Holy Spirit E-News

WELCOME Visitors and Newcomers - We welcome you to Church of the Holy Spirit. New parishioners are encouraged to join by completing a family registration form located in our welcome center in the vestibule of the church or on our web-site at the address below, and returning it to the parish, through the collection basket or to the Church Office.

http://www.holy-spirit-church.com/welcome_to_holy_spirit.htm

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“NAME TAG WEEKEND December 12 & 13”

December 12 & 13 is “Name Tag Weekend”. Every member of Holy Spirit parish is invited to wear a name tag at the Saturday vigil Mass and the Sunday Mass on the SECOND weekend of every month. Many of us have name tags from work or school. Wear that one. If you don’t have one, then make one. Make sure all of the children make one for themselves too. This will help us know each other and will help us welcome newcomers. Loving your neighbor starts with knowing their name. Wear a name tag and be a great neighbor.

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Parish Penance Service

Thursday, December 17^th, 6:30pm

There will be 5 priests available for Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation - Penance:

This sacrament involves sincere sorrow for violating one’s intimate friendship with God, and desire to be reconciled with God and the faith community. Confession of sins is made to an ordained priest, who grants absolution (assurance of God’s forgiveness). The penitent must then make satisfaction for his or her sins (such as through prayer, an offering, works of mercy or patient acceptance of a burden).

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Christmas Schedule 2009

Confessions

Thursday, December 17th

6:30pm Penance Service

Saturday, December 19th 4:00 – 5:15pm

Wednesday, December 23rd 5:30-6:25pm

Masses Christmas Eve

Thursday, December 24^th

5:30pm – Children, Youth & Adult Choir

8:00pm – Life Teen Band

11:00pm – Cantor

Masses Christmas Day

Friday, December 25^th

9:00am - Folk Group

No 5:30pm

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This Week at Holy Spirit

Thursday	Dec 10	7:00pm	Pastoral & Finance Council Meeting	PH
Saturday	Dec 12	9:00am	Angel Tree Sort and Pack	PH
Sat-Sun	Dec 12&13	All Masses	Name Tag Sunday
Monday	Dec 14	9:00am	Angel Tree Caravan to Catholic Social Services	PH
Monday	Dec 14	6:00pm	Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree	PH
Monday	Dec 14	7:00pm	Pre Baptism Class	Ch
Tuesday	Dec 15	5:30pm	Set up Tree’s in Church
Wednesday	Dec 16	6:30pm	Building Committee Meeting	Lib
Thursday	Dec 17	6:30pm	Parish Penance Service	Ch
Friday	Dec 18	9:00am	Home School Group	PH
Sunday	Dec 20	3:00pm	Korean Mass & Social	PH

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Faith Formation for Children Calendar:

Sunday, December 13	Faith Formation Classes	9:25 to 10:35 at MCPS
	Liturgy of the Word for Children	During 11:00am Mass
	Confirmation Class #4	Conference Room 3:30 PM
	Presentation of Candidates	LIFETEEN Mass 5:30 PM
Thursday, Dec. 17	Parish Penance Service	Church 6:30 PM
Sunday, December 20	Faith Formation Class	MCPS 9:25 to 10:35 AM
Sunday, December 27	NO FAITH FORMATION CLASS	Merry Christmas
Sunday, January 3	NO FAITH FORMATION CLASS	Happy New Year
Sunday, January 10	Faith Formation Classes	9:25 to 10:35 at MCPS
	Confirmation Class	Conference Room 3:30 PM

Faith Formation for Adults Calendar

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Youth Ministry

TEENS: Just a reminder that if you are in grades 7-12, we have so much going on!

LIFETEEN (Grades 9-12)

LIFE TEEN is for our high school teens with meetings on Sunday nights after our LIFE TEEN Mass. We also have retreats, conventions, and other great experiences.

Coming Up:

- Saturday, Dec. 13

Christmas Party

Edge (Grades 7 & 8)

“The EDGE” is for our middle school youth group. We have an EDGE night on the 1^st Wednesday night every month and other functions including mass together.

Coming Up:

- Friday, Dec. 18

Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights - $ due now

If you haven’t made it to any of our youth group functions for LIFE TEEN or The EDGE-Give it a try!

If you have graduated from high school but are not quite married with kids and would like to be involved in bible studies, activities, conferences, and other events specifically for you, please contact Denise Katz at youthminister@holy-spirit-church.com.

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Be An Angel

We’re wrapping up our Angel Tree program.

Thanks so much for your support so far.

· Please return all food and presents to the gallery before Friday Dec. 11^th.

· We will sort and pack all day Saturday, Dec. 12^th, 9:00am. (Please sign up)

· Caravan to Catholic Social Services on Monday morning, Dec. 14^th, 9:00am. (Please sign up)

Thanks to all who have helped us help make Christmas brighter for those in our community. If you have any questions, please call Rae Reilly at 279-9403.

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Christmas Trees are HERE

Less than 30 trees left to sell this weekend - only

The Knights of Columbus, Holy Spirit Council 12150

is selling gorgeous, premium, 6’ to 12’ Fraser Firs

Prices range from $60 to $140

At the church entrance.
This Saturday and Sunday Only -December 12-13

9:00am - 7:00pm

Profits go to support charities for children.
For more information call David Kelly, 850-3934 or
Rick Regaller 273-7969

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Come Join Us…..

Putting out the Trees!

Tuesday December 15^th, 5:30pm in the Church

We could use a few good strong men!

Decking the Halls and Tree Trimming!

Monday December 21^st, 9:30am in the Church

All hands on deck to make our Church Beautiful!

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Retirement Fund for Religious

Retirement Fund helps senior religious. “As expenses continue to increase and economic difficulties tighten our income, we appreciate more and more the help of the Retirement Fund,” notes a woman religious. Your tax-deductible donation supports the care of elderly and frail religious and helps to provide such basic necessities as prescription drugs and medical services. Please give generously to this week’s second collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. http://www.retiredreligious.org

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A Special Christmas Angel Keepers

Drop off your kids and have a DAY out

While your kids have a fun time with us!

Monday, December 21st

10:00am - 2:00pm in the Parish Hall

Children to age 7

$8.00 per child for the whole day.

We will play games, do a craft, have lunch & a snack.

Please call Rebecca Smith at 271-7579

or Katie LoBello at 244-1735.

Rebecca & Katie are Red Cross certified in babysitting & CPR

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“Reviving the Bible for Catholics”

Mark your calendar. A special event for all Catholics. Stephen J. Binz, biblical scholar (Author of the “Threshold Bible Study” we have used here at Holy Spirit), will do a presentation on "Reviving the Bible for Catholics" from 1:30-4:45 p.m. on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at St. Bede Parish in the Family Life Center. All are welcome.

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PRAYER LINE MINISTRY

There are may needs and concerns. Let us pray for one another. If you would like to be a part of the Prayer Line Ministry or place someone on our prayer line, please call Helen Frey 277-8609 or Maureen Moore 279-5848.

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ANOINTING OF THE SICK

If you are ill and would like to receive the Sacrament of the Sick and/or the Eucharist, please contact the parish office to make arrangements. Please contact the parish office prior to hospitalization, surgery or during illness.

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Share the Word Bible Study

Tuesday Mornings, 8:45am

Conference Room

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Be A Friend Ministry

CANCER

Have you or someone you know been recently diagnosed? Be A Friend Ministry is here to assist you. We will help during this time of need, with prayers, meals, taking you to appointments, or just talking. Just give us a call! Louise - 279-6593

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Wanted: Used Baby Bottles

We are collecting Baby Bottles for a fundraiser for C.O.P.E.

If you have any old bottles and would like to donate them,

Please bring them by the Church Office.

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Montgomery Area Perpetual Adoration Chapel

There are still hours that need adorers at our 24 hour - 7 day’s a week Adoration Chapel located on the campus of Our Lady Queen of Mercy Catholic Church. If you can help, please call Priscilla Berry at 293-7019 or Joan Lynch at 288-6620.

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Liturgical Ministers Schedule

is published on-line for your convenience at

Click Here

LITURGICAL MINISTERS SEASON SIGN UP

All Ministers of Holy Communion, Proclaimers, Ushers, and Altar Server. We have a sign up board in the Vestibule for you to let us know when you are available from Saturday, December 19^th through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on January 10^th.

Our fellow Parishioners are counting on you to make this Most Holy Season of Christmas special for all of them. This cannot be done unless you volunteer more than once during this period.

Stop by after Mass and sign up this weekend so that a schedule may be printed and sent to everyone and be ready for the bulletin.

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Lighting the Parish Advent Wreath

A sign up sheet is up for those who would like to have your family light the Parish Advent Wreath at the beginning of any of the Masses Advent.

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Need an Advent Wreath or Candle for your home?

The Gift Shop, in the Library, and the church office have Advent Wreath sets and Candles for sale.

Advent Wreath set (includes candles): $10

Set of 4 candles only: $2.50

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Pro-Life Rosary at Beacon Clinic

on Monticello Court.

Join us praying the rosary

every Tuesday 8:15am - 10:15am

& Thursday 10:15am - 1pm.

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RETIREMENT LIVING

Are you 62 years of age or older? Or mobility impaired?

Are you trying to make ends meet on a limited income?

Do you enjoy a quiet environment, like people, activities

and good food? Then check out

SETON HAVEN

and enjoy retirement for a lifetime!

Located at 3721 Wares Ferry Road, Montgomery, AL, we are a 100 unit apartment community offering safety, comfort and affordable living. All units are one-bedroom, with a full kitchen, separate living room with a dining area, and a separate bathroom. All residents must be physically and mentally capable of caring for themselves or otherwise providing for their own care. We are not an assisted living facility. We have monthly activities, pot luck meals and serve a hot lunch five days a week.

Check out the best kept secret in town.

Please call 272-4000, to make an appointment.

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Baby Jesus needs a bed,

He has no place to lay his head...

For Christmas this year consider donating a crib (new or used) to C.O.P.E. (Crisis Outreach Pregnancy Emergency, 2158 Madison Ave.,
(834-2673) For more info. call John 538-2913 or Sue 270-9947

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A Pilgrimage to Catholic France

In celebration of the Year of the Priest, join Father Patrick Driscoll on a special pilgrimage tour of several famous French Catholic sites including Lourdes, Paris, Lisieux (St. Therese), Nevers (St. Bernadette), Ars (St. John Vianney, Patron of Priests), Paray-le-Monial (St. Margaret-Mary), La Salette, Turin, and Oropa. The cost is $3,299.00 for double occupancy, from Atlanta Airport, and includes airport tax. The dates are Monday, May 24 to Friday, June 4, 2010. The pilgrimage coordinator is Marc Karam, (334) 727-8991. The travel agency is Laura Massoni Travel, (858) 201-6424.

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Enjoy Fall with a fresh batch of Camp Stew

On sale in the Church Office

$6.50 each Qt.

Proceeds go to the Civitan Club Charities

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Pastor’s Corner

Building In The Spirit – Campaign Messenger

$3,000,000 minimum goal reached!

Good News and Challenge

Thanks to all of you who pledged or donated to our BUILDING IN THE SPIRIT campaign. Despite the economic recession you have made it possible for us to reach our first and minimum goal of $3,000,000. Congratulations to our “campaign cabinet” that has been working tirelessly for one year to help us achieve this first goal. Our campaign cabinet includes: Jeff & Barbara Rosser, Tom & Maureen Moore, Keith & Mary Karst, Nap & Sandra Barranco, Kathleen Ritchey, Arleen Alexander, Flynn & Kathy Mozingo, Jerry & Diddy Vucovich, Craig & Gina Myers, and Van & Sarah Sievers. They have had hundreds of volunteers during the year who have been soliciting pledges and donations. Added to this original cabinet is a Foundations/Grants committee headed by Anna Lee Ingalls, which has already received a grant of $25,000 from a foundation in Birmingham.

Our parish Finance Council, chaired by Paul McTear, has carefully and frugally studied the financial obligations that we will contract when we begin construction on Phase One of our Master Site Plan. They want to make sure that we can afford the monthly payments that will come when we receive a loan for construction. They have contacted banks about interest rates. They have been in contact with the finance department of the archdiocese of Mobile and members of the Archdiocesan Finance Council to determine criteria and procedures for presenting our proposal for Phase One. They have been in contact with St. Bede parish and Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School to determine the relationship between a parish and “a regional campus” elementary school (4 year olds through 6th grade), so that we can learn from their experience.

Our parish Building Committee, chaired by Brant Hill, has studied the preliminary designs for Phase One as prepared by McKean & Associates architectural firm. They accepted the challenge of keeping the basic design and square footage presented to us, while at the same time looking for ways to cut costs without diluting the project. They want to make sure we get “the most bang for our buck”! The Building Committee tells us that construction costs are down at this time. The sooner we build the sooner we can take advantage of this. The Building Committee will get “proposals” from various construction companies while working with the architect in order to arrive at the true cost of building Phase One.

Let’s refresh our memories. What can we build if we only reach our minimum goal of $3,000,000? What if we get no more pledges and no more donations after today? What can we afford to build? To answer these questions let’s look at our campaign brochure, on page 6. It says, and I quote: “Our feasibility study completed in November of 2007 concluded we should be able to raise at least $3 million. We set this as our minimum goal, and if we are able to achieve this, we would be able to complete all of the infrastructure along with the two-story Education Center while taking on some debt.” So, we stated at the outset of this campaign that if we achieved only our minimum financial goal of $3 million then we cannot afford to build the gymnasium/cafeteria. Everything else that is part of Phase One would be built, but not the gymnasium/cafeteria. Again to quote our campaign brochure: “We need and hope to do far better however, and have therefore set a challenge goal of $4.8 million, that again with a reasonable amount of debt would allow us to complete the gymnasium/cafeteria in addition to the Education Center and infrastructure.”

I thank God for all of you who have made it possible for us to build in 2010. Whether we can include the gymnasium/cafeteria or not depends on our continued hard work to get more pledges and donations. Once we have obtained permission from archdiocesan authorities we begin to build!!

Gratefully in Christ,

Fr. Charles Troncale, Pastor

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Minimum Pledge Goal:	$3,000,000
Pledges as of Dec 8:	$3,015,632
Payments Received:	$653,788

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