ST.

COLUMBA CATHOLIC CHURCH

December 15, 2013 Third Sunday of Advent

SAN DIEGO

Pastors Corner
THE FORTITUDE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
Jesus speaks highly of John the Baptist. He said, Among those born of women, there is none greater than John the Baptist. Jesus added that John is more than a prophet. But the greatest attribute of John is not the titles Prophet and Baptizer, but that He gave all to faithfully fulfill the task that God gave him. He lived without fear and regard for human favor. He did not hedge the truth even if it brought him to prison. His ultimate way to glorify the Messiah was to shed blood as his witness. John was a man of fortitude. St. Thomas Aquinas ranked fortitude as the third of the cardinal virtues, because it serves prudence and justice, the higher virtues. Fortitude is the virtue that allows us to overcome fear and to remain steady in our will in the face of obstacles. Prudence and justice are the virtues through which we decide what needs to be done; fortitude gives us the strength to do it. The truth must be told at all costs and all consequences, for the truth will set us free. John the Baptist lived in the truth and for the truth, giving glory to God not only in preparing the way of the Messiah but also in dying for Him. And that is what all prophets have done with their lives. All of us are invited to live in truth. But there are times when we are afraid of losing the favor and esteem of men; that is why we would rather say and do what pleases others. Consequently, we deny God the glory due Him. Jesus warned us through the gospel, He who denies me before others I will also deny him before our heavenly Father. (Mt. 10:33). Let us pray for the grace of fortitude to be able to live the truth amidst hostilities and challenges, to be strong in all circumstances, and to follow Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Effective starting in January No 11:00 a.m. Mass

Christmas Program
Friday, December 20th, 9:15 a.m. St. Columba School will present a Christmas Prayer Program in the church featuring music by all the school children. Invite your friends and neighbors. All are welcome!

Holiday Big Breakfast

The St. Columba Mens Club is sponsoring a Holiday Big Breakfast this Sunday, December 15th, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am in the parish hall. Tickets will be available at the door: $8/adult, $5/child. All proceeds will benefit the Building Maintenance and Tuition Assistance Funds.

Giving Tree
Stop by our Matthew 25 Giving Tree in the vestibule of the church and pick up an envelope. All donations will be sent to Fr. John Tasto in Tijuana, Mexico for the support of his school and parish. Make checks payable to St. Columba. Thanks for supporting this worthy program.

Mass Intentions for the Week

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 7:00 amME Lucy Schreiber TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 7:00 amME Christine Eilers WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 7:00 amME Donors Intention THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 7:00 amME Lucy Schreiber FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 7:00 amME Joe Kloberdanz SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 8:00 amME Int. of Dr. Nigel Rosch Carabbacan 5:30 pmME Frances Sonka SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 7:30 amEC Flora Culver 9:30 amME Betty Eklund 11:00 amME People of the Parish 5:30 pmME Rita Pint
EC=Fr. Edward Corcoran, ME=Fr. Mario Elias

The Gift of Generosity

This holiday season, we thank everyone who has supported St. Columba this past year with their time, talent and financial contributions and look forward to support from all of our members in the year ahead. If you need a convenient way to make regular offerings or if you plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to look into our electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up, especially around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions. Visit http://www.stcolumbachurch.blogspot.com or contact the church office for more information.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 15, 2013

then will the lame leap like a stag

Isaiah 35:6

Share Your Christmas Dinner

We are collecting non-perishable food items to make Christmas baskets for those in need. Please leave your donations in the box at the back of the church. We also gratefully accept monetary donations to help pay for perishables. You may drop your monetary donation in the collection basket in an envelope marked Christmas Basket. For questions or to propose a recipient family call Ed Ancmon at (858) 356-8111.

Cub Scout Bake Sale

Next Sunday, December 22nd after the 7:30 & 9:30 Masses. Please stop by and support our Cub Scouts!

Retirement Fund for Religious

The collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious was last weekend. If you didnt have a chance to return your envelope last week, you may do so this weekend. Thank you for your generosity. Please make check payable to: St. Columba Parish.

Extended Confession Hours Saturday December 21st 3:005:00 p.m.

Christmas Schedule
Tuesday, December 24th 4:00pm, 5:30 pm, 10:00 pm Wednesday, December 25th 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am No 5:30 pm Mass

Readings for the Week

Mon: Tues: Wed: Thurs: Fri: Sat: Sun: Nm 24:2-7,15-17/Mt 21:23-27 Gn 49:2,8-10/Mt 1:1-17 Jer 23:5-8/Mt 1:18-25 Jgs 13:2-7,24-25/Lk 1:5-25 Is 7:10-14/Lk 1:26-38 Sg 2:8-14/Lk 1:39-45 Is 7:10-14/Ps 24:1-6/Rom 1:1-7/Mt 1:18-24

Greening of the Church

Join us next Sunday, December 22nd after the 5:30 pm Mass as we green the church for Christmas. Refreshments to follow in the parish hall. All are welcome!

PLEASE PRAY for the following who are ill, their families and those who care for them, especially: Nettie Caldwell, Marlena Daniels, Donna Brozovic DeLaTorre, Debra Drake, Thomas Dunne, Bruce Elizondo, Gigi Esguerra, Frank Klementich, Jay Koppelman, Alfred Lucas, Carolina Monserrat, Bill Moore, Doris Oliver, Dot Proulx, Luther Ramos, Bob Riggs, Gloria Riggs, Steve Romero, Chris Sirca, Julie Turek, Divina Villar

School News
VONS shoppers: Thank you for supporting St. Columba School by shopping at Vons. In order for St. Columba School to continue receiving credit from VONS you need to pay for your groceries with a debit card, check, or cash. The use of a credit card will not generate funds for our school! Thanks for. Box Tops for Education: Please continue to send in your Box Tops found on various products. This is a yearround fundraiser for St. Columba School. Thank you to the many parishioners who support this program! Tuition Assistance Fund: Year-round fundraiser. There are yellow envelopes in your monthly envelope set as well as in the pews. Thank you for your on-going generosity.

Christmas Flowers
If you would like to make a flower offering in honor of a family member or friend, special envelopes are available in the pews. Your donations will be used for the beautiful poinsettias which decorate the church during the Christmas season. A list of donors will be posted on the bulletin board of the vestibule.