Advent News

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Advent

A period of preparation for Christ’s birth, Advent, as a time of extra prayer, can be a source of great grace; oftentimes, however, many do not take advantage of these benefits. To aid yourself in making the most of this liturgical season, commit to attending an hour of Eucharistic Adoration. St. Mary’s by the Sea begins it’s monthly 24-hour Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday, December 2, after the 8am Mass, continuing through the night and ending before the 8am Mass on Saturday, December 3.

Thank you to all who have committed themselves to First Friday Adoration. Without you, our 24-hour First Friday Adoration program would not be possible.

Advent Preparation

Beginning the Church’s liturgical year, Advent (from, “ad-venire” in Latin or “to come to”) is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. The final days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, focus particularly on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas).

Advent devotions including the Advent wreath, remind us of the meaning of the season. Traditionally, Advent wreaths are constructed of a circle of evergreen branches into which four candles are inserted, representing the four weeks of Advent.  Ideally, three candles are purple and one is rose, but white candles can also be used.

The purple candles in particular symbolize the prayer, penance, and preparatory sacrifices and goods works undertaken at this time. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, when the priest also wears rose vestments at Mass; Gaudete Sunday is the Sunday of rejoicing, because the faithful have arrived at the midpoint of Advent, when their preparation is now half over and they are close to Christmas.

The progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord’s first coming into the world and the anticipation of his second coming to judge the living and the dead.

The use of the Advent Wreath is a traditional practice which has found its place in the Church as well as in the home. The blessing of an Advent Wreath takes place on the First Sunday of Advent or on the evening before the First Sunday of Advent. When the blessing of the Advent Wreath is celebrated in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another member of the family.

Advent Penance Service Schedule

Monday, Nov. 28 at 7pm:  St. Vincent de Paul

Monday, Dec. 12 at 7pm:  St. Mary’s by the Sea

Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7pm:  St. Bonaventure

Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7pm:  Holy Spirit

Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7pm:  Holy Spirit

Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7pm:  St. Joachim

Friday, Dec. 16 at 7pm:  Sts. Simon and Jude

Thursday, Dec. 22 at 7pm:  St. John the Baptist

 

 

 

 

November 2016 News

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Christmas Program in the Church  & Parish Party

         December 4th at 5:00 pm

Join us for our Annual Christmas Program in the Church as we celebrate that God is with us.

Afterwards, everyone is invited to the Parish Christmas Party in Fr. Johnson Hall, sponsored by St. Mary’s by the Sea ministries.

Christmas Crib

Beginning next weekend and continuing through the month of December, we will be accepting baby gifts for our local crisis pregnancy center. Please consider a Christmas gift for these precious babies. Items will be used in various programs to help young mothers who have chosen life for their babies. A crib will be in Fr. Johnson Hall during the month of December for this collection. If you prefer, a monetary donation in an envelope marked “Christmas Crib” would also be helpful.

Blessing of Foods for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is not only a day for turkey and cranberry sauce, parades and bowl games, but also a day to reflect on God’s Blessings. On Thursday, Nov. 24th, you may bring any food item(s) that will be served at your family dinner to be blessed at the 9:00 am Mass. What a beautiful way to celebrate this holiday. Feel free to bring any or all of your meal to be blessed. For example: A basket filled with items you will serve at dinner, a bottle of wine, a pie, or any item(s) you wish to bring. Children can bring chocolate turkeys, or candy they may receive for this holiday. In addition, all parishioners who attend this Mass will receive a blessed loaf of bread. Please join us for this celebration and give thanks for all of God’s blessings.

Special Thanksgiving Offering

All donations given at Mass this Thanksgiving (Thursday, 11/24) will go to our St. Vincent de Paul Society for the purchase of food that they give out to the needy, including Thanksgiving baskets. If you would like to bring canned food, you may do so as well and place it in the containers located in the vestibule.

Mass of Remembrance On Saturday, November 12th at the 8:00 am Mass, we will honor our dearly departed brothers and sisters who passed away from Nov. 2015 to Nov. 2016. If you have a loved one who’s funeral was held here during that time, please plan to attend the Mass. Their names will be displayed on the Altar, and you will be given a special keepsake with their name on it. Afterwards, there will be a reception held in the Family Room with light refreshments. Remember to invite all your family and friends.

(10) Masses Offered in Nov. for All Souls All Souls envelopes are available in the pew racks. Write the names of your deceased loved ones for whom you would like prayers said for, along with a donation, and put it in the collection basket. Throughout the month of November, (10) Masses will be celebrated for all of those designated souls.

Wheelchairs for Veterans Next Saturday and Sunday
The Knights of Columbus will be outside after each Mass accepting donations for their “Wheelchairs for Veterans” campaign. For only $150, they can provide one wheelchair for a veteran. Last year, your donations provided 36 wheelchairs to deserving Veterans at the local VA Hospital. So please stop by their table and give your donation to this worthwhile cause.

2017 Traditional Latin Mass Calendars
 If you would like to purchase a Traditional Latin Mass Calendar for 2017, please contact Judith Clark at (714) 963-5757. She will be placing an order Nov. 14th, with delivery in early-December. These Traditional Catholic Calendars are in full color with a Special Guide, Summary of Truths of the Catholic Faith, Prayers and Psalms Section and Patron Saints – useful to all Catholics.

Save the Date! Men’s Silent Retreat
There will be a Men’s Silent Retreat Jan. 20-22, 2017 at El Carmelo Retreat House in Redlands, CA. This is a great reprieve from the hoopla of the Christmas holidays and year’s end; some good one-on one quiet time to spend with the Lord. The retreat is all inclusive pricing. Six meals, two night stay is $198 for a private room and $170 for a two person room. A $50 deposit is required. There are full information flyers in the vestibule of the Church. Contact Dale Schiering, parishioner, for additional information at (909) 256-9003.

 

 

 

Parish News October 2016

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oktoberfest-2016

Pennies From Heaven

We have begun our “Pennies From Heaven” collection when we ask you to bring in all of your loose change (and bills) to support several Orange County pro-life organizations. Some of these include Horizon Pregnancy Center, Casa Teresa, the Precious Life Shelter, the Life Center, Birth Choice and Mary’s Shelter. You may bring your donation anytime during the month of October, and put it in the container near the church doors marked “Pennies From Heaven.” You can also bring your donations to the Church office during a weekday.

Walk for Life

To support Horizon Pregnancy Clinic, join their Walk for Life on Saturday, Oct. 22nd, from 9am to 12pm. To register, go online at www.SupportHPC.org or call (714) 897-7500 and meet at Horizon – 15061 Springdale St. #109, Huntington Beach, CA. The entry fee, which includes a tee shirt is $20.

Scriptural Reflection Study

Wednesdays, 6:30-7:45 pm in Fr. Johnson Hall 

Just a reminder that St. Mary’s by the  Sea has a Scriptural Reflection Study Group that meets every Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm. The class is given by Deacon Thomas Concitis and is on the upcoming Sunday Lectionary readings. There is no cost to attend, and everyone is welcome. You should bring your bible, preferably the New American translation as it is used for the readings at Mass.

 Envisioning Parish Life

All members of ministries are invited to attend a workshop here on October 29th from 9am to noon. We will have a guest speaker and will discuss the vision  Fr. Quang has for the life of our parish and what we can accomplish moving forward as a Church. All members of ministries are urged to attend.

 

 

 

Parish News & Events

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Statue of the Blessed Mother in Your Home

Would you like to have a beautiful statue of our Blessed Mother in your house for approximately one week? She will bring you many blessings. The Legion of Mary offers this service. We will take her to your home and pick her up one week later.

Interested? Then please call Susan Hawley at           (714) 374-0400.

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Save the Date – Men’s Silent Retreat

El Carmelo Retreat House in Redlands, CA

January 20-22, 2017

Same price as last year. Price is all-inclusive.               $198 for private room / $170 for 2-person room

Retreat starts with dinner on Friday evening and concludes with lunch on Sunday.

Please contact Dale Schiering at (909) 256-9003 for additional information

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Homeless Problems in H.B.

This Thursday, September 29th at 7:00pm, Catherine Lukehart, the Homeless Coordinator for Huntington Beach and Lt. Rodriguez, who is a member of the H.B. Police Homeless Task Force, will speak here and have a question and answer session about the homeless problem in our city. The meeting will be held in Fr. Johnson Hall. All interested parishioners are invited to attend.

 

 

Cathedral Tour Oct 1, 2016

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Pilgrimage & Tour of Christ Cathedral

Sat., Oct. 1st  –  9:45 am

We will be chatourbusrtering a bus October 1st from St. Mary’s by the Sea to make a Pilgrimage to Holy Family Cathedral in Orange for Mass at 11:00 am (qualifies for a plenary indulgence) and then continue on to Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove for lunch and a tour at 1:00 pm. A box lunch will be provided (excluding those with dietary restrictions). If you would like to drive instead, please contact the Office with the number of people you have so we can provide lunch for you, as well. You MUST reserve your space; please call the Office at (714) 536-6913 with your name and number of people who will be attending. For those who have already signed up, please meet here at the Church at 9:45 am. The bus will leave promptly at 10:00 am.

 

 

 

Latest Updates

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Adult & Children’s Religious Education

Registration is now open for our Adult RCIA program and children’s CCD program. Please come to the Office Monday through Friday (9am-12pm /1-5pm) to complete a registration card or contact us at (714) 536-6913, x-112 if you have any questions.

CCD will begin the week of September 11, 2016. 

RCIA Orientation/Registration will be on Monday evening, August 29th at 7:00 pm. There will be a book charge of $25 for the Catechism of the Catholic Church, unless you have your own copy.

Mass Changes for 8/15, 16 & 17

Tomorrow, Monday, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is NOT a Holy Day of Obligation. We will have Mass at our regular time of 8:00 am.

The following days, however, August 16 and 17, we will NOT have morning Mass. Since we do not have a Priest available, we will instead have a Communion Service at 8:00 am with Deacon Tom Concitis.

Save the Date…For Saturday, September 3rd!

We will be hosting a tour of Christ Cathedral. We will provide a bus here at St. Mary’s by the Sea to take you there and back.  The tour begins at 2:00 pm so the bus will leave at approximately 1:00 pm. Please contact the Office at (714) 536-6913, x-112 to make your reservations

 

R.C.I.A. Classes

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rcia3R.C.I.A. CLASSES  (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) 

Are You Interested in Becoming a Catholic?          

St.  Mary’s by the Sea is now accepting registration for those who wish to attend R.C.I.A. classes. The course will begin in September 2016 and end at the Easter Vigil in 2017. Classes will be held on Monday evenings from 7:00-8:00 pm in the Fr. Johnson Hall.  The book we will be using is the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These may be purchased here at a cost of $25.00.

Registration/Orientation:   Monday, August 29, 2016         7:00-8:00 p.m. in Fr. Johnson Hall

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

  • Who can attend the R.C.I.A. course?

Anyone 16 years of age or older may attend these classes.

  • I was never baptized when I was young, but would now like to learn about the Catholic faith and see if this is for me. Can I attend the course? 

Absolutely! After attending this course, you would then receive the Sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.

  • I was baptized as a Catholic when young, but never received my First Communion or Confirmation. Will I be able to receive these sacraments if I attend these classes?
     

Yes. Those who were baptized Catholic only will be able to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and/or the Eucharist.

  • I was previously baptized into another Christian faith, but am now seeking full communion with the Catholic Church. Are these classes also for me? 

Yes! Persons of another faith are also welcome to participate along with catechumens in the RCIA in the process of learning about the Catholic faith and being formed in that faith. For a baptized Christian, reception into full communion with the Catholic Church involves reception of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and then a Profession of Faith followed by the celebration of Confirmation and the Eucharist.

  • I am a Catholic and have received all my sacraments, but would like to deepen my knowledge about our faith. Can I attend these classes, also? 

Certainly! Anyone who would just like to learn is more than welcome to attend the class as a refresher course.

 

Parish Picnic

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Come Join Your Parish Family for a Picnic

Saturday, August 20th from 11am-2:30pm

at Lake Park on the corner of 11th & Lake Street

FUN FOR ALL AGES, with great food, music, games, raffle prizes, under a big tent!

We are providing the Brats, Burgers, Hotdogs, fixings, non-alcoholic beverages, games, prizes and a huge cake!!

ØWhat we need are SPONSORS…. To help pay for food, paper products, utensils, cups, decorations, etc. (see Rene or Office Staff, PLEASE!!)

ØLike last year (which worked out well) ——

Families with last names beginning with:

A-M bring a side dish or appetizer

N-Z bring a dessert

And…. Don’t forget to wear your blue Church logo teeshirts!!

Any questions, please contact Rene at (714) 330-3765 or the Office at (714) 536-6913.

 

Ladies Retreat Sept 16-18

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St. Mary’s by the Sea Ladies’ Retreat

There will be a Ladies’ Retreat at Sacred Heart Retreat House September 16-18, 2016 in Alhambra.

Enrollment forms have been sent out to all past retreatants. There will be forms pinned on the bulletin board in the Church vestibule for anyone who did not get a form or is interested. This is our “annual spiritual checkup.” Retreat Master is Rev. Andrew Apostoli, CFR (watch him on Sunday evening on EWTN around 5pm). Fees have gone up, and range from $75 to $285. ALL FORMS AND CHECKS must be sent to Yvonne Rochester. Her address is on the first page, but her zip code is incorrect. It should be 92648. For more information, please contact ANN (714-536-8927) as soon as possible. Retreat room assignments are first come, first paid, first served. Also, call Ann if you need a ride.

 

Blessed Anniversary

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 Fr. Quang Chu’s Anniversary

Fr. Quang’s 25th Anniversary of his Ordination is June 8, 2016. We will be celebrating this momentous occasion after all the Masses in Fr. Johnson Hall next Sunday, June 12th. Come join us for some cake and congratulate Father on his 25 years of leading his flock.