Mission San Diego de Alcalá 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, CA 92108-2429

Phone: (619) 283-7319 Fax: (619) 283-7762 Website: www.missionsandiego.org

December 18, 2016

Rev. Peter M. Escalante, Pastor Rev. Bill Springer and Rev. Alex De Paulis, Associate Pastors

Deacon Ernest Grosso PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday 8 am–4 pm (619) 283-7319 Fax: (619) 283-7762

VISITOR CENTER/GIFT SHOP Rhonda Sosa, Manager Hours, 9 am—4:30 pm (619) 281-8449

MSGR. HALTER ARCHIVES Hours - Tuesday and Thursday 10 am—12 Noon (619) 283-6338 library@missionsandiego.org

SUNDAY MASS TIMES 5:30 p.m. Saturday— Congregational Singing 7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. Congregational Singing 9:00 a.m. Folk Music in St. Francis Chapel 10:00 a.m. Congregational Singing (4th Sunday, ASL interpreted) 11:00 a.m. Congregational Singing 11:00 a.m. Spanish in St. Francis Chapel 12:00 noon Mission Choir 5.30 p.m. Congregational Singing

WEEKDAY MASSES: 7:00 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

CONFESSIONS: Saturdays 4:00 - 5:00 & 6:30 p.m., or by appointment, please call the Parish Office.

ADORATION IN LA CAPILLA First Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. First Saturday 7:30 a.m.-9:30a.m. Call the Parish Office to volunteer.

BAPTISMS: Deacon Ernest Grosso (619) 448-7931 deacongrosso@missionsandiego.org

MARRIAGES: Preparation with priest/deacon at least 9 months in advance.

NAZARETH SCHOOL: Principal Dr. Colleen Mauricio, (619) 641-7987

Martha and Mary Guild This Guild meets Mondays at 10 a.m. in the Mission church. They begin with coffee and prayer and then do light cleaning to the pews, kneelers, railings and sanctuary. Men and women are welcome to join. If dusting is not your choice come join us for coffee, prayer and socializing. Call Karen Rebelo (858) 277-6243 or Janet Bartel (858) 560-9312

Mission Deanery Advent Penance Services 2016 Mary Star of the Sea . . . . . . Monday, December 19 . . . . . . . 4 pm St. Brigid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monday, December 19 . . . . . . . 6 pm All Hallows. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tuesday, December 20 . . . . . . .7:30 pm

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016

They shall name him Emmanuel, which means

“God is with us.” — Matthew 1:23

Year-End Charitable Gifts– A gift of your securities, including stocks or bonds, is an easy way to make a gift to your Mission parish. By making a gift of your appreciated securities, you can avoid paying capital gains tax that would otherwise be due if you sold these assets. Contributions made by December 31, 2016, may be deducted on this year’s taxes. For information, please visit the diocese website at www.diocese-sdiego.org, click GIVING, then Stock Donations found at the top of the home page. Or contact the Office for Stewardship and Development, Mark Fisher, at (858) 490-8316.

Christmas Schedule 2016 Mass Schedule, December 24

Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. Mission Church 4:00 p.m. St. Francis Chapel—Children’s Mass 6:00 p.m. St. Francis Chapel—Folk Choir 8:00 p.m. Mission Church 10:00 p.m. Mission Church 12:00 (Midnight) St. Francis Chapel—Mission Choir

There will not be confessions on Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve.

Mass Schedule, December 25 Christmas Day 7:00 a.m. Mission Church 8:00 a.m. Mission Church 9:00 a.m. Mission Church 10:00 a.m. Mission Church 11:00 a.m. Mission Church 11:00 a.m. (Spanish) St. Francis Chapel 12:00 Noon Mission Church No Evening Mass

The Parish Office will be closed Monday, December 26. The Gift Shop will be closed

Sunday, Christmas Day, only.

Christmas Eve Children’s Mass 4:00 PM, St. Francis Chapel

Children ages 3 to 12 are invited to participate in the Entrance Procession at this Mass. We will have streamers and bells for each child. Everyone is asked to bring bells to ring at the Entrance Procession, the Gloria and the Holy. Come and enjoy the beautiful music of our Mission Folk Choir.

There will be no class on Sunday, December 25, or Sunday, January 1. Classes resume Sunday, January 8, 2017.

Mission and Nazareth parents with children making their First Communion in May 2017 are reminded there is a parent meeting in the California Room, Tuesday, January 17 at 7 pm. For more information, please call the Religious Ed office at (619) 624-0900. Thank you for your support of the Mission’s Religious Education programs.

Religious Education Classes

Cathedral Tour with Sister Mary

Visit the great Cathedrals with Sister Mary Kiely right here at Mission San Diego starting January 9! Sister Mary will pre-sent a series of videos on the beauty of the stained glass windows, the statues and illustrations from the Old and New Testaments and the treasures of these magnificent structures via DVDs that feature the Gothic Cathedrals in France, then she’ll move on to England, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic and the New World. Join Sister Mary the Mondays of January and February at 10—12 noon in the California Room. Dates, Jan. 9, 16, 28, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20.

Advent, a Time for Watching and Waiting Mary and Joseph – Family of Jesus and People of Hope The angel Gabriel came to Mary to tell her she was to be the mother of Jesus. Another angel came to Joseph in a dream and told him to protect Mary and Jesus by taking them to Egypt. Both Mary and Joseph trusted in God and listened to the angels who were sent to tell them about God’s plan.

What makes it hard to trust in God’s plan for us and for the world?

Imagine Mary and Joseph sitting at your table. What advice might they give us about hoping in God when we feel confused, afraid, or uncertain?

Marriage Help—The word Retrouvaille is a French word meaning rediscovery. The program offers tools needed to rediscover a loving marriage relationship. Thou-sands of couples headed for cold, unloving relationships or divorce have successfully overcome their marriage problems by attending this program. The next program is January 6-8, 2017. Space is limited, call (951) 259-9474 for information.

Thank you for supporting our advertisers; they make our Sunday bulletin possible. While we cannot guaran-tee the work or integrity of each advertiser, we presume that they share our ethics and values.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá Choir presents

The 40th Annual Candlelight Meditation

Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18

7:30 p.m. in the Mission Church This year’s Candlelight presentation will feature seasonal music, both traditional and Carols anew. Music is set around Scripture readings of the Season. Featuring the Mission Choir, accompanied by Organist Howard McCullough, the Classic Brass, Percussion Ensembles, Soloists, and Readers, all directed by Gene Regard. A reception will follow in La Sala. Free-will offering will be taken.

Save the Dates All Young Adults! We are starting a new Bible study/faith topic series called Symbolon. We will be teaming up with the young adults at Santa Sophia to facilitate this Series at alternating locations each month. December we will be at Santa Sophia on Wednesdays, and January we will be back at the Mission. Come join us to grow deeper in your faith and friendships! Check the Young Adults Facebook page for de-tails or the link on the Mission’s website. Socials are posted there.

Mission Young Adults

December 21 Holy Hour, Mission Church with Music 6:00—7:00pm

December 28 Off for Christmas week

January 4, 2017 Symbolon #4 at Mission Parish 7:00—8:00pm Mothers of Faith meet Wednesdays at 9 am in Allied Gardens park. Please mark your calen-dar, they will not meet December 21 and 28 in celebration of Christmas and New Year’s Day. Youth Group meets once a month for food, fellowship and fun from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 18 we will meet in the California Room for our Christmas Pot-Luck Dinner, followed by the Candlelight Meditation in the Mission Church. ALL High School students are welcome to join us. There will be no classes or meetings on December 25 or January 1. Next Youth Mass will be Sunday, January 8 at 5:30 p.m. with classes resuming from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Ms. V.J. Brion (619) 640-0481, youthministry@missionsandiego.org

Mission-Aires Meeting and Luncheon

Tuesday, December 20 11:30 am Meeting 12 pm Luncheon

$10 Members—$11 Non-Members Get into your best holiday spirit and join us Tuesday, December 20. In the spirit of sharing, we’re asking you to bring an unwrapped toy which will be given to the Metro Neighborhood Center to be distributed to underprivileged children. Don't forget the older kids that would appreciate a baseball, football or soccer ball! A delicious Christmas lunch menu includes Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Corn, Tossed Salad, Fruit Salad, Chocolate Cake and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, Bread and Butter, and a beverage. Please sign up and pay in the Gift Shop by 1:30 pm, Sunday, December 18; we need an accurate count to order the food. Let's celebrate Christ' birth together!

Mission Bible Study Save the Date!

The Mission Bible Study will resume Tuesday evenings in the California Room from 7—8:15 pm starting

January 24, 2017 with the study of the Book of Genesis, Part I. Join us as we take a closer look at our Patr iarchal History and learn of

God's desire to have a deep relationship with His people. For more information, please contact Virginia McCarron at eggrod0422@ymail .com or a t (818) 519-1769.

Visit www.MissionSanDiego.org using your smart phone for more information about what is happening at the Mission! You can read the Sunday Bulletin, Mass times and messages from our Pastor.

Giving Tree—The Social Action Committee wishes to thank all who supported the Giving Tree for Catholic Charities this Advent. The gifts have been chosen and wrapped and are ready to make many children smile this Christmas Day. God bless all of you for your generosity.

THE LOOK OF LOVE What does love look like? It has feet to go to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of others. —St. Augustine

ALTAR LINENS GUILD. . . . . . . . . .Peggy Stolberg (619) 203-5871 ALTAR SERVERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dean Gipson (858) 761-1073 BAPTISMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deacon Ernest Grosso (619) 448-7931 BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY. . .Dr. Roberta Flynn (619) 980-9244 BIRTHLINE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barbara Melkerson (858) 292-4848 CANTORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martha Conway (619) 851-5222 CENTERING PRAYER . . . . . . . Ardy Woodmansee (858) 279-7278 DOCENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janet Bartel (858) 560-9312 FESTIVAL OF THE BELLS. . . . . . . . Misty Suposs (619) 985-2114 9 AM FOLK CHOIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . Molly Nocon (619) 890-7607

GIFT SHOP/VISITOR CENTER . . . . Rhonda Sosa (619) 281-8449 HEARING IMPAIRED MINISTRY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. Alex De Paulis . .fralex@missionsandiego.org

KAISER OUTREACH. . . . . . . . . . . .Carmen Falcon (619) 916-8476 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS . . . . GK Bernie Garcia (619) 997-8380 LECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Virginia McCarron (818) 519-1769 MARTHA AND MARY GUILD . . . . .Karen Rebelo (858) 277-6243 MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRYAnne-Marie Roach (619) 602-8878 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Or Spanish-speaking—Laura Alcaraz (619) 855-0017

MISSION-AIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Art Hurteau (619) 280-8074 MOTHERS OF FAITH . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crystal Carr (619) 916-6598 MSGR. HALTER ARCHIVES. . . . . . . Tony Falcon (619) 283-6338 MUSIC DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gene Regard (858) 487-7457 MISSION CHOIR . . . . . . . . Frank Schuld, President (619) 464-0401 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Howard McCullough, Organist (858) 208-9515

OUTREACH TO SICK . . . . .Sr. Margaret Kelly, OP (619) 283-1371 PARISH COUNCIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sylvia Benitez (619) 449-4345 PARISH OFFICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619) 283-7319 RACHEL’S WOMEN’S CENTER. . . . Kathy Estey (619) 723-0584 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION. (4 yrs old—8th Grades and Children’s Sacramental Classes) . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. Alex De Paulis (619) 624-0900

RCIA/ADULT FORMATION . . . . Fr. Bill Springer (619) 624-0900 SENIOR MEN’S GROUP (MMC) . . . . Pete Corrao (619) 582-9386 SOCIAL ACTION . . . . . . . . .Dr. Michael Peddecord (619) 286-9625 TASTE OF THE MISSION . . . . . . . . Sylvia Benitez (619) 449-4345 USHERS/HOSPITALITY . . . . . . . . . . . .Cecil Boyd (619) 282-6575 WEDDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . Call the Parish Office to begin the process. YOUNG ADULTS .Fr. Alex De Paulis. .fralex@missionsandiego.org YOUNG MARRIED COUPLES . . . . . . . . KellyTriggs@yahoo.com YOUTH MINISTRY (Sr High) . . . . . . . . .V. J. Brion (619) 640-0481

Alphabetical Directory of Ministries

Bulletin Items . . . . . Please submit one week in advance

of bulletin date to religiouseducation@missionsandiego.org

Have you been looking for a great way to spend time at the Mission? The Gift Shop is in need of additional volunteers. Call Rhonda today at (619) 281-8449 and find out how rewarding it is to volunteer at your Church!

SUMMONED BY GOD As Christmas draws near, Advent’s scriptures lure us into a world of dreams, signs, wonders, and the miracle of the virgin birth. Too often we allow the great stories of our faith, the ones that are most familiar, simply to wash over us. Today’s Gospel account of the events leading up to the birth of the Lord reads like a present-day soap opera. Yet Joseph’s courage, even in the midst of what must have been an incredibly confusing time, provides a model for us. Each week, we are summoned by God to embrace the way of goodness and truth through the proclama-tion of God’s holy word. Like Joseph, we are called to do as the Lord commands us. As we stand at the threshold of Christmas, let us have the courage to be open to whatever it is that the Lord will require of us as we celebrate the miracle of Bethlehem. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

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READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Dec. 18 Sunday, Fourth Sunday of Advent Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Rom 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24 Dec. 19 Monday Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Dec. 20 Tuesday, St. Peter Canisius Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Dec. 21 Wednesday Sg2:8-14 or Zep3:14-18a;Ps 33:2-3,11-12,20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Dec. 22 Thursday, St. John of Kanty 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Dec. 23 Friday Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Dec. 24 Saturday, Vigil of Christmas 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Dec. 25 Sunday, The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14]