Holy Cross Parish Bulletin - Tri-parish

SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Eucharistic adoration is held in Sacred
Heart church in Virden after Mass each
Wednesday morning and concludes
with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
at 7:00 a.m. each Thursday.
THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
Confessions are heard beginning thirty
minutes prior to each Mass. Anonymous
appointments may also be made.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
If you or a loved one is in need of the
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
for the healing of body and soul, please
contact the Pastor.
BAPTISM
If you wish to have a child baptized,
please contact the Pastor.
CONFIRMATION
If you have not received the Sacrament
of Confirmation and wish to do so,
please contact the Pastor. Confirmation
is ordinarily received by students in the
C.C.D. and P.S.R. programs.
MARRIAGE
If you wish to be married in one of the
three Parishes, please contact the Pastor
not less than six months prior to the desired
wedding date and prior to reserving
a reception hall.
HOLY ORDERS
If you think you or someone you know
might be called to the Diaconate or to
the Priesthood, please contact the Pastor.
Bulletin Deadline: Information to be published
in the bulletin is due in to the parish
office by Noon on Wednesday.
Holy Cross Parish Bulletin
Auburn • Divernon • Glenarm • Pawnee
Third Sunday of Advent—December 16, 2012
REV. CHRISTOPHER HOUSE, Pastor
E-mail: frchris76@yahoo.com
126 East Washington Street
Auburn, Illinois 62615
(217) 438-6196 (rectory)
DEACON DENNY BAKER
E-mail: triparishff@yahoo.com
722 North Springfield Street
Virden, Illinois 62690
Cell Phone: (217) 855-2406
WEB SITE
www.triparishff.com
ST. BENEDICT CHURCH
125 East Washington Street, P. O. Box 168
Auburn, Illinois
HOLY CROSS PARISH
(217) 438-6222 (office/hall)
Donna Kuenstler/Lola Caruthers, Secretaries
E-mail: hcp@royell.org, Fax: (217) 438-6222
(Pawnee hall)
SACRED HEART CHURCH
Virden, Illinois
965-4545

COLLECTION DATA FOR DECEMBER 8/9, 2012
PARISH ENVELOPES $ 3,852.00
ADOPTED PARISH $ 64.00
ANNUAL CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL $ 60.00
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION $ 459.00
ALL SAINTS $ 10.00
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS $ 267.00
RETIRED RELIGIOUS $ 312.00
BUILDING FUND—MAINTENANCE $ 45.00
BUILDING FUND-NEW CONSTRUCTION $ 00.00
CHURCH ELECTRIC DONATIONS $ 50.00
“Let him with two coats give to him who has none.”
(Lk 3:11)
A LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR
Late Advent Days
This Monday we will begin the second part of Advent which always begins on December 17th. In these days the
Church's gaze shifts from forwards to backwards. Now is the time when we remember the events that led up to our
Lord's birth. The readings and prayers of the Mass invite us to remember the great love of God shown in the birth
of Christ; we are called to be mindful of making our lives a welcome place for his coming once again.
Part of these late Advent days are a group of prayers called the "O Antiphons." These are prayers that are said each
night (one per night) in the Church's celebration of evening prayer; these are also the prayers that make up the verses
to the familiar song "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." The importance of the “O Antiphons” is twofold: Each one
highlights a title for the Messiah: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O
Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel.
Also, each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah. Now here is a little trick with these
prayers:
Take the first letter from each antiphon and spell them out backwards: Sapientia, Adonai, Radix, Clavis, Oriens,
Rex, Emmanuel = EROCRAS. The letters form two words ERO CRAS which loosely translated from Latin
mean "tomorrow I arrive." The Antiphons end on the 23rd and the next evening we begin the celebration of Christmas.
This Sunday, Gaudete Sunday and always, may you know the true joy that comes from Christ alone.
Father Chris
God is the Savior; we are those who are in peril. He is the physician; we are the infirm. To realize this is the
first step towards salvation, towards emerging from the maze in which we have been locked by our pride. To
lift our eyes to heaven, to stretch out our hands and call for help is our means of escape, provided that there is
Someone who hears us and can come to our assistance. Jesus Christ is the proof that God has heard our cry.
And not only this! God’s love for us is so strong that he cannot remain aloof; he comes out of himself to enter
into our midst and to share fully in our human condition (cf. Ex 3:7-12). … Only the God who is love, and the
love which is God, could choose to save us in this way, which is certainly the lengthiest way, yet the way
which respects the truth about him and about us: the way of reconciliation, dialogue and cooperation.
Pope Benedict XVI, Urbi et Orbi Christmas Message, 2011
Year of Faith
Knowledge of faith opens a door into the fullness of the
saving mystery revealed by God. The giving of assent implies
that, when we believe, we freely accept the whole
mystery of faith, because the guarantor of its truth is God
who reveals himself and allows us to know his mystery of
faith, because the guarantor of its truth is God who reveals
himself and allows us to know his mystery of love.
Pope Benedict XVI, Porta Fidei
(“On the Year of Faith”)
No. 10

WEEKLY PARISH ACTIVITIES PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dec. 16 NO PSR Grades K-5, 9:15-10:15a.m.
Dec. 16 Tri-Parish Reconciliation Service at S.H., 2:00p.m.
Dec. 16 Confirmation Session 6:00p.m. at Sacred Heart
Dec. 18 PARISH OFFICE CLOSED
Dec. 19, 23, 26, 30, Jan. 2 NO PSR -Christmas Break
UPCOMING PARISH EVENTS
Christmas: 12/24/12—4:00 p.m. at Auburn - Parish Office Closed
12/24/12—6:00 p.m. at Girard
12/24/12—10:00 p.m. at Virden
12/25/12— 9:00 a.m. at Virden - Parish Office Closed
12/26, 12/31, 1/1/13 Parish Office Closed
Solemnity of Mary 12/31/12-—5:00p.m. at Auburn
1/1/13—– 9:00a.m. at Virden
PRAY FOR OUR SICK
Michael & Jean Angel, Molly Appelt, Loretta Bloom, Matthew
Bold, Kathryn Bork, Bill Brinkley, Ryan Busby, Lacy Bentley, Tony
Berola, Tom Britinstine, Isabella Cacciatori, Mary Cloyd, Barbara
Conkrite, Bob & Lorraine Cushing, Matt Devine, Lucille
Fishburn, Wilma Fitzpatrick, David Gazda, Collette Grider, Tuan
Guinan, Carol Hamm, Lydia Hannah, Joe & Laura Harney, Paul
Michael Harney, Raymond Harney, John & Linda Hewitt Family,
Jean Hogan, Anna Marie Hood, Mike Hoodak, Mindy Landers,
Anne Lawler, Shannon Lawler, Christine Lush, Marcella & Joe
Lush, Dr. James McCumber, Morgan Miller, Jason Mines, Owen
Moffitt, Mary Morris, Helen Nardi, Sharon Neal, Heather Pierce,
Ed Reznicek, Stephanie Sandidge, Marge Selinger, Kathy Smith ,
Eyo Sullivan, Joan Sutton, Bill Vann, Nathan Wagner, Milly Walter,
Frances Yacup, Irene Yasinski. If anyone’s name should be
added/removed from above list, please call the parish office to let
WEEKEND LITURGICAL MINISTRIES
WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS
Sat. 4:00 p.m. Dec. 15 Girard Mass
5:30 p.m. Dec. 15 Auburn Mass
Sun. 8:15 a.m. Dec. 16 Auburn Mass Pro Populo
10:30 a.m. Dec. 16 Virden Mass Poor Souls (RoseMary Dixon)
Mon. 7:15 a.m. Dec. 17 Virden Communion Service
Tues. 7:15 a.m. Dec. 18 Auburn Mass Genovefa Aherin
Wed. 7:15 a.m. Dec. 19 Virden Mass
Thurs. 7:15 a.m. Dec. 20 Virden Mass
Fri. 7:15 a.m. Dec. 21 Virden Communion Service
Sat. 4:00 p.m. Dec. 22 Girard Mass
5:30 p.m. Dec. 22 Auburn Mass Pro Populo
Sun. 8:15 a.m. Dec. 23 Auburn Mass Ed Bancroft (RoseMary Dixon)
10:30 a.m. Dec. 23 Virden Mass
Zumba Classes shown on December calendar ARE CANCELLED.
The Choir Will Be Practicing after mass on Sunday, December
23rd for the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve mass at Holy Cross Parish. Anyone
who is in junior high or older (teenager or adult) and can follow
music is welcome to attend this practice which will last about an
hour. It will be a great opportunity to share your time and talent in
this ministry of the church.
Next St. Anne’s Meeting will be on Thursday, January 24, 2013, at
7:00pm. at Holy Cross Parish Center.
Thanks to Bramley Funeral Home for their generous donation of
2013 calendars . They are available for pick up at the back of St.
Benedict Church.
Remembering Auburn & Remembering a Veteran on Sunday,
December 16. If you are over 65 and have ever enjoyed memories
of growing up in Auburn, you are invited to reminisce from 2-4p.m.
at Eastland Retirement Community Center, Auburn. While attending,
donations will be taken for an Auburn veteran, recently returned
from service and struggling with PTSD. A former Auburn
resident is generously paying for a week’s vacation in Daytona
Beach for the veteran and his family. This fundraiser hopes to help
with the gas and hotel room cost to reach & return from Florida.
For more information concerning the veteran or the “Eastland Get
Together”, call 381-3790. A great way to spend Sunday afternoon!
REQUIESCANT IN PACE … May they rest in peace
Shirley J. Marchizza
Nickie Maynerich
Sat., Dec. 15, 5:30p.m. Sun., Dec. 16, 8:15a.m. Sat., Dec. 22, 5:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 23, 8:15a.m.
Servers: Ashley Campbell Baylee McLaughlin Erin Bolletta Jeremy Glandon
Ashtyn Evans Reilly Kuhn Grace Pequignot Andy Hartley
Lector: Fran Clark Sue Sandidge Sue Sandidge Bonnie Wagner
C. Mins: David Moose Mary Glandon John & Shiela Dave & Barb
Paula Magdich Jane King Hemberger Farris
Ushers: Volunteer Greg Kirchgesner Volunteer Greg Kirchgesner
Volunteer Bill Murray Volunteer Bill Murray
SAVE THE DATE! Planning
for a Tri-parish Koinonia
(Sugar Creek Koinonia-5 (SCK
-5) is underway for the weekend
of March 1, 2, 3, 2013 to be
held at Sacred Heart Church
complex in Virden. The primary
invitees are adult members of
the Tri-parish pastoral unit but
will be open to other applicants
as well. This will be a great
opportunity for a local Lenten
retreat at a meager cost ($30).

AROUND THE DIOCESE
December 22 & 23 Annual CCCW Bake Sale as well as vendors set up to sell stocking stuffers. Held at the Cathedral
in Springfield where bake sale shopping begins Saturday/9a.m.-6p.m. & Sunday/7a.m.-1p.m. Vendors: cost is $20 per
table for both days. Call Norma/622-5193.
January 5 Sacred Heart-Griffin High School Make-Up Placement Test on Saturday, January 5, 2013, to all interested
8th grade students, who were unable to make it to the first test. Test will be 8:30-11:00a.m. at SHG’s East Campus. Registration
begins at 8a.m. Students are to bring a $10 eam fee, two #2 pencils and a calculator. For more information,
please call 787-1595.
January 18, 2013 EXPLORE Exam at Routt Catholic High School for all current 8th grade students. Any parent interested
in learning more about the exam or how it can benefit their student may call 243-8563 or email development @
routtcatholic.com. The results of the exam will be available and reviewed at an Open House/Preview night in March.
You are welcome to call for a tour of the school or a Shadow Day.
January 19-21, 2013 TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) weekend. This is a retreat for those who have reached their Jr.
year in H.S. or their 16th birthday. There is no school on Monday so this is a perfect opportunity to make this retreat
which is full of fun, food, faith and fellowship. Applications and information are available from Deacon Denny or Mary
Glandon. Adults are also encouraged to attend.
January 23-27, 2013 March for Life Save the Dates. Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least
ones, you did not do for me. (Mathew 25:45) For information, contact Diocese of Springfield at 698-8500, x154; kholtgrave@dio.org
or http://www.dio.org/youthministry/mfl.
Diocesan Campaign for Justice and Hope (DCJH) grants are available, beginning December 1, 2012 on the diocesan
website at www.dio.org, by e-mail dcjh@dio.org or by calling 217-698-8500, ext. 167.
Victim Assistance Coordinator You may contact your diocesan coordinator for aid in the immediate care and healing of
yourself or someone close to you who has suffered sexual abuse. Contact Patricia Kornfeld, 217-321-1155;
pkornfeld@dio.org; Office for Human Resources, P. O. Box 3187, Springfield, IL 62708-3187.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends—Belleville/Springfield Contact Ken & Tina Carrico at 618-570-8801 or
tinastearoom@hotmail.com.
A LARGER WORLD
Former or Drifting Catholics Researchers from Benedictine University are seeking drifting and former Catholics from
our diocese to complete a brief online survey, which will help them understand why some have left or distanced themselves
from the Catholic Church.
Do you have family members, friends, co-workers or other acquaintances who are former Catholics? Please encourage
them to complete this short online survey.
An analysis of survey responses will be made public and shared with the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Respondents
can remain anonymous. All responses are kept confidential by Benedictine University.
To participate in this study or for additional information, please visit www.ben.edu/catholicsurvey or call (603)829-6460.
DECEMBER PRAYER INTENTIONS OF POPE BENEDICT XVI
GENERAL INTENTION: That migrants throughout the world may be welcomed with generosity
and authentic love.
MISSIONARY INTENTION: Christ, light for all humanity. That Christ may reveal himself to all
humanity with the light that shines forth from Bethlehem and is reflected in the face of his
Church.