St. Joseph & Sts. Peter &

Paul Catholic Churches

Third Sunday of Advent

December 17, 2017

STEWARDSHIP OF GIVING

St. Joseph Adult Contributors 195 of 762 Envelopes.……………………………………..$4814.00 EFT (Auto Deposit) .....……………………..…..$2030.00 Youth ..……………………………………………..$22.50 Offertory…………...…………………………........$434.25 Votive...……………………………………….…......$28.00 Immaculate Conception………………………….....$970.00 Christmas……………………………………………$30.00 Thanksgiving…………………………………...……$75.00 Christmas Flowers…………………………………$430.00 Christmas Fair……………………………………$1960.50 Total.................................................................$10,794.25

Sts. Peter & Paul Adult Contributors 27 of 145 Envelopes..................................................................$1813.00 EFT (Auto Deposit) .......................................................$70.00 Offertory..........................................................................$166.00 Gifts/Flowers……………………………………….$60.00 Votive………………………………………………...$8.00 Christmas…...……………………………………...$200.00 Total...................................................................$2317.00

LITURGICAL ROLES

St. Joseph

Saturday, December 23 at 4:15 PM Servers: Gwen Schroeder & 2 VolunteersLector: Carol Ries, Patti Hager (C) Distributors: Volunteer, Ashley Koos, Daniel Koos, Jeb Schwager, Cortney Kueter, Kevin/Patty McClimon Sacristan: Lisa Konrardy Rosary Leader: Judy Moran Ushers: Terry Mueller, Steve Schroeder, Glen Sprank, Randy Theisen, Dick Zeimet, Volunteer

Sunday, December 24 at 9:00 AM Servers: Madison Anderson, Holly Beauchamp, Trevor KleinLector: Kim Moore, Mary Sieverding (C) Distributors: Bob Hoppenjan, Karen Jess, Jim/Jennifer Klein, Paige Lampe, Angie Long, Ruth Marshall Sacristan: Marilyn Kilburg Rosary Leader: Dula Tebbe Video: Jayne Schroeder Ushers: Spencer Haxmeier, Konner Michels, Mark Michels, Ron Ries, Eric Schroeder, Loras Sieverding

Sunday, December 24 at 4:00 PM Christmas Eve (MEC) Servers: Need 3 VolunteersLector: Gail Michels, Judy Moran (C) Distributors: Tim Daugherty, Clara Ernst, Louann Mottet, Rhonda Petesch, Laura Zeimet, Karen Jess, Carol Keil, Carolyn Weber, Randy Koos, Sue Kieffer, Maryetta Lampe, Dianne Kettmann, Ashley Koos, Donna Mottet, Judy Moran, Daniel Koos Sacristan: Carol Feller (No rosary leader) Ushers: Dick Zeimet, Randy Theisen, Loras Deppe, Greg Schulte, Jim Kilburg, Rich Frank, Steve Schroeder, Russ Kettmann, Terry Mueller, Mark Jess

Monday, December 25 at 9:00 AM Christmas Day Servers: Need 2 Volunteers, Juli McHughLector: Jaelyn Theisen, Angela Burken (C) Distributors: Andy Bishop, Sydney Jacobs, Jeb Schwager, Gail Michels, Jessica Medinger, Brooklynn Moore, Kim Moore Sacristan: Don/Lucille Usher (No rosary leader) Video: Bob/Molly Ploessl Ushers: Spencer Haxmeier, Konner Michels, Mark Michels, Ron Ries, Eric Schroeder, Loras Sieverding

PARISH NEWS

St. Joseph Choir practice for Christmas Eve Mass will be at 6:30

p.m. in St. Joseph Church this Sunday, December 17th & Wednesday, December 20th.

Adult budget envelopes for 2018 are available in the back of church this weekend. If you don’t see one for your family, please contact the office. Children envelopes are also available for your use.

Sts. Peter & Paul Sunday, December 24 at 4:00 PM Christmas Eve

Servers: Kelsey Gerlach, Miranda Peters, Cameron Gerlach Lector: Charlie Peters Distributors: Mark/Marlene Cloos, Mary Kilburg, Gregg Kilburg, Donna Banowetz, Need 1 More Offertory Presenters: Carol Gerlach FamilyUshers: Randy Kilburg, Jim Banowetz, Jeff Gerlach, Need 1 MoreGreeters: Steve/Sherry Peters & Chris/Randy Kilburg (No rosary leader) Carry Statues & Candles: Evelyn Cooper, Ezra Cooper, Kalyn Skrivseth, Kinsley Skrivseth, Connor Thomas, Isaac Thomas, Grace Gerlach, Taylor Gerlach, Mason Pitts, Avery Pitts, Colten Sieverding, Caleb Sieverding

Through the waters of Baptism we wel come Maddox Pat r i ck Krogman, son of Aaron & Alisha (Dahl) Krogman , who is being baptized this weekend at St. Joseph’s.

Our sympathy and prayers to the families of Mary Carol Mussmann who passed away on December 5th, Dolores (Dee) Ernst who passed away on December 9th and Ardell Deppe who passed away on December 11th. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

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Scripture For The Week

Readings for the Week of December 17th, 2017 Monday: Jer 23:5-8/Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 [cf. 7]/Mt 1:18-25 Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17 [cf. 8]/Lk 1:5-25 Wednesday: Is 7:10-14/Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 [cf. 7c and 10b]/Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: St. Peter Canisius, Priest & Doctor of the Church Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21 [1a; 3a]/Lk 1:39-45 Friday: 1 Sm 1:24-28/1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd [cf. 1a]/Lk 1:46-56 Saturday: St. John of Kanty, Priest Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 [cf. Lk 21:28]/Lk 1:57-66 Next Sunday: Fourth Sunday of Advent 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 [2a]/Rom 16:25-27/Lk 1:26-38

Stewardship Quote … All of the people in today’s

readings---the prophet Isaiah, the Virgin Mary, St. Paul, St. John the Baptist--seemed to understand clearly and rejoice in what God was calling them to be and to do. Do I?

All junior high students (6th graders through 8th graders): The next EPIC meeting will be this Sunday, December 17th in St. Joseph’s rectory basement.

Religious give thanks. A religious sister writes, “When we see the generous response of so many thousands of persons in order to help us, religious men and women, we are left speechless.” Senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests across the country send

heartfelt thanks and prayers for your donation to last

week’s Retirement Fund for Religious collection.

The Ten Commandments of 1. Forgiveness is not easy. 2. Forgiveness is not forgetting. 3. Forgiveness does not overlook evil. 4. Forgiveness is not indifference. 5. Forgiveness is not the same thing as approval. 6. Forgiveness recognizes that people are always bigger than their faults.

F O R G I V E N E S S

7. Forgiveness allows a person to start over again. 8. Forgiveness recog-nizes the humanity of the wrongdoer. 9. Forgiveness surren-ders the right to get even. 10. Forgiveness wishes the offender well.

Catechist’s Corner The Joy We Can Find in Trusting Christ

The Third Sunday of Advent has traditionally been called “Gaudete Sunday”. On this Sunday, we light the third can-dle of our Advent wreath—the lone pink candle commonly known to signify JOY as the term Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. When I was 16 years old, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. The approach to nearly any holiday season (but particularly Christmastime) for the past ten years had always been a major struggle, as is characteristic of these conditions. While those surrounding me were both extrinsically and intrinsically proclaiming that it is “the most wonderful time of the year”, I could barely bolster enough confidence to make it to work or school each day. My mind would be flooded with various anxieties developed from my quest for perfection and inability to attain such—ranging from not being able to pick out the perfect gift for my mother to just having too much housework to do—and push my body into submission to the point where I would be crippled from performing even the simplest of tasks. Preparing for Christmas season (a.k.a. Advent)? This was not a time of expectant joy for me. This was a time of overwhelming worry. But this year approaching Christmas, this battle has changed. I will not say that I have completely won the battle, but I have found a way to combat these illnesses. For many years, I have innately known and understood that ‘action is the antidote to anxiety’, but the funny thing about that is, as aforementioned, I can and will worry about EVERYTHING. Even simple things such as washing the dishes can make me anxious. So what is the difference now? Medicine? No. Chiropractic help? No. This year, I have the most powerful weapon—prayer. When I feel myself beginning to get anxious or depressed, I pray. And what I have found is that in this ACT of PRAYER, I always find peace, and am no longer crippled with anxiety. Usually, the message God sends to me is a reminder to live this life as preparation for eternity, or “What would Jesus do?” When I approach any situation with this mindset or question, I can always discern the correct answer to what I need to do—the action to take down my anxiety. Then, I find peace and through this peace, I experience JOY as I have not felt before. We are all broken in our own different ways. By putting our faith in Jesus and His healing power, we can find whatever sustenance we are searching so desperately for—then, and only then, will we experience true joy. God calls us to look to the coming of Jesus, the true healer, into this world with joy this Advent season. May we keep our eyes on Christ!

Gaudete - Rejoice in the Lord always again I will say, Rejoice - Phillippians 4:4

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Dear Parishioners, Those “Young Dads” invited to the gathering on January 21st are asked to RSVP before Christmas at 872-3234. Decorating for the MEC Christmas Eve Mass will be on Saturday morning, December 23rd, at 8:00 a.m. Many hands make light work. Note the Mass times for the 4th Sunday of Advent - Mass Saturday evening at 4:15 p.m. and Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. Thanks to all who have donated flowers and plants for the Churches this Christmas. Also a big thank you to Dave Eischeid who painted the background for the crib at St. Joseph’s - it is stunning. I’m pretty pleased too for all the goodies dropped off at the rectory - in the words of the late great Gomer Pyle, “I thank you, I thank you, I thank you!” Prayers to the Mussmann, Schwager, Ernst, and Deppe families with the recent deaths of their loved ones. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord. We know not the time nor the hour. Amen. Fr. Kruse

A Worldwide Marriage Encounter has something in it for every married couple. The Weekend has value for couples married one year on up to 50 years or more. Sign up today to attend one of the upcoming Worldwide

Marriage Encounter Weekends on Feb. 9-11 @ Ankeny, Mar. 9-11 @ La Crosse, Apr. 20-22 @ Dubuque. Early registration is highly recommended. For information and to register go to iowa-wwme.org or call 563-608-3305 or email: JLJwwme08@Gmail.com.

Holiday Bulletin Deadlines There are early holiday deadlines with our bulletin’s printing company. If you would like to submit an item for New Year’s please have it to the rectory by Thursday, December 21.

Know any high school seniors who need a weekend of faith, fun, and reflection? Encourage them to attend a Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) retreat. To register, go to: www.dbqarch.org/TEC. Jan. 27-29 in Bellevue; March 3-5 in Dyersville; April 7-9 in

Calmar.

Thank you Thanks to all who volunteered and donated to the Birthday Party for Jesus last weekend at St. Joseph’s. Special thanks to the committee who spent hours setting up and working the event. Let’s not forget to thank St. Nicholas. The event was very successful prophet wise too - proceeds went to the purchase of two new tables in the Parish Center and cost of decorating the large tree in front of St. Joseph Church.

Church books for the 2017 year will close on December 31st. Please have all donations to the church office by that time so they can be included with year end individual statements that

will be ready for pick up the middle of January. If you need yours before this time, please contact the church office.

Holiday Mass Schedule for Christmas & New Year’s St. Joseph Sts. Peter & Paul 4:00 PM - December 24 4:00 PM - December 24 9:00 AM - December 25 9:00 AM - January 1 New Year’s Eve Retreat at American Martyrs

Retreat House, December 31, 2017 - January 1, 2018. Scott Froyen will present “A Resolution Revolution-Make It Matter & Perpetuate”. The purpose of this retreat is to build and live your personal plan toward sainthood. The participants will leave with a one page personalized 2018 plan towards sainthood and a measurement system to keep them engaged and on track. To register or with further questions, contact American Martyrs Retreat House 319-266-3543; email DBQAMRHsec@DBQArch.-org.

Christmas Gift Ideas

CD of religious, liturgical music recorded by Fr. Kruse at

the request of his parishioners several years ago, are at the parish office for $10 each.

Sts. Peter & Paul Cookbook for $10 each.

An Advent Prayer for Families Heavenly Father, your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us, a great sign of your love. Guide us as we strive to walk in that love together as a family this Advent. As we pre-pare our hearts for Christmas, bring us closer to each other and to your son. Give us the grace and strength we need every day. Help us to always trust in you. Come, Lord Jesus, lead all people closer to you. Come and dispel the darkness of our world with the light of your love. Amen.

John answered them,

“I baptize with water; but there

is one among you whom you

do not recognize, the one who

is coming after me, whose

sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”

- Jn 1:26-27

Marquette Catholic Schools Pre-K-12 Catholic Education Available for All

872-3356-High School; 872-3284-Grade School

Mass Intentions

Tuesday, December 19 8:25 AM - SJ † Elaine Dunn † Fr. Stan Hayeh Wednesday, December 20 10:15 AM - Mill Valley Care Center Mass Thursday, December 21 8:00 AM - SPP † Ike Bormann † Jean Thola Friday, December 22 (Not a school Mass) 8:25 AM - SJ † Dan Witt † Vincent, Gloria & Joel Sturm & Marcellene Gonner † Rita Roling Saturday, December 23 4:15 PM - SJ For the People † Larry & Ruth Weimerskirk † Sylvester (Ves) & Esther Deppe † Francis & Marita Mootz Sunday, December 24 9:00 AM - SJ † Harry & Phyllis Wagner 4:00 PM - SPP † Marty Kilburg; † Leon Kilburg & Dan Trenkamp; † Andrew Peters 4:00 PM - SJ † Darlene Manders; † John & Rose Manderscheid & Jane Wittmann; † Carol Scheckel; † Charles & Lavita Pleiser & Matt & Julia Michel

December Prayer Intentions of Pope Francis The Elderly - That the elderly, sustained by families and Christian communities, may apply their wisdom and experience to spreading the faith and forming the new generations.

Parish Calendar

Monday, December 18 8:25 AM - School Advent Prayer Service in SJ Church 6:30 PM - Pastoral Council Meeting in SJ rectory Wednesday, December 20 6:30 PM - Youth Faith Formation Class in classroom 6:30 PM - Choir Practice for Christmas Eve Mass in SJ Church Saturday, December 23 8:00 AM - Set up for Christmas Eve Mass in MEC

Thank you to the Dubuque Racing Association for making a generous donation towards a door access security system for St. Joseph Elementary.