Page Two

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Dear Family,

The first few years of Priesthood

always provide a lot of challenges. Most recently, as we journeyed together through the arson
attack, I became aware that I
struggled with experiencing emotional connectivity to the events
as they unfolded. Aware of this, I
decided that it would be helpful to
insure that there were no significant problems. And so,
I worked with the Diocese to undergo a full psychological evaluation. The results of that psychological evaluation have encouraged me to go through a residential
program. I have requested from Msgr. Steven Callahan
a leave of absence to address these matters, and he has
accepted.
Two things are most important: 1) I love being a
Priest, and this time away is not about questioning that
vocation and 2) God has bigger plans than we are
aware of. Please pray for me, as I will you.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
Love,
1 Peter 1:6-8
There is cause for rejoicing here. You may for a time
have to suffer the distress of trials; but, this is so that
your faith, which is more precious than the passing
splendor of fine tried gold, may by its genuineness lead
to praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ appears.

November 30, 2014

Advent Wreath Prayer

Light the first candle and say:
The People that walked in
darkness have seen a great
light! (Isaiah 9:1-2)
God of compassion, be with us in these
long and dark days as we await the
birth of your son, Jesus.
Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 30, 2014

Sunday:
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Next Sunday:

Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7 Ps 80:2-3, 15-16,

18-19 1 Cor 1:3-9 Mk 13:33-37
Is 2:1-5 Ps 122:1-9 Mt 8:5-11
Is 11:1-10 Ps 72:7-8, 12-13, 17 Lk 10:21-24
Is 25:6-10a Ps 23:1-6 Mt 15:29-37
Is 26:1-6 Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a
Mt 7:21, 24-27
Is 29:17-24, Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 Mt 9:27-31
Is 30:19-21, 23-26 Ps 147:1-6 Mt 9:35-10:1,
5a, 6-8
Is 40:1-5, 9-11 Ps 85:9-14 2 Pt 3:8-14
Mk 1:1-8

he smallest of lifes events are directed by the

Lord. Creatures are instruments, but it is the

hand of Jesus that directs all.

St. Therese of the Child Jesus

MASS SCHEDULE AND INTENTIONS

Nov. 29, Sat:

4:30 pm
Nov. 30, Sun:

8:00 am
11:00 am
Dec. 1, Mon:

8:00 am
Dec. 2, Tue:

8:00 am
Dec. 3, Wed:

8:00 am

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (VIGIL)

+Jeffrey, +Joseph and +Johnny Nededog

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Intentions of Herb and Mary Jane Barrack

For the Parishioners
ADVENT WEEK

Intentions of Marvin Isho

ADVENT WEEK

+Virgilio San Agustin

SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER, PRIEST

Abdul Messikh Youkhana

Dec. 4, Thu:

8:00 am
11:00 am
Dec. 5, Fri:

8:00 am
6:30 pm
Dec. 6, Sat:

4:30 pm
Dec. 7, Sun:

8:00 am
11:00 am

ADVENT WEEK

+Edward Galwey
For the Seniors of the Parish
FIRST FRIDAY

Intentions of Giselle Benjamin

+Rick Ghio
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (VIGIL)

For the Parishioners

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

+Zuhair Sarata
+Mary Smith

Page Three

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

SANTA SOPHIA ACADEMY

SEEKING WISDOM.
LIVING VIRTUE.
ENCOUNTERING CHRIST.
Learn more at
www.santasophiaacademy.org
Contact us to request a pre-admission packet
and to arrange a meeting,
a screening test for entrance, or a tour!

November 30, 2014

PARISH OFFICE
Monday - Friday
AFTER DAILY MASS - 4:30 pm
Phone: (619) 463-6629 ~ Fax: (619) 463-8101
parish@santasophia.org
www.santasophia.org
Facebook: SantaSophiaCatholicChurch

RECTORY

SANTA SOPHIA ACADEMY (K - 8)

Karen Laaperi, Principal
(619) 463-0488 ~ santasophiaacademyoffice@gmail.com
Fax: (619) 668-5469
Extended Day Care: (619) 668-5471

Pastor:
Rev. Jacob Bertrand
Administrator:
Rev. Timothy Deutsch Ext. 100
Business Manager:
Bill Smirniotis Ext. 104
Bookkeeper:
Sana Auro Ext. 105
Portress:
Sara Gonzalez Ext. 100
Administrative Assistant: Maria Belflower Ext. 102
Maintenance:
Jim Kinney Ext. 108
Priest in Residence:
Rev. John Bosco Ext. 107
musinguzijbosco@yahoo.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

SANTA SOPHIA ACADEMY LOUISE AMADO

PRESCHOOL - for ages 2 - 5
Victoria Simanek, Director
(619) 463-0141 ~ preschool@santasophia.org

MUSIC MINISTRIES

PLEASE REMEMBER THOSE

IN NEED OF SPECIAL PRAYER
Doris Kellhofer
Charles Lavoie
Ernest Stelmar
Brian Vandenberg
Jessica Kline
Leticia Rebollar

Cora Lawson
Detra Hambrick
Heather Sturgill
Vie Liddell
Debbie Giamancho
Maria Tangen

Santa Sophia Singers

Santa Sophia Kids Choir
Santa Sophia Liturgical Ensemble

Music Director:

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

Names in bold are newly added this week.

Also pray for the special intentions written
in the Book of Needs at the back of the church.

Volunteers needed ~The Senior High Youth

Group is looking for fun, creative, and dedicated vol-

unteers to assist with growing the Senior High ministry at Santa Sophia. We are looking for volunteers
to help out with technology and communication,
leading small projects, or to provide supervision. If
you are interested in finding out more information, or
if you have a High School student interested in being
part of this exciting program, please contact:
Gennette Medina at (619) 463-6011, ext. 112
or gmedina@santasophia.org

n Father Jacobs absence, Msgr.

Callahan has appointed Father
Timothy Deutsch as temporary
Administrator of Santa Sophia.
Father Timothy is the Associate
Pastor at Our Lady of Grace Parish
in El Cajon.

David Stevens Ext. 113

Altar Servers, Extraordinary

Ministers of the Eucharist, Lectors,
& Ministers of Hospitality/Usher
Sacristan:

Rosemary Wellington Ext. 115

CATECHETICAL MINISTRY OFFICE

Baptism Child & Adult Religious Education
Phone: (619) 463-6011 ~ Fax: (619) 668-5458

cmo@santasophia.org
Director:
Administration:
Sr. High Youth:
Jr. High Youth:

Bernadette Padlo Ext. 111

Donna Hernandez Ext. 110
Gennette Medina Ext. 112
Nathan Johnson

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

Ages 18-39
Facebook: EastCountyYoungAdults
Rachel Smith: rach.smith@yahoo.com

Page Four

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

November 30, 2014

Advent Calendar
Date

FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT

Time/Location

Wednesday,
December 3rd

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Confession
Holy Hour for Priests followed by Benediction

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Friday,
December 5th

Adoration Of The Blessed Sacrament

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place after the morning
mass, followed by Benediction.

First Friday Mass of the Sacred Heart.

Saturday,
December 6th

Missionary Disciples & the New Evangelization

Conference by Bishop Emeritus Robert Brom
Conference will be lead by Bishop Emeritus Robert Brom. He will be
speaking on how to Live the Joy of the Gospel in the Parish Life and
Taking that Joy into our Families.
The morning schedule is as follows:
8:00 am ~ Mass & Rosary
9:00 am ~ Coffee & light snack in Prendergast Hall
9:30 am 12:30 pm ~ Presentation from Bishop Brom immediately following coffee & light snack.

8:45 am 11:45 am
Benediction at 11:45 am
6:30 pm

9:00 am -12:30 pm
Prendergast Hall
Childcare is provided

SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

Saturday & Sunday,
December 6th & 7th

Monday,
December 8th

Giving Tree
Purchased gifts can be placed under the tree.
Please tape your tag to the gift.

The Immaculate conception of

the blessed virgin mary
This is a Holy day of obligation and Patronal Feast Day of the United States
of America.
Masses will be at 8:00 am and 7:00 pm.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Confession
Praise & Worship to follow

Wednesday,
December 10th

Friday,
December 12th

The Santa Sophia Academy Handbell and Glee Club

The children will be performing for your Advent Journey into Christmas.
The Parish is invited to attend this joyous event.

After all of the

weekend masses

8:00 am & 7:00 pm

7:00 pm

11:00 am
Santa Sophia Church

THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT

Saturday & Sunday,
December 13th & 14th

Sunday,
December 14th

Wednesday,
December 17th

Giving Tree
Purchased gifts can be placed under the tree.
Please tape your tag to the gift.
A Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols
Learn about the Nativity through song.
Sung by our own Santa Sophia Singers, Santa Sophia Liturgical Ensemble,
Santa Sophia Hand Bell Choir, Santa Sophia Academy Choir/Pianist.
All under the direction of David Stevens, Director of Music.
Turkey Dinner to follow, sponsored by Knights of Columbus.

Sacrament of Reconciliation Advent

Penance Service

After all of the

weekend masses

3:00 pm

7:00 pm

Page Five
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Daily Mass
Monday - Friday 8:00 am
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reconciliation
45 minutes prior to each Mass both
daily and Sunday.
Wednesdays 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

November 30, 2014

Holy Masses for the

Christmas Season
Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord - Dec 24th
Christmas hymns and songs will precede all three Christmas Eve Masses for 30 min.

3:30 pm - Mass with Homily for Children and their Families

6:30 pm - Mass with Homily for Children and their Families
(Music by Santa Sophia Kids Choir)
The Jesse Tree
The Advent custom called the
Jesse Tree, uses stories to help
children develop a stronger sense
of who Jesus is and who were the
people on the path before him.
Named for King Davids father, the
Jesse Tree is a representation of
Christs family tree, suggested by
the prophets words, There shall
come forth a shoot from the root
of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1). These stories become a way for children to
experience Gods presence and a
sense of salvation history.
Beginning the second week of Advent, there will be a Jesse Tree in
the vestibule of the church so children of our parish can make ornaments to decorate the tree. We
adorn the Jesse Tree with illustrated ornaments that represent the
people, prophesies, and events
leading up to the birth of Jesus.
Please watch the bulletin for weekly information and suggestions to
participate in this activity.
If you have any questions please
feel free to call the CMO Office at
(619) 463-6011.

10:00 pm - Mass at Night

The Nativity of the Lord - Dec 25th
10:00 am - Mass

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph - Dec 28th

4:30 pm - Vigil Mass (Dec 27th)
8:00 am - Mass
11:00 am - Mass

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God - Jan 1st

4:30 pm - Vigil Mass (Dec 31st)
9:00 am - Mass

The Epiphany of the Lord - Jan 4th

4:30 pm - Vigil Mass (Jan 3rd)
8:00 am - Mass
11:00 am - Mass

The word became flesh,

and we have seen his glory.
John 1:14

Page Six

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Daily Prayer for Priests

O Jesus,
I pray for your faithful and; fervent priests;
For your unfaithful and tepid priests;
For your priests laboring at home or
Abroad in distant mission fields.
For your tempted priests;
For your lonely and desolate priests;
For your young priests; For your dying priests;
For the souls of your priests in Purgatory.
But above all, I recommend to you
The priests dearest to me;
The priest who baptized me;
The priests who absolved me from my sins;
The priests at whose Masses
I assisted and who gave me
Your Body and Blood in Holy Communion;
The priests who taught and instructed me;
All the priests to whom I am indebted
in any other way
(especially...)
O Jesus, keep them all close to your heart,
And bless them abundantly
in time and in Eternity,

Amen

Sunday, Nov. 30th - Rev. Dennis Krouse

Monday, Dec. 1st - Pope Francis
Tuesday, Dec. 2nd - +Bishop Cirilo Flores
Wednesday, Dec. 3rd - Bishop Emeritus Robert Brom
Thursday, Dec. 4th - Bishop Gilbert Chavez
Friday, Dec. 5th - Rev. Msgr. Donald Kulleck
Saturday, Dec. 6th - Rev. Charles Lacombe

EAST COUNTY PENANCE SERVICES

Saint Therese, San Diego

Wed 12/10 7pm

Saint Luke, El Cajon

Thurs 12/11 7pm

Saint Martin of Tours,

La Mesa

Mon 12/15 6pm

Queen of Angels, Alpine

Mon 12/15 7pm

Guardian Angels, Santee

Tues 12/16 7pm

Holy Trinity, El Cajon

Wed 12/17 7pm

Santa Sophia, Spring Valley

Wed 12/17 7pm

Saint Pius X, Jamul

Thurs 12/18 7pm

Our Lady of Perpetual Help,

Lakeside
Our Lady of Perpetual Help,
Lakeside

Mon 12/22 9am

Mon 12/22 7pm

November 30, 2014

BAPTISM
Congratulations to the following Children who were baptized last weekend at
Santa Sophia Church.
Anthony Francis
Son of Timothy & Valerie Staples
Cameron David & Hayden Gene
Children of Brian Dimmer & Jodie Rapper
Chelsea Flor
Daughter of Erick & Rosa Gonzalez

YOUTH GROUP
Santa Sophia Senior High youth group invites all
high school teens to grow together as young adults
spiritually, mentally and physically. Enjoy social
time, Confirmation Prep/Class, Mass and meeting.
When: Sundays
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: New Youth room located inside the CMO
office.
If you are unable to attend, connect with us through
social media to keep updated with our current events
at: http://www.facebook.com/santasophia.youthgroup
For more information contact
Gennette Medina at (619) 463-6011, ext. 112
or gmedina@santasophia.org

COLLECTION REPORTS
Nov. 17th, 2014-Nov. 23rd, 2014
Plate
Envelopes
eGiving
Breakdown of gifts received
$0.00 to $5.00
$5.01 to $10.00
$10.01 to $25.00
$25.01 to $50.00
$50.01 to $100.00
$100.01 to $150.00
$150.01 to $500.00
Total contributing households
Preserving Our Legacy Bldg. Fund
St. Vincent de Paul
Fire Restoration Fund

$15,894.26
$1,595.76
$10,771.00
$3,527.50
55
64
157
68
47
9
8
_______

408
$240.00
$240.00
$290.00

Page Seven

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

SENIOR CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

Santa Sophia Kids Choir

The Santa Sophia Kids Choir is open to all children of the parish in Grades 3rd thru 8th. Rehearsals are every Thursday, from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm in
the Academy Music Room (October- June). The
Kids Choir sings at the 11:00 am Mass every last
Sunday of the month. For more information contact David Stevens at (619) 463-6629 ext. 113, or
dstevens@santasophia.org.
Fil-AM Simbang-Gabi Meeting
We will be having a follow-up meeting regarding
Simbang-Gabi preparations on Sunday, November
30th at 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm in DeMoor Room.
Please contact Telli or Ric Dominguez at
(619) 670-7403 or (619) 244-3908.
HOMEMADE TAMALES - The Womens Guild, along
with DCCW, will be selling homemade tamales for the
holidays. There will be three flavors to choose from:
Chicken, Beef, & Pork. We will be taking orders from
Saturday, November 15th thru Sunday, December 7th.
Please see the order form below. There will be baskets
on the side shelves in church for you to return your
order forms. Tamale orders will be available for pick up
on December 13th & 14th after all the masses in the
Parish kitchen in Prendergast Hall.

The cost is $15.00 per dozen.

Cut along the dotted line and drop in the baskets

along the wall in church.

Name:____________________________________
Phone Number: ___________________________
Chicken Tamales

______________

Dozens ordered
______________
Dozens ordered
______________
Pork Tamales
Dozens ordered
Tamales are available for pick-up on December 13th &
14th in the Parish Kitchen in Prendergast Hall. Payment
for the Tamales is due at the time of pick-up.

Beef Tamales

November 30, 2014

Come dressed in your holiday attire on Thursday, December 4th.

Mass will be at 11:00 am., followed by a catered ham dinner.
Come and enjoy the Academy
school children who will perform for us. We will be
selling scrip cards for your holiday shopping. For
reservations, call Josie at (619) 466-0144 by Monday,
December 1st.
The cost for the luncheon is $8.00.

GIVING TREE
Once again Common
Ground and the Academy
(both the preschool and
school) will place tags on
the Giving Trees in the
back of church on November 29th & 30th and December 6th & 7th in hopes
that our wonderful parishioners will give in their
usual generous way to these two causes. Common
Ground is seeking gifts for less fortunate students
at some of the poorest elementary schools in our
area, and the Academy in hopes of helping our students with learning resources.
Once you have taken the tag of
your choice, your gifts may be
purchased and brought back on
December 6th & 7 and December
13th & 14th (please tape your tag
to the gift) and placed back under
the tree.
Your kindness in this season of
giving is most appreciated.
CATECHETICAL MINISTRY

Reminder: Religious Education classes will not

be gathering on Sunday, November 30th.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER OFFERING

In your monthly envelopes you received an envelope for Christmas flowers. This
years fund will also purchase Christmas trees that are being replaced due to
smoke damage. You have the option to honor a loved one, living or deceased, on
the envelope. Additional envelopes are available in the pews and the side shelves.
The list of donors and honored loved ones will be in Januarys bulletin.