firmation will be celebrated at St. Mark in the spring. Please call the Religious Education Office for information and regis-tration at 310-822-1201.

2nd Sunday of Advent Saint Mark Church December 4, 2016

SAFE GUARD THE CHILDREN

PROTEGIENDO A LOS NINOS

Healthy suspicion can protect those who are vulnerable to abuse

When it comes to fighting against abuse, prevention is the first step. For adults who work with kids, it’s important to recognize the signs of those who could be vulnerable to pred-ators or abuse. Using healthy suspicion can help prevent ac-cess to these kids as well. For a copy of the VIRTUS® article Awareness and Education Empower Adults to Better Protect Minors, email jvienna@la-archdiocese.org or call 213-637-7227.

For particular help you may call Suzanne Healy, director of Assistance Ministry at (213) 637-7650 or Helene Hickey at 310-821-6612.

La sospecha saludable puede proteger a aquellos que son vulnerables al abuso Cuando se trata de pelear contra el abuso, la prevención es el primer paso. Para adultos que trabajan con niños, es importan-te reconocer las señales de aquellos que pueden ser vulnera-bles a los depredadores o al abuso. Tener sospechas saluda-bles también puede ayudar a prevenir el acceso a estos niños. Para una copia del artículo en VIRTUS® “Awareness and Education Empower Adults to Better Protect Minors” (Tener conciencia y educación empodera a los adultos a proteger mejor a los menores), envíe un correo electrónico a jvien-na@la-archdiocese.org o llame al 213-637-7227. Para obtener ayuda puede llamar a Suzanne Healy, directora del Ministerio de Ayuda al (213) 637-7650 o llame a Helene Hickey 310-821-6612.

PARISH SURVEY & PASTORAL PLANNING Thank you for providing your feedback and experiences to support the mission of St. Mark! The results from the assess-ment will guide the community as it strives to proclaim the Good News by word and deed, to welcome and comfort all of God’s people, and to reach out in Christian service to those in need. For those unable to complete the survey this weekend, there are copies available for pick-up or download. Our par-ish will receive a report summarizing our results within 12 weeks of the survey, and the findings will be used as we cre-ate a formal plan with priorities for the next several years. We invite you to join the community in prayer as we continue the assessment and planning process. Thank you for your partici-pation!

Holy Trinity As we enter into this process of planning for Saint Mark Let us be loving, like you, wanting and seeking to provide our parish family with courage and tender compassion Let us recognize ourselves and each other as truly beloved people, forging a united community through Christ’s love Let our hearts rejoice in the Holy Spirit as we serve everyone we meet in every task we take Help us to become what you want St. Mark to be Amen

SPIRITUAL LIFE

ENCUESTA Y PLANIFICACION DE LA PARROQUIA Gracias por proporcionar sus comentarios y experiencias para apoyar la misión de San Marcos. Los resultados de la evaluación guiarán a la comunidad en su esfuerzo por proclamar la Buena Nueva por palabra y obra, a darle bienvenida y consuelo a todo el pueblo de Dios, y por medio del servicio Cristiano ayudar al prójimo necesitado. Para aquellos que no pudieron completar la encuesta este fin de semana, habrán copias de la encuesta que pueden recoger o bajar a su computadora. Nuestra parroquia recibirá un reporte dentro de doce semanas detallando los resultados de la encuesta y los resultados de la encuesta nos ayudarán a desarrollar un plan formal de prioridades para los siguientes años. Te invitamos a unirte a la comunidad en oración mientras continuamos el proceso de evaluación y planificación. ¡Gracias por su participación!

Santísima Trinidad Al entrar en este proceso de planificación para San Marcos Ayúdanos amar, como tu amas, a buscar y proveer a nuestra familia parroquial con valentía y compasión Ayúdanos a reconocernos unos a otros como pueblo querido, forjando una comunidad unida en el amor de Cristo Permite que nuestros corazones regocijen en el Espíritu Santo según tenemos encuentros con aquellos a quien servimos Ayúdanos a ser lo que deseas que San Marcos sea Amen