CHURCH OF SAINT MARK Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God

January 1, 2017

Fr. Paul Spellman, Pastor Fr. Michael Tang, In Residence Deacon Joseph Girard 940 Coeur d’Alene Ave., Venice, CA 90291 Phone: (310) 821-5058 E-mail:[email protected] · website:www.st-mark.net

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Sunday Masses:

Saturday: (Vigil) 5:30pm Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am 12 noon (Spanish) & 5:30pm

Daily Masses:

Monday - Saturday 8:00am

Holy Day Masses: 8:00am, 12:15pm and 7:00pm (Bilingual) Eucharistic Adoration :

First Monday of each month 8:30am to 8:30pm

Confessions:

Saturday 4:30 - 5:15pm

Baptism:

3rd weekend of each month. Please contact the rectory office.

Marriage:

6 months notice is required. Please contact the rectory office.

Anointing of The Sick:

Sacrament for the sick is celebrated upon request. Please contact the rectory office.

Holy Eucharist for the Sick:

Communion is given upon request. Please contact the rectory office.

Parish Staff Maintenance Rectory Care Church Care Secretary Secretary Bookkeeper Liturgy Altar Servers Altar Servers (Sp) Altar Society Eucharistic Ministry: In Church To the Sick (Eng) In Church To the Sick (Sp) Ministry of the Word English Spanish Wedding Coord. Quinceañera Coord. Music Music Director Adult Choir Spanish Choir Organist/Pianist Ushers Parish School Principal Secretary Secretary Religious Education Director Office Secretary Confirmation R.C.I.A. Parish Organization Bereavement Ministry Guadalupanas Knights of Columbus Power House of Prayer Prayer Group (Esp) Legion of Mary Pastoral Council Young Adult St. Vincent de Paul Youth Ministry Youth Ministry (Sp)

Antonio Rodriguez ...... 821-5058 Sandra Perez .............. 821-5058 Catalina Blasi .............. 821-5058 Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Blanca Meza ............... 821-5058 Joe Stockemer….…….821-5058 Joan Horne.................. 463-9017 Romeo Santos………..720-0084 Chris Putziger.............. 396-3265 MaryAnn Long...……..717-2645 Fr. Paul Spellman ....... 821-5058 Romeo Santos………..720-0084 Ofelia Gonzalez .......... 306-8768 Michael Shindle ........... 821-5058 Erick Yela .................... 463-9080 Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Gabriela Bravo ............ 821-5058 Maeve Cummings ....... 902-0109 Valerie Vinnard ... 323-804-7720 Alex Venegas ...... 213-675-0564 Mark Balling…………..390-3646 Steve Gunning (Eng) .. 306-9035 Mary Ann McQueen .... 821-6612 Mary Ann Welchhance 821-6612 Maria Donaldson...…...821-6612 Judy Girard…..822-1201 ext 249 Maria Acosta...822-1201 ext 250 Edwin Ambrosio822-1201ext 248 Susan Lewis…822-1201 ext 247 Fritz Hirt....................... 827-1585 Isaias Flores ................ 391-5085 Steve Gunning ............ 306-9035 Barbara Kennedy ........ 823-9387 Javier Hernandez ........ 702-7929 Lorene Ross……...…..306-2796 Tom Suchy. ................. 821-5058 [email protected] …………………….424-272-1629 Fernando Guzman…..702-7701

Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God

Saint Mark Church

January 1, 2017

FROM OUR PASTOR

Pastor’s Corner

Happy New Year! Well, here we are... starting another new year... with all of our New Year's Resolutions and plans for the coming year. We have been in the "Holiday Season" since Halloween, and next month we wrap it up with Super Bowl Sunday! By then many of our New Year's Resolutions will have been.... well.... I'll let you complete that sentence! However, as people of faith, we also recognize that today we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Prior to the Feast of the Annunciation that we celebrate each year on March 25th, we know very little about Mary, other than that she was conceived without Original Sin, and that she lived a life of prayer and service to God. But, then, the Angel Gabriel appeared to her, and told her that God had chosen her to be the mother of His Son. And, Mary replied, "I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word." Did Mary really understand what she was in for? A long journey to Bethlehem for that first Christmas? The flight into Egypt to avoid the evil King Herod? And, finally, seeing her Son die on the cross? The Angel Gabriel didn't tell her about all of those things! But Mary still said YES to God's will. She proclaimed herself to be God's servant. We are all called to say YES to the will of God. Maybe not to the extent that Mary did, but each in our own ways, even in small matters. So, as we resolve during 2017 to lose those extra pounds, or to eat more fruits and vegetables, or to exercise a little more, let us also make a resolution to spend more time in prayer, and to reach out to others as we share the true message of Christmas throughout this New Year! May the Lord continue to bless us always and in all ways, Father Paul Spellman

La Esquina del Párroco

¡Feliz Año Nuevo! Bueno, aquí estamos... Espesando otro año nuevo...con todos nuestros resoluciones del año nuevo y planes para el próximo año. Hemos estado en la "temporada de fiestas" desde Halloween, y el mes que viene terminaremos todo con el domingo de Super Bowl! Cuando eso muchos de nuestros resoluciones para el ano nuevo habrán sido... bueno... ¡Dejare que usted complete esa frase! Sin embargo, como personas de fe, reconocemos también que hoy celebramos la solemnidad de María, Santa Madre de Dios. Antes de la fiesta de la Anunciación que celebramos cada año el 25 de marzo, sabemos muy poco acerca de María, aparte de que fue concebida sin pecado Original, y que vivió una vida de oración y servicio a Dios. Pero, entonces, el ángel Gabriel se le apareció y le dijo que Dios la había escogido para ser la madre de su hijo. Y María respondió, "yo soy la esclava del Señor. Haga en mí según tu palabra." ¿Sera que María realmente sabía de lo que le iba pasar? ¿Un viaje largo a Belén para esa primera Navidad? ¿La huida a Egipto para evitar que el malvado rey Herodes? ¿Y, finalmente, ver su hijo morir en la Cruz? ¡El ángel Gabriel no le dijo nada acerca de todas esas cosas! Pero María aún dijo SÍ a la voluntad de Dios. Ella se proclamo ser siervo de Dios. Todos estamos llamados a decir SÍ a la voluntad de Dios. Tal vez no a la medida en que lo hizo María, pero cada uno en nuestras propias maneras, incluso en pequeños asuntos. Entonces durante el 2017 mientras resolvamos para perder esos kilos de más, o comer más frutas y verduras o para hacer un poco más de ejercicio, también hagamos una resolución para pasar más tiempo en oración y para llegar a otros al compartir el verdadero mensaje de Navidad a lo largo de este nuevo año! Que el Señor nos siga bendiciendo siempre y en todas las formas, Padre Paul Spellman

Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God

Saint Mark Church

SPIRITUAL LIFE

January 1, 2017 SPIRITUAL LIFE

ANNUAL ST. MARK PARISH MEN’S RETREAT The Annual St. Mark Parish Men’s Retreat will be held at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in the city of Sierra Madre. The retreat which is preached by the Passionist Retreat Team begins this Friday, January 20, 2017 in the evening and concludes Sunday, January 22, 2017. The lovely grounds and peaceful atmosphere of Mater Dolorosa make this a perfect spot for a weekend of spiritual renewal and growth. For reservations please contact: Fritz Hirt at 310-827-1585 or Rick Winter at 310-699-1098 RETIRO DE HOMBRES DE SAN MARCOS El retiro de hombres de la parroquia de San Marcos se llevará a cabo en El Centro de Retiros de Mater Dolorosa en la ciudad de la Sierra Madre. El retiro empezara el viernes, 20 de enero de 2017 (en la noche) y concluye domingo, 22 de enero de 2017 (mediodía). Los jardines y la tranquilidad de Mater Dolorosa hacen de este un lugar perfecto para un fin de semana de renovación espiritual y de crecimiento. Para reservaciones póngase en contacto con: Fritz Hirt: (310) 827-1585 Rick Winter: (310) 699-1098 WOMEN’S SILENT RETREAT The Annual Women’s Silent Retreat will be held at the Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra. The retreat begins Friday, February 3rd at 5:00pm and lasts until 12:30pm Sunday, February 5th. Rev. Alphonsus Hermes, O. Praem, will be the retreat Master and the theme will be “Streams of Grace and Mercy”. For reservations please call Shu-Hwei Zimmerman at (805) 373-1099. Car pools are available from St. Jude’s Church. For more information contact Mary Latini at 310-821-7515. RETIRO DE MUJERES El retiro anual de mujeres se llevara a cabo en “Sacred Heart Retreat House” en la Alhambra. El retiro comienza el viernes 3 de febrero a las 5:00pm y dura hasta 12:30 el domingo 5 de febrero. Reverendo Alphonsus Hermes, O. Praem, será el líder principal y el tema será "Arroyos de gracia y misericordia". Para reservaciones por favor llame a Shu-Hwei Zimmerman en (805) 373-1099. Para obtener más información póngase en contacto con Mary Latini en 310-821-7515. SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL The St. Mark Vincent de Paul Conference is part of a worldwide organization of lay Catholic women and men who are committed to live and grow their Christian faith through prayer and personal involvement in charitable works. The volunteers of the St Mark Conference are now bringing Catholic Social Teaching into practice by going in teams of two to meet personally with Friends in Need in our parish area. If you feel the call to participate with the Vincentians please call 424-272-1629.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:

1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 1 Jn 2:29 — 3:6; Ps 98:1, 3cd-6; Jn 1:29-34 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1, 7-9; Jn 1:35-42 1 Jn 3:11-21; Ps 100:1b-5; Lk 4:14-22a 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-28 [23, 31-34, 36, 38] 1 Jn 5:14-21; Sal 149:1-6a, 9b; Jn 2:1-11 Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12 LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA

Lunes: Martes: Miércoles: Jueves: Viernes: Sábado: Domingo:

1 Jn 2:22-28; Sal 98 (97):1-4; Jn 1:19-28 1 Jn 2:29 — 3:6; Sal 98 (97):1, 3cd-6; Jn 1:29-34 1 Jn 3:7-10; Sal 98 (97):1, 7-9; Jn 1:35-42 1 Jn 3:11-21; Sal 100 (99):1b-5; Lc 4:14-22a 1 Jn 5:5-13; Sal 147:12-15, 19-20; Mc 1:7-11 o Lc 3:23-28 [23, 31-34, 36, 38] 1 Jn 5:14-21; Sal 149:1-6a, 9b; Jn 2:1-11 Is 60:1-6; Sal 72 (71):1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Ef 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

SOCIEDAD DE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL La Conferencia de St. Vincent de Paul de San Marcos es parte de una organización a nivel mundial de mujeres y hombres laicos católicos que se comprometen a vivir y crecer en su fe cristiana a través de la oración y el compromiso personal en obras de caridad. Los voluntarios de la Conferencia de San Marcos ahora traen la enseñanza Social Católica a la práctica por ir en equipos de dos para reunirse personalmente con amigos en necesidad en nuestra zona parroquial. Si usted siente el llamado a participar con ellos por favor llama 424-272-1629.

Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God

Saint Mark Church

January 1, 2017

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Religious Education Happy New Year! As we welcome 2017 perhaps this is the right time to consider a Faith Formation opportunity at St. Mark. Bible Study continues on Monday evenings with a study that focuses on the Book of Jeremiah. If you are baptized Catholic and have not celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation there is a preparation beginning on January 21. Please call 310-822-1201 to register. Other adult groups invite you to join them for prayer each week. Meditation and gentle stretching resumes on Monday January 9 at 6:30pm. The Legion of Mary will meet Wednesday January 4 at 7pm. Call the Religious Education Office to let us know you are coming. RCIA Inquiry Sessions of Inquiry into membership in the Catholic Church and the Sacraments of Initiation will resume after the Christmas holiday on Wednesday evening January 4 at 6:30pm in the Religious Education Office in the school. If you, or someone you know, has been considering RCIA please call the Religious Education Office for more information.

This Week at St. Mark’s Jan 2 - Jan 8, 2016 Mon. 8:00am Mass - Church Rectory Office Closed Religious Education Closed Tues. 8:00am Mass - Church Wed. 8:00am Mass - Church Thurs. 8:00am Mass - Church Fri. 8:00am Mass - Church Sat. 8:00am Mass - Church Confessions 4:30pm - 5:15pm - Church 5:30pm Mass - Church Sun. The Epiphany of the Lord Mass Times: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm(Sp) 5:30pm

Sat. Jan 7 Sun. Jan 8

5:30pm Fr. Michael Tang 7:30am Fr. Paul Spellman 9:00am Fr. Tom King 10:30am Fr. Paul Spellman 12:00pm Fr. Paul Spellman 5:30pm Fr. Paul Spellman

Sat. Sun.

Dec 31 Jan 1

Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.

Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7

5:30pm 7:30am 9:00am 10:30am 12:00pm 8:00am 8:00am 8:00am 8:00am 8:00am 8:00am

Power House of Prayer Holy Spirit Joan Crooks In Thanksgiving Juan Mejia Carlos Acosta † Roy da Costa † Ryan Kain † Burke Family St. Mark Students Francie Anhutt †

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! (Numbers 6:22-27). Psalm — May God bless us in his mercy (Psalm 67). Second Reading — God sent the Spirit of the Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but an heir, through God (Galatians 4:4-7). Gospel — The shepherds glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen (Luke 2:16-21). LECTURAS DE HOY

Primera lectura — El Señor te bendiga y te proteja. Que el Señor te mire con benevolencia y te conceda la paz (Números 6:22-27). Salmo — El Señor tenga piedad y nos bendiga (Salmo 67 [66]). Segunda lectura — Dios envió a sus corazones el Espíritu de su Hijo, que clama “¡Abbá!” (Gálatas 4:4-7) Evangelio — Los pastores se volvieron a sus campos, alabando y glorificando a Dios por todo cuanto habían visto y oído (Lucas 2:16-21).

Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God

Saint Mark Church

SAFE GUARD THE CHILDREN Start the new year with your kids' safety in mind During the start of a new year, many resolve to do things differently: pray more, live better and cherish God’s gifts. It’s also a great time to recommit to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first. Look to Mary, the Mother of God, for examples. Model honesty, gratitude, and love to your children, and take steps to teach them about safety in the home and the world. This resolution to promote safety and happiness can make your new year the best one yet. For a copy of the VIRTUS© article “Mother of Good Counsel Protect the Vulnerable,” email [email protected] or call (213) 637-7227. For particular help you may call Suzanne Healy, director of Assistance Ministry at (213) 637-7650 or Helene Hickey at 310-821-6612.

PROTEGIENDO A LOS NINOS Comience el año nuevo con la seguridad de sus hijos en mente Durante el comienzo de un nuevo año, muchos deciden hacer las cosas de manera diferente: orar más, vivir mejor y apreciar los dones de Dios. También es un buen momento para volver a comprometerse a poner la seguridad y el bienestar de los niños primero. Mire a María, la Madre de Dios, por ejemplo. Modéleles honestidad, gratitud y amor a sus hijos, y tome medidas para enseñarles sobre la seguridad en el hogar y en el mundo. Esta resolución para promover la seguridad y la felicidad puede hacer que su nuevo año sea el mejor hasta ahora. Para obtener una copia del artículo de VIRTUS © “Mother of Good Counsel Protect the Vulnerable” (Madre del buen consejo protege a los vulnerables), envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected] o llame al (213) 637-7508. Para obtener ayuda puede llamar a Suzanne Healy, directora del Ministerio de Ayuda al (213) 637-7650 o llame a Helene Hickey 310-821-6612. VISITS TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND If you or anyone you know is in need of receiving the sacrament of the anointing of the sick or is homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion please call the rectory at 310-821-5058 to arrange a time for a visit.

January 1, 2017 SPIRITUAL LIFE

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION “Octave” comes from the Latin word for “eight,” and since eight is one step beyond seven, the number of days in a week, it has long been seen as a symbol of perfection, completion, and new beginnings. Early Christians called Sunday the “eighth day,” since it was the day after the Sabbath and a day of resurrected life, the Lord’s Day. By the seventh century, people regarded the eight days after Easter Sunday as one great day, an octave, one glorious feast when people were forbidden to fast or kneel. In the seventh century, Pentecost acquired an Octave, too. Christmas didn’t claim the honor of a continuous feast, but it did get an Octave Day. January 1 is the oldest Marian feast, the Octave of Christmas. It was originally a feast of the motherhood of Mary, although for centuries until 1969 it was called the Feast of the Circumcision. Our reformed calendar follows the earlier tradition of celebrating Mary as Mother of God. THE BLESSING WE RECEIVE The blessing we experience in Christ Jesus is proclaimed in Numbers as the special blessing for the people of Israel. They and we are to be blessed by the invocation of God’s loving kindness, the shining glory of God’s face turned toward us in love, not away from us in anger. We are blessed by God’s own peace! Our wish and our hope are fulfilled in this blessing, which is made visible in the coming of Jesus. In Jesus, the image of the invisible God, God’s face is shown to us and God’s presence is made known to us in faithful and loving kindness.