Sunday, January 17th - The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
CHEERS! - A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Cheers!
What a difference a week makes! I usually compose this column on Wednesday mornings: Louie Latina, editor of the bulletin, videos me about 8:30 a.m. At that time, we weren’t aware of what was happening or going to happen at our United States Capitol! By all accounts, it was a sad day in the history of the United States. Now, of course, I’m aware of very strongly-held views and opinions on both sides of the “political aisle”. A hallmark of our democracy are the First Amendment rights of Freedom of Speech and of Assembly, but destruction of property, looting, death threats and all acts of violence cannot be tolerated by any group, anytime and anywhere in our country. All persons of peace condemn such behavior.
When I was a seminarian in Washington, D.C., at The Catholic University of America, I worked in the United States Capitol for six school years as an elevator operator and as a member of a speech writing staff for one of our Senators; so I know the building very well — every hall, corridor and meeting room, and, especially the chambers of the House and Senate. I was horrified to see those terrible things happening in a place that was so familiar to me and such an important symbol of our democracy.
The week that begins this Sunday could be just as horrific with threats of similar acts of violence leading up to Wednesday’s Inauguration. Let us pray that all precautions are made and successful in preventing a repeat of the acts of January 6. Let us pray for unity, cooperation and harmony at every level of this great country. May we believe what we pledge: “In God we trust”.
On a personal level, I’m have bad news and good news. The “bad news” is that I had to put my cat, Duchess, to sleep on Wednesday, January 13. She was a good buddy for over 17 years. But old age caused her to have kidney failure leading to anemia and other complications. I was truly heart-broken and tearful to say “goodbye” — as all of you who love pets know so well. And, the “good news” is that I am going to get the Covid Vaccine on Friday of this week! That's all for now.
Have a good week. God bless you.
Have a good week. God bless you.
Fr. Bill
NEWS FROM THE PARISH
The Bishop has extended the dispensation from the Obligation to Attend Mass from December 31, 2020 to January 31, 2021
New Directive for Mass
In a new directive from the Bishop, can now increase Mass attendance to 400 people per Mass. Please remember if you are attending Mass to follow all protocols to help keep everyone safe. All Masses still require registration.
When attending Mass, please make sure you/your family are 6-feet away from other people/families.
Weekly Mass signups are emailed out each week on Wednesday at 7pm. Signups can also be accessed through our website.
We are here to serve you. Please offer any other suggestions by placing a comment to this email as to what you would like to see in this bulletin.
Do you need a prayer? Would you like to pray for someone? You can reply directly to this email (which will create a private comment) or click the 'Reply' button to leave a public comment.
We are united to one another through our prayer. We are praying for you. You are not alone.
A WELL-BUILT FAITH
Mondays 7:00 - 8:00pm
This 13-week series is for the following:
1. Catechumens: those adults, NEVER BAPTIZED, who wish to join the Roman Catholic Church.
2. Candidates: those adults, ALREADY BAPTIZED in another Christian denomination, who wish to join the Roman Catholic Church.
3. Confirmandi: those adults who are CATHOLIC, but have never received First Communion and/or Confirmation.
4. Other interested adults: ANYONE who wants to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith.
A Well-Built Faith: A Catholic’s Guide to Knowing and Sharing What We Believe (This book will be available at the sessions)
Schedule:
January 4: Welcome and Introduction
January 11: Faith & Revelation
January 18: Scripture & Tradition
January 25: The Trinity
Sessions continue in February and March.
These sessions will be Live Streamed. Link on our Website.
DRAW IT OUT: CHILDREN'S GRIEF SUPPORT
Holy Spirit is offering support for children dealing with death of a loved one, divorce, the impacts of Covid, or any difficult life transition. Draw It Out is a program developed by Art With Heart in Seattle. It is an evidence based program developed in collaboration with school counselors, therapists, child life specialists, educators, and social workers. It helps give voice to the overwhelming feelings that threaten these children, giving them a safe, supportive place to heal. It is a support group and not therapy, although it can be therapeutic.
Our facilitators are trained, compassionate, and have completed the diocese’s background check. Even with Covid meeting restrictions, we now more than ever feel this need is real and are meeting with the kids via Zoom.
Registration for February coming soon!
For More Information, Contact: Connie Theisen kidshopeholyspirit@gmail.com 970-216-8977
DIVORCE MINISTRY SUPPORT
This group provides support for divorced individuals, meeting every Thursday at 7pm (now via Zoom). Resources are provided which group members discuss and members share their experiences in a safe environment. The group process helps divorced individuals navigate through this difficult time and move towards healing and inner peace.
Contact: Barb Fraser 702-459-7778
FIRST FRYDAY KNIGHT
“Drive-thru” Fish Fry Friday February 5th from 5-7pm
in the Holy Spirit Parking Lot
$9.00 for deep fried fish, fries & coleslaw.
$7.00 for chicken tenders, fries & coleslaw.
Sponsored by our Knights of Columbus
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
February 20th - 21st, 2021
Enjoy and experience the Marriage Encounter in the comfort of your own home as we continue to practice necessary protocol and still enrich marriages. Give us a call for more details, to sign up and get suggestions on how to make the virtual experience something special and enriching.
Wayne & Marcia Kessler, 702-283-3480 or 702-274-2846.
YOUR OPINION MATTERS
Which Superpower Would You Like to Have?
Invisibility
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Mind Reading
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Flying
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Teleportation
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Bi-Location
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Super Strength
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I already have a superpower
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Feel free to add your opinions, feedback, and suggestions in the comments section.
Last weeks (Jan.10th) Question Results: #1 Fall
MOMENT OF THE WEEK
It is always a sad day when you have to take your Christmas decorations down and put them back into storage. This past week, even we, at Holy Spirit, had to take down our Christmas decorations and return them to storage for another year. Thanks to our Liturgy Team, Environment Team, Maintenance Team, and even Godwin, our Seminarian, all decorations were taken down and stored. They were beautiful and we look forward to next Christmas season when we can pull them out and set them up once again for all to enjoy!
ANGEL TREE 2020
November 28th - December 13th
This year’s Angel Tree project will be a little different. As you are aware several things are different from prior years: We are practicing social distancing and many schools have not reopened. Many families are without jobs through no fault of their own. The agencies are at a disadvantage since they must use fewer volunteers to assist in their Christmas gift giving programs. We are limited in space for storage and the number of volunteers we can use at one time. Therefore, we are asking everyone to try something new this year…
After all the Masses on the weekend of November 21st & 22nd, volunteers will be handing out a special Angel tag as you leave Mass. Please consider taking one or two to help a child in need this Christmas. If you are unable to attend Mass and watch virtually, we have inserted an Angel tag in the bulletin that you can print, cut out and attach to your stocking. We will also leave some Angels in a basket in the gathering space of the church if you attend morning Mass during the week.
Here is what we are asking:
Please purchase a 16”-18” Christmas stocking and a Target, Walmart, Visa, etc. gift card (minimum $25). Please be sure to write the amount of your gift card somewhere on the card. You may choose the age and gender (newborn - teenagers) of your Angel just be sure to write that information on the back of the Angel. Put the gift card in the stocking and fill the rest of the stocking with little fun items you think your Angel would enjoy receiving. For many children this might be the only gift they will receive this year. After you have purchased the items and filled your stocking attach your Angel tag to the stocking and follow the directions on the back of the Angel tag. It is important that you give your stocking to one of the volunteers either on Wednesdays or on the weekend before all the Masses.
If you are unable to shop or would like us to shop for you, please put your donation (checks payable to Holy Spirit) in an envelope and label it “Angel Tree”. You can also go online to our website www.holyspiritlv.org, go to “Give On Line” and select “Angel Tree. Donations in the Poor Box will also assist with this project.
Thank you for rising to this new challenge and making this Christmas special for many deserving children. God bless you!
GOSPEL REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Read the Readings from this Sunday, the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Samuel 3:3-10,19; Psalm 40:2,4,7-10; 1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20;
John 1:35-42
Use the following discussion/reflection questions in your families, with your spouse, your friends, or even as personal journal questions:
1. Do you think God still calls upon His people today? Do you think He calls upon you? Why?
2. When have you freely responded “yes” to the Lord when He called upon you? Have you ever been hesitant in your response? Why?
3. Where is God calling you right now? Do you believe He has a vocation and purpose for you and your life?
A BELOVED, TENDER, OBEDIENT FATHER
Year of St. Joseph
Saint Joseph, in fact, “concretely expressed his fatherhood” by making an offering of himself in love “a love placed at the service of the Messiah who was growing to maturity in his home,” writes Pope Francis, quoting his predecessor St Paul VI.
And because of his role at “the crossroads between the Old and New Testament,” St Joseph “has always been venerated as a father by the Christian people” (PC, 1). In him, “Jesus saw the tender love of God,” the one that helps us accept our weakness, because “it is through” and despite “our fears, our frailties, and our weakness” that most divine designs are realized. “Only tender love will save us from the snares of the accuser,” emphasizes the Pontiff, and it is by encountering God’s mercy especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation that we “experience His truth and tenderness,” – because “we know that God’s truth does not condemn us, but instead welcomes, embraces, sustains and forgives us” (2).
Joseph is also a father in obedience to God: with his ‘fiat’ he protects Mary and Jesus and teaches his Son to “do the will of the Father.” Called by God to serve the mission of Jesus, he “cooperated… in the great mystery of Redemption,” as St John Paul II said, “and is truly a minister of salvation”
GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
Gift Shop Hours:
Open after all weekend liturgies and
Monday - Friday 8am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm
Saturdays 8am -12pm
Saturdays 8am -12pm
OUR COMMUNITY
Below is information about Holy Spirit! Access the information by clicking on the links below. If, for any reason, you cannot find what you are looking for, please call our office 702-459-7778
OUR MINISTRIES
Below is information about some of our ministries and groups at Holy Spirit. Access this information by clicking on the links below. For additional information, please call our office 702-459-7778
WAYS TO GIVE
IN PERSON: Drop it off at the office or Use the kiosk in the lobby of the Church
AT MASS: Put it in the collection basket at the altar steps when you attend Mass
MAIL: Send it through the mail (5830 Mesa Park Drive, LV, NV 89135)
ONLINE: Use our on-line e-tithing system (www.holyspiritlv.org); click “On-line Giving”
BY PHONE: Text "Assist" to (702)500-1938
Thank you for your generosity to Your parish!
"Love takes up where knowledge leaves off."
St. Thomas Aquinas