(St. Augustine Church, Barberton, OH) (December 2, 2012) (Insert Graphic 2101-0007.

tif) At this time of the year we become more conscious of our family as we make preparations for cards, gifts and visits. Todays gospel warns us not to get weighed down by activity. Take heed to yourselves during this Advent and devote yourself to appreciating the gift of those who are already such an important part of your life. The greatest gift this season might be the true appreciation of Christ in others. Living Faith in December: During this Year of Faith, we are asked to learn more about the Catechism of the Catholic Church---Why we believe, what we believe: Why Advent? The practice of observing Advent dates to the 4th century. Advent is derived from the Latin word adventus, an arrival. The four week liturgical season precedes Christmas when the Church prepares to celebrate the birth of Christ. The practices and readings of the Advent season emphasize penance and the joyful expectation of the Lords coming. The readings center on the prophecies of John the Baptist and Isaiah. The final week of Advent focuses on the approaching birth of Christ and the role of the Blessed Mother. (From the Modern Catholic Encyclopedia)

320 Holy Hour Adorers spent at least one hour with Our Lord last week in adoration. Even a few short moments of this silent presence to the Lord is a precious treasure, for it is in this silence that the Lord speaks to us. "Be still and know that I am God." Ps 46. There are several night hours that adorers are covering by making two hours instead of one. Please, these gentlemen need our help. If you can help out, even temporarily, please contact Judy Soltis at 330-212-0926. Consider giving a present to the one who is present the gift of a Holy Hour.
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As we head out today to begin our busy week, take a moment to share a little conversation and a sweet treat of Coffee and Donuts with fellow parishioners in the school cafeteria. All are welcome to attend.
Barberton Area Community Ministries item for the Month of December is canned fruit. Springtime of Hopes item for the month of December is again Toilet Paper. Please place your donations inside the bench in front of the giving tree in the vestibule, items will be picked up on Monday morning. Thank you very much for your donations, especially at this time of the year, when there are so many in need. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated. (Insert Graphic 1800-0005.tif) Young at Heart Seniors will hold their Christmas luncheon, Monday December 3, 1PM, at the Loyal Oak Tavern. Please bring your wrapped whimsical white elephant gift to exchange for fun. Everyone orders their own lunch choice from the menu. Join us as we journey through Catholicism Thursday, December 6 as we discover The Star of Bethlehem Unlock the Mystery of the Star. Registration forms are available on the bookrack. Sessions will be held at Immaculate Conception Church Waldeisen Hall from 6:00-9:00pm. Enjoy a meal from 6:00-6:30pm followed by the session. All are welcome to attend.

Community Corner

Support elderly religious. A parishioner writes, As a Catholic school student from grade K-12, I was formed to be the person I am by many religious brothers and sisters, and I am forever grateful. Show your thanks for the senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who have made a positive difference in so many lives. Please give generously to the next weeks collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious.

ADVENT ADULT FAITH FORMATION: A key topic of the Year of Faith is evangelization. Come learn how to PASS IT ON. The Director of the Office of Evangelization will share ideas that will empower listeners to witness to their faith to others in everyday encounters. Were not asked to be a Bishop Sheen or Mother Angelica, but we do have a baptismal call to share our faith. Learn how to simply, casually do so! Please join us Tuesday, December 4, 2012, at 7:00 pm in the school cafeteria. Help others make room in their hearts for Jesus.

Holy Hour For Life -Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative
action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2258.) Please join us Friday, December 7 at 11:00 am to pray a Holy Hour for Life followed by First Friday Mass. We meet near the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

ADVENT COMMUNAL RECONCILIATION SERVICE: Monday, December 10, 7:00 pm in the church. Many priests will be available. Additional times for Advent confessions are limited, so please take advantage of this opportunity to reconcile with God and neighbor. You may receive the sacrament face-to-face or in a regular confessional. If you havent received this sacrament in this form try it! Invite someone to attend with you.
Come and See How do you live out your faith and why should you? On Tuesday, December 4th Deacon John Green (former director of Catholic Charities Community Services and current owner of Moving Body and Soul) and his wife Carolyn (singer/songwriter), will reflect on Streetwalking with Jesus: Reaching out in Justice and Mercy at 7:00 p.m. at Blessed Trinity Church (formerly St. Martha) in Akron through discussion and music. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity for small group discussion, including time for individual conversations with Deacon John and Carolyn. Everyone is welcome!

Please pray for the RCIA inquirers who will be welcomed into the Catechumenate at the 10:30 Mass this Sunday: Jacklyn Knorr, Christina McCann, Kimberly Mullett and Megan and Michael Fair from RCIC). The catechumen and candidates have each made an initial decision to become Catholic and are entering a time of deeper conversion and learning about what it means to be Catholic. Some have asked OPLATKI Christmas Wafers are available at the Rectory for $2.00 each. Please stop in during business hours if you would like to make a purchase.

(Insert Graphic 2000-0042.tif) PRAY FOR THE SICK Patrick Blasdel, Patricia Patterson, Karl Bartel, Jennifer Marco, Jacob Hurley, Betty Morlan, Sharon Lohan, Pat Gable, John Baylock, Ann Pipoly, Eugene Van Oss, Vivian Heim, Jim Santilli Sr., Kathy Trenta & Paige Mobley Insert Graphic (1108-0072.tif) I Michael J. Troyer & Monique M. Joy

Spiritual Bouquet for Bishop Richard Lennon - We will be blessing our Bishop
Lennon with a Spiritual Bouquet, to be presented before Christmas and would like you to add to the flowers of the bouquet by offering prayers or devotions for his needs and intentions. Some ideas of prayer offerings : Holy Hour(s), Liturgy of the Hours, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Stations of the Cross, Offer Communion, Rosaries, a Fast, Novenas, Spiritual or Corporal Works of Mercy. A sign-up sheet will be provided at the Holy Hour table. Please help make this a beautiful and generous gift! (Insert Graphic 1300-0021.tif) Stewardship: Time, Talent & Treasure November 18 $ 5,811 $ 1,895 $ 7,706 $ $ $ $ 856 215 172 375

Sunday Offering Faith Direct Offering Total Offerings St. Vincent De Paul School Support Christmas Flowers Human Development

Year to date Income Year to Date Expenses Difference

COMPARATIVE FIGURES November 18 12-13 11-12 $ 629,578 $ 645,930 $ 643,322 $ 645,543 $ (13,744) $ 387 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN $ 1,524,138 $ 103,863

Spent to date Amount on Deposit

ST. AUGUSTINE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER: Volunteers will be needed to help setup, serve, and clean up after the dinner. Cash donations, baked goods and hams will also be needed. Your past support has been incredible. Lets keep up the good work! Please call Karen to volunteer (330-745-0011 x 18). PLEASE CHECK OUT THE BOOKRACK IN THE VESTIBULE OF THE CHURCH. THERE ARE MANY ADVENT MATERIALS AVAILABLE AT A MODEST COST.
Holy Hour person of the Week: Mrs. James Voyk

(Insert Graphic 2107-0015.tif) December 3-9 Monday, December 3 St. Francis Xavier, Priest 8:00 All Souls - *Nativity 12:05 Harold & Marguerite Petit Tuesday, December 4 Advent Weekday 5:15 Living & Deceased of the St. Augustine Adoration Society Wednesday, December 5 Advent Weekday 7:30 Virginia Lysiak - **St. Anthony 8:00 Thelma Bendall - *Nativity 8:30 School Mass - Cyrill (Shorty) Wargo 12:05 Louie & Mary Brienza Thursday, December 6 Advent Weekday 8:00 Margaret Burg - ***Sac. Hrt. 8:00 Bob Buchanan - *Nativity Friday, December 7 St. Ambrose, Bishop & Doctor of the Church 12:05 Michael Jerin Sr. 5:30pm Vigil at Immaculate Conception 7:00 Vigil Saturday, December 8 The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (A Holy day of Obligation) 7:30 Anna Lazar - **St. Anthony 8:30 Anna Zwick Anniversary 4:00 Tom Harris Sunday, December 9 Second Sunday of Advent 8:00 Special Intentions of Richard & Pat Postek 10:30 The People of St. Augustine Parish *Mass will be honored at Nativity of the Lord Jesus, Akron **Mass will be honored at St. Anthony, Akron ***Mass will be honored at Sacred Heart, Wadsworth

Readings for the Week of December 3

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Is 2:1-5, Ps 122:1-2,3-4,4-5,6-7,8-9, Mt. 8:5-11 Is 11:1-10, Ps 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17, Lk 10:21-24 Is 25:6-10a, Ps 23:1-3,3-4,5,6, Mt:15:29-37 Is 26:1-6, Ps 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27, Mt 7:21,24-27 Is 29:17-24, Ps 27:1,4,13-14, Mt 9:27-31 Gn 3:9-15,20, Ps 98:1,2-3,3-4, Eph 1:3-6,11-12, Lk 1:26-38 Bar 5:1-9, Ps 126:1-2,2-3,4-5,6, Phil 1:4-6,8-11, Lk 3:1-6

Spiritual Bouquet for Bishop Richard Lennon - We will be blessing our Bishop
Lennon with a Spiritual Bouquet, to be presented before Christmas and would like you to add to the flowers of the bouquet by offering prayers or devotions for his needs and intentions. Please help make this a beautiful and generous gift! Attention Shoppers: St. Monicas Gift Shop is open and ready to assist you in your shopping needs. Take a few moments to stop in and see the Christmas merchandise offered, an additional 10% off will be given the month of December. The Gift Shop is open on Saturday before the 4:00 Mass and Sunday following the 8:00 Mass and before the 10:30 Mass. In case you are counting, there are 23 days until Christmas. Why a Holy Hour? Let us take time, in the course of the week, in passing to go in and spend a moment with the Lord who is so near. (Pope Benedict XVI)