2855 Briarcliff Road, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30329

Through worship, education, and service, we continue the work of Jesus.

phone: 404-636-1418 fax: 404-636-4394

4:00 p.m. Mass for families with small children (English)

6:00 p.m. Mass (English)*

8:00 p.m. Mass (Spanish)

12:00 Midnight Mass (English)*

9:00 a.m. Mass (English, celebrated without incense)*

11:30 a.m. Mass (English)*

1:30 p.m. Mass (Spanish)

*Music of the season begins thirty minutes before Mass.

In order for us to remove the Advent

liturgical environment and prepare for

Christmas Masses, there will be no 1:30

p.m. Spanish Mass on Sunday,

December 24.

No habrá una misa en español a 1:30

p.m. el domingo, 24 de diciembre.

Our parish priests heard confessions

nearly every day of Advent, and we will

give them the day off next Saturday.

There will be no confessions on

Saturday, December 30.

Mass Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. Saturdays: 8:30 a.m.; 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass Sunday: 9:00 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.; 5:00 p.m. Misas en Español Jueves a las 7:00 p.m. Sabados a las 6:00 p.m. Domingos a la 1:30 p.m. Reconciliation Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. Anytime by appointment Confesiones Jueves: 6:00 p.m. en español Cualquier día por cita. Eucharistic Adoration Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Adoración al Santísimo Jueves de 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Hora Santa en español: 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Office Hours /Horas de Oficina Monday–Friday/ lunes a viernes 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fax Number/No. de Fax 404-636-4394 IHM School/Escuela de IHM 404-636-4488 Website/Sitio Web http://www.ihmatlanta.org Social Media/Red Social

Bulletin Notices Please submit your request 10 days in advance to/Envíe su anuncio por correo electrónico 10 días antes a: jhoffacker@ihmatlanta.org.

Reading 1: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

Reading 2: Romans 16:25-27

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

† We ask that you offer a prayer for those who have died, especially for: Marylou Yap

-Tan, Carlene McMonagle. Jerry Spratte, Julia Monahan, Robert Leo Watson, Sabino

Hernandez Acuñe, Bill Bezaire, Jesus Nandi Hernandez, and Wyatt Vallee.

Also, please pray for those who are sick, especially for: James Sedlack, Mary Jane

O’Neil, Lynne Howard, Purita Guzman, Norma Hatheway, Leslie Tsui, Robert

Munroe, Kay Reese, Tera Doughlas, Janis Dotson, Dylan Diaz Tinoco, Julia

Robinson, Millie Elliott, Brenda Markham, Francie Mooney, and Brenda Uhler.

Saturday, December 23

Saint John of Kanty (Optional)

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; MattLuke 1:57-66

8:30 a.m.

4:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

Jeanne & Alexander Rouamba †

Roy Doppelheuer

For the people of the parish

Sunday, December 24

Fourth Sunday of Advent

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16;

Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

9:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

Maureen Spann †

Barbara Bentley †

Sunday, December 24

The Nativity of the Lord (Vigil)

Isaiah 62:1-5; Acts 13:16-16, 22-25;

Matthew 1:1-25

4:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

Midnight

For the people of the parish

For the people of the parish

For the people of the parish

For the people of the parish

Monday, December 25

The Nativity of the Lord (Solemnity)

Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-6;

John 1:1-18

9:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

For the people of the parish

For the people of the parish

For the people of the parish

Tuesday, December 26

Saint Stephen (Feast)

Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Matthew 10:17-22

8:30 a.m. Archbishop James P. Lyke †

Wednesday, December 27

Saint John (Feast)

1 John 1:1-4; John 20:1a, 2-8

8:30 a.m. Robert & Carmel Johnson

Thursday, December 28

The Holy Innocents (Feast)

1 John 1:5-2:2; Matthew 2:13-18

8:30 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

William Bezaire †

No evening Spanish Confessions or Mass.

Friday, December 29

Saint Thomas Becket (Optional)

1 John 2:3-11; Luke 2:22-35

8:30 a.m. William Bezaire †

Saturday, December 30

Sixth Day in the Octave of the Nativity of

the Lord

1 John 2:12-17; Luke 2:36-40

8:30 a.m.

4:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

Julie Scott Shashy †

Alice Schillinger †

For the people of the parish

Sunday, December 31

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and

Joseph (Feast)

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Colossians 3:12-21;

Luke 2:22-40

9:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Father Richard Kieran †

Father Roger Plante †

Ramirez-Perales Family †

For the people of the parish

www.facebook.com/IHMAtlanta

@IHMatl

@ihmatlanta

Pastor Msgr. Albert Jowdy ajowdy@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 235

Parochial Vicar Fr. Javier Muñoz jmunoz@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 228

Director of Discipleship Deacon Bob Hauert bhauert@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 251

Deacon Erik Wilkinson ewilkinson@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 230

Receptionist/Administrative Assistant Gaby Ramirez mperales@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 221

Secretary Silvia Maldonado smaldonado@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 240

Business Manager & Finance Director Richard Plachta rplachta@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 245

Bookkeeper Dona Maynard dmaynard@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 243

Director of Faith Formation Drew Denton, Ph.D. ddenton@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 223

Faith Formation Coordinator Alicia Guerrero aguerrero@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 227

Youth Minister Elaine Phillips ephillips@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 222

Young Adult Coordinator Kathy Guerrero kguerrero@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 241

Faith Formation Administrative Assistant Olga Torres otorres@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 236

Director of Liturgy and Music Jeff Bush jbush@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 247

Communications Coordinator Jayna Hoffacker jhoffacker@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 226

Director of Operations David Claussen dclaussen@ihmatlanta.org 404-636-4488 Ext. 235

Professional Counseling (fee-based) is available in the Maloney Center at IHM for individuals, couples and families. Contact Marianela Matheus, M.Ed. At 678-310-8122.

IHMATLANTA.ORG

December 9 & 10

Offertory: $21,730.50

Electronic Offertory: $17,333.54

Total Offertory: $39,064.04

This weekend’s second collection is for

the IHM Debt Reduction Fund.

Next weekend’s collection is for the

IHM Debt Reduction Fund.

Have you taken the opportunity to look at your taxes for this year? You might be sur-

prised at how much of your hard-earned money will go to the state and federal gov-

ernment. Now is the time to consider making an end-of-year gift that will help offset

your current tax liability.

There are a number of ways to make an end-of-year gift that provide you with valua-

ble benefits and help further our work here at IHM.

If you own appreciated stock that you wish to sell without paying capital gains tax,

consider gifting property to us. You receive a charitable tax deduction for your gift.

Please check with us on ways to transfer your property gift to us.

Thank you in advance for your generous support of our annual Christmas collection

which provides a significant portion of the funds used all year long to support our

many ministries and programs. This is the single most important collection of the year

for the operations of Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Remember the December 31 deadline for charitable gift tax deductions. Contact Rich

Plachta at 404-636-1418 ext. 245, rplachta@ihmatlanta.org for information on how to

transfer stock or other assets. Checks postmarked in 2017, but delivered in 2018, can

be claimed as a deduction in 2017. Statements of contributions to IHM for 2017,

which many use for tax preparation, will be mailed by the end of January.

In this season of Light and Hope, St. Vincent DePaul caseworkers recently faced a

literal manifestation of these aspirations. How to turn darkness due to turned off elec-

tricity into hopeful and secure light.

This Decatur family of three, mother and two children with one new baby on the way

has been living without electricity since July. They have a gigantic bill with Georgia

Power, and only a large payment would get it turned back on. The children, ages 7

and 11, have no light to do their homework, no refrigeration to keep food, etc. A preg-

nant woman should not be without electricity!

Our Vincentians asked many questions to see if every possible resource had been tried

to see if the large amount could be assembled. Unfortunately, the Mother is not work-

ing and the grandmother is in the Hospital in NYC. No other charities have helped.

Georgia Power decided to accept a large payment, keeping a balance owing for the

future in order to turn on the power. Our Vincentians recommended we make this

payment in the interest of bringing light into their lives.

Thanks to our generous IHM parishioners, St. Vincent DePaul was able to quickly

assist this Mother and her innocent children and get their power turned back on.

For Fiscal Year 2016 ending last September 30, our Conference completed 245 visits

helping 879 people, bringing some light and hope into their lives.

If a parishioner needs help, they can call 678-892-6163.

IHM PARISH DIRECTORY PHOTOS January 6-8

Due to popular demand, we have added an extra day of photo sessions! Photo

sessions will also be held on Monday, January 8, from 2:00-9:00 p.m. Visit

www.ihmatlanta.org to book your photo session today! Please call the parish

office at 404-636-1418 if you need any information.

MEN’S CLUB MEETING Tuesday, January 9

There will be a Men’s Club meeting on Tuesday, January 9. The meeting will

be located in the Lower Level of the Church. The speaker for January will be

Deacon Bob Hauert. The meeting will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with din-

ner provided for a $10.00 donation, and all new members attending eat free.

Please RSVP at the IHM Men's website at https://www.memberplanet.com/

ihmmensclub.

THANK YOU FROM ST. VINCENT DE PAUL The Saint Vincent de Paul ministry of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church is

grateful to the many parishioners who participated in the 2017 Thanksgiving

and Giving Tree programs.

This year, 62 needy families received all the food necessary to prepare their own

Thanksgiving dinner. And, over 600 gifts of toys and clothing were donated,

which will brighten Christmas Day for many children in our community. Every

year, through the generosity of our parishioners, we can help families who are

struggling to get by, as we are reminded of our many blessings.

IHM SCHOOL AUCTION We are excited to announce our Spring Auc-

tion Fundraiser, “Light up the Night with

Denim and Diamonds”, on Saturday, February

3, 2018. Organized exclusively by parent vol-

unteers, this event raises funds to support the

school, including academic enhancements and

capital improvements. We encourage you to

consider donating merchandise or services to

this auction. You can do so online at

www.501auctions.com/ihmauction or using

the paper forms found in the Narthex.

BLOOD DRIVE Wednesday, January 10 Our next Red Cross Blood Drive will

be held on Wednesday, January 10,

3:00-8:00 p.m. in the Historic Church. Visit

www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor

code “IHM” to schedule an appointment or

call Nikki VanDerGrinten at 770-986-4996.

We will also be conducting sign-ups in the

narthex the two weekends before the drive,

The cut-off date for donor eligibility is No-

vember 15. Drop- ins are welcomed. Chick Fil

-A coupons will be given to all those who

donate. Remember, your donation may save

or extend the life of three people!

BRIARCLIFF WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT Friends and Neighbors: the county is replac-

ing water mains on Briarcliff Road, roughly

between Briarcliff Baptist Church and Immac-

ulate Heart of Mary (specifically, between

Bruce Road and Timothy Drive). This road

work is supposed to last a couple of months.

Plan your commutes and shopping trips ac-

cordingly! Visit www.dekalbwatershed.com

for more information.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL HANDYMAN If you need a handyman to help you with vari-

ous small jobs around your house, you could

obtain some help by hiring a Safe Environ-

ment approved volunteer from the St. Vincent

de Paul IHM Conference to help you with

your work. Simply make a donation to the St.

Vincent de Paul IHM Conference for $25.00

for every hour the volunteer spends on your

job. This is a win, win, win situation: we help

you, you help the St. Vincent de Paul IHM

Conference, and the St. Vincent de Paul helps

the many people in need. So if you need

some assistance with small jobs around the

house, call 770-986-4996 and ask for Dirk.

Director Drew Denton, Ph.D. 404-636-1418, ext. 223 ddenton@ihmatlanta.org

Coordinator Alicia Guerrero 404-636-1418, ext. 227 aguerrero@ihmatlanta.org

Administrative Assistant Olga Torres 404-636-1418, ext. 236 otorres@ihmatlanta.org

Youth Minister Elaine Phillips 404-636-1418, ext. 222 ephillips@ihmatlanta.org

Young Adult Coordinator Kathy Guerrero 404-636-1418, ext. 241 kguerrero@ihmatlanta.org

There will be no Scripture Study on December 28

Are you interested in becoming Catholic or learning more about the Catholic faith? Contact Drew Denton

for more information.

Sunday mornings, 10:15-11:15 IHM School Library

There will be no Adult Faith Formation today.

There will be NO Faith Formation programs December 24-January 14. Regular pro-

grams will resume on Sunday, January 21. Enjoy the holiday and plan to attend our

parish Christmas Concert/Party on Friday, January 5 at 7:00 p.m.!

Also note that there will be no Children’s liturgy of the Word on December 24 or

January 1.

Blessed are you, Lord our God,

Before whom all the trees of the forest sing for joy,

For you have come to rule the earth and all its peoples

In your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

By his death on the cross and his rising in glory,

The tree of our defeat has become our tree of victory,

and the pure light of Christ forever gladdens our waiting world.

We ask you to send your blessing upon this tree,

Which we have decorated in honor of your Son’s birth.

Let it help us to celebrate this holy season

As living branches of him,

And bear the fruit of good works for your glory,

This day and every day,

Both now and forever. Amen.

By Fr. Michael Kwatera

The Liturgy of the Word for Children (ages 4-7) will resume at 9:00 am Mass,

beginning on January 7. New volunteers, to lead or assist in this ministry, are always

welcome. If you are interested in helping children hear the Word of God in this ac-

cessible and engaging format, contact Drew Denton: ddenton@ihmatlanta.org.

The Atlanta Catechist Conference will be August 18, 2018 at the Renaissance Wa-

verly Hotel. Whether you are a veteran catechist, a rookie catechist, or you simply

want to learn more about your faith, make plans now to attend the premier catechist

formation event in the Southeast. Find out more at http://atlcatechistconference.com.

National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence · www.ihmschool.org

IHM SCHOOL AUCTION We are excited to announce our Spring Auction Fundraiser, “Light

up the Night with Denim and Diamonds”, on Saturday, February 3,

2018. Organized exclusively by parent volunteers, this event raises

funds to support the school, including academic enhancements and

capital improvements.

We encourage you to consider donating merchandise or services to

this auction. You can do so online at www.501auctions.com/

ihmauction or using the paper forms found in the Narthex.

CATHOLIC HEART WORK CAMP June 17-22, 2018 The Catholic Heart Work Camp in Hardeeville, South Caroli-

na is for teens in the 9th grade & up. A $100 deposit reserves

your spot!

Go to http://ihmatlanta.org/youth-ministry to sign up!

This mission trip counts for 4 Works of Mercy for SPX and all

service hours for Marist for 2018-2019! Go to

www.heartworkcamp.com to get a first glimpse at what it’s all

about.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP June 4-9, 2018 This is an awesome week of FUN & FAITH in Dahlonega,

GA for 6th-8th graders. The total cost is $550 and a $100

deposit is needed to save your spot!

Go to ihmatlanta.org/youth-ministry to sign up!

Questions? Email ephillips@ihmatlanta.org.

OPEN HOUSE

We hope this season of Advent fills your hearts with peace and joy.

On January 10, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., IHM School will hold its final Open House of the 2018-2019 school year.

Experience the Beauty of a Catholic Education

During your visit, you will have an opportunity to tour the school and

to meet with IHM alums, as well as, current students, teachers and parents.

Kindly RSVP to Meaghan Schroeder:

admissions@ihmschool.org or by phone 404-636-4488.

Looking forward to seeing you in the new year!

CORE TEAM MEMBERS NEEDED! We are still in need of a few good adults to be CORE members for Lifeteen and

Edge. Please contact Elaine Phillips at ephillips@ihmatlanta.org for more

information.

Edge & Lifeteen meet on Sunday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Los padres DEBEN registrarse antes en la oficina parroquial; en ese momento recibirán la fecha de la plática correspondiente y del bautismo. Al registrarse deben entregar copia del Acta de Nacimiento de la persona que va a ser bautizada.

Llamar al Padre Javier Muñoz y hacer cita para hablar de los requisitos, por lo menos 6 meses antes de la fecha deseada.

Jueves de 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. en español, y en inglés los sábados a las 9:00 a.m. o durante la semana haciendo cita con el sacerdote.

Llamar a la oficina por lo menos 6 meses antes de la fecha deseada.

Si no eres católico (a) o si eres mayor de 18 años y no has recibido los sacramentos de Bautismo, Primera Comunión y Confirmación, te invitamos a aprender más acerca de nuestra fe. Comuníquese con Alicia Guerrero en la oficina parroquial.

La Licenciada Marianela Matheus es una Terapeuta Certificada en Salud Mental en el Estado de Georgia y en Terapia de Juego a Nivel Nacional y proveerá sus Servicios para Adultos, parejas y Niños en la Iglesia. Si desea hacer una cita puede contactarla al 404-620-1492.

I Lectura: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 II Lectura: Romanos 16:25-27 Evangelio: Lucas 1:26-38

9 y 10 de diciembre Ofertorio en misa: $21,730.50 Contribución electronica: $17,333.54 Ofertorio total: $39,064.04

La colecta de esta fin de semana irá al Fondo de Reducción de la deuda de IHM.

Nuestra segunda colecta el próximo fin de semana irá al Fondo de Reducción de la

deuda de IHM.

4:00 p.m. (inglés)

6:00 p.m. (inglés)

0:00 p.m. (español)

12 medianoche (inglés)

9:00 a.m. (inglés)

11:30 a.m. (inglés)

1:30 p.m. (español)

Nuestro concierto de Navidad será presentado por los ministros litúrgicos de nuestra

parroquia el viernes, 5 de enero del 2018 a las 7:00 p.m. en la iglesia seguido por una

recepción en la iglesia histórica.

Para los católicos, ¡la Navidad continúa en el nuevo año por un tiempo después de

que nuestros vecinos han quitado sus luces y reciclado sus árboles! Conserven la

Navidad viva en el corazón mientras celebramos el misterio de la encarnación con

canciones.

Esperamos que esta temporada de Adviento llene sus corazones de paz y alegría. El

10 de enero de 6:30 a 8:00 p.m.., IHM School celebrará su último Dia Informativo del

año escolar 2018-2019. Acompáñenos el miércoles 10 de enero para experimenta la

belleza de la educación Católica.

Durante su visita, tendrán la oportunidad de recorrer la escuela y reunirse con los ex

alumnos de IHM, así como también con nuestros actuales alumnos, maestros y padres

de familia.

Favor de confirmar su asistencia con Meaghan Schroeder:

admissions@ihmschool.org o por teléfono al 404-636-4488.

¡Esperamos verlos en el nuevo año!