FROM FATHER STEVE

                This Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as Rejoice Sunday. We rejoice because of the transforming power of God’s salvation. To use the nature imagery of the prophet Isaiah in today’s first reading, “The desert will rejoice and bloom with flowers” (Is. 35). And in today’s Gospel (Mt. 11), Jesus tells John the Baptist about his transforming work—“the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame leap for joy.” We rejoice because new life is happening in our lives and in the lives of those around us. We rejoice because Christmas is near.

            The No Crib for a Bed collection will be taken this weekend, sponsored by the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Putnam County. The Center serves at-risk mothers and children and they have asked the churches in the county for their support.

            We have now received pledges amounting to $292,512 for our Legacy for Our Mission Capital Stewardship Campaign. I am most grateful for these gifts. In order to reach our goal of $425,000 we will need everyone’s help. If you have misplaced your commitment card, I would be happy to supply you with one. If you have been “stewing” over your decision, I would be happy to answer any questions. If you cannot make a commitment at this time, I surely respect that. Since the campaign runs for three years—and if your financial situation changes—I will certainly welcome a gift at a future date. Parishioners: please continue to keep the campaign in your prayers.

            Thanks: Stewardship is not just about financial sacrifices, but the sharing of time and talent as well. The 2008 collection envelope boxes were prepared by Joan Brandt. Joan, with the help of Mike Tzouanakis, removed the old hymnals and placed the new ones in the pews. The church was cleaned December 1st by, you guessed it, Joan Brandt along with Linda Tyler, Annette Hubert, John Hopwood, Bill Grimsley, and Nicole Grimsley. And Stacey Plamondon prepared the dinner for the priests before the Penance Service this past week. Thanks to all of you!

            Sr. Mary Montgomery, S.P. has accepted the position of Deanery Center Director for the Terre Haute Deanery. She replaces Sue Butwin who took a position as pastoral associate at St. Benedict Parish. Our very own Paulette Davis served on the Search Committee.

            Three inmates at the Putnamville Correction Facility will be receiving First Communion this Wednesday. Over 15 Hispanic offenders will be confirmed during the new year. Parishioner Ann Rambo is providing catechesis.

Quote: “Only those who live beyond themselves ever become fully themselves.”

                                                       Father Steve

ADULT and HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR to sing for the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.  Rehearsals will be on consecutive Mondays beginning December 17th from 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. in the choir loft.  All voices are welcome.  CHILDREN CHOIR   We will be putting together a children choir for 1^st – 6^th grade who are interested in sharing special music for the Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve.  Rehearsals will begin on December 16 and 23 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the choir loft.  We will have a caroling party at 3:30 pm on December 16^th with dinner and rehearsal to follow.  Please call Jill Dombrowski at 653-9411 for more information

The Putnam County  –CPC is collecting all things BABY.   From powder to cribs, from lotion to highchairs, from wipes to car seats, from bottles to pampers…..all things baby!