December 2007

Prayer Intention: For an increase in vocations to the Priesthood and Religious life.

For an end to abortion and a respect for all life from birth to natural death.

For our military personnel and their families.

For the safety of all those traveling this holiday season.

Fr. Szybka: Fr. Joe reminded everyone of the Advent season which is a season of hope. He also announced that there would be a penance service Sunday December 9 at St. Joseph’s Church. There will be 10 priests for the service. He said that we should reflect on Christ’s birth.

Presidents message: Denny read a thank you letter from Fr. Noss. Social committee related the Holy Hour and party will be January 6, 2008. A sheet was passed out for members to sign up for dishes to bring to the party.

The Vocations committee has the packet to be passed out for Vocation Awareness week January 13-19.There was an article in Vision talking about the bright days ahead for religious life. Fr. Noss has been assigned a parish in Sandusky, Ohio.

Speakers: Sr. Edna Michels spoke on the Future of Religious Life. She said that religious life as we have known in the past 100 years is over. This insight was established by Vatican II Council. She talked about “Charisma- “Gift”. God gives to the church his gifts. Church- Institutional dimension and Charismatic dimension. Institutional provides structure, stability, predictability, preserve and conserve. Charismatic provides for change, prophetic and pioneer. Religious life belong to the charismatic dimension. Dogmatic constitution of the Church. The church as mystery and People of God- all the followers.

Dawn Snyder spoke at the December 18 meeting on Advent and particularly on Martha and Mary. Martha was the server and Mary showed dependence on God. God was close to Martha and Mary and their family. She read excerpts from the bible, showing different times when they met with and served Jesus. No one can take God from our hearts. Only through our own doings can this happen. We need to look at our life and live our life as a service to others. Faith is believing even when we don’t understand.

Deacon Floyd: ADVENT: WAITING IN JOYFUL HOPE Advent is a time of waiting although sometimes it seems that we spend most of our lives waiting. Whether it is daydreaming about an upcoming vacation, worrying while we wait for the results of a medical test, or possibly for the birth of a grandchild-our days are filled with anticipation and anxiety over what the future holds. But during Advent we are waiting for something much bigger than a trip, or even bigger than retirement or a wedding. We are waiting for the return of Jesus in Glory. Advent heightens this sense of waiting because it marks not only our anticipation of Jesus' final coming, but also our remembrance of his arrival into our world more than 2,000 years ago. Sometimes though, I wonder just who waits for whom? Do I wait for the Lord or is the Lord waiting for me? Am I the one looking or am I the one to be found? Maybe we need to look in more obvious places. What obvious place would Jesus hide? An inn? A barn? A cave? A crib? We need to ask the question about ourselves. Where and how do we hide? Under piles of work? By constantly being too busy? Spending all our free moments on the computer or watching TV? Maybe we are hiding behind past hurts or wounds. God is just waiting, excited at the opportunity to be found, but sometimes we are too overwhelmed by the demands of the season. Welcoming Jesus into our homes and our hearts, prepares us to properly celebrate Jesus' birth and anticipate his return. May every road you travel remind you that God's gift of Jesus is with you wherever you go. Wishing all of you a Blessed Christmas and New Year.

Deacon Floyd

Announcements: There will not be a holy hour December 31 at Mercy Hospital.

The Serra Club of Tiffin

Invite you to come and pray with us for

Vocations to the Priesthood and the Consecrated Life

Sunday, January 6, 2008, at 7:00 P.M.

In Tiffin St Joseph’s Side Chapel

A Holiday Social Gathering to Follow

In St. Joseph’s Upper Room Activity Center

Meetings: January 15 - Jenny Zoeller

February 5 - Doug McRoy

February 19 - Deacon Dan Scherger - Lenten Service

March 4 - Paul Weitzel