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Emails from Fr. James
We are receiving calls about fake emails that appear to come from Fr. James. If you receive an email asking you to purchase iTunes gift cards, please forward the email to stjsteward@stjeromewaco.org. Thank you.
Advent & Hope
Dear friends in the Lord Jesus Christ, the first Sunday of Advent starts a new liturgical year. Just as the earth needs its cycles of seasons to rejuvenate itself, so we use the seasons of the Church’s year to bring new life to the image of God in which we were created and the likeness to Christ into which we were baptized.
As we keenly begin the journey of Advent; the entire season focuses on the preparation of the commemoration of the birth of Jesus the Christ, and the anticipation of the His return in splendor. That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we await. Besides, Advent symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and the flock of the Lord, as they affirm that Christ has come among us, and in hope that He will come again in glory.
Hope isn't based on the cable networks. Instead, hope looks at the Truth, looks at God's promise, and then, without denying the Truths or turning away from the evening news, lives out a vision of life-based upon God's promise, trusting that a benevolent, all-powerful God is still in charge of this world. Hope is a humble confidence that God won’t give up on me because his mercies are never exhausted [Lamentation 3:22]. The spirit of Advent is expressed well in the parable of the bridesmaids who are anxiously awaiting the coming of the Bridegroom (Matt 25:1-13). There is profound joy at the Bridegroom’s expected coming. And yet a warning of the need for preparation echoes through the parable too.
The Advent season is a good time to engage in consciousness examine. It is the time to look at the quality of our life in Christ and our Catholic faith. In short, this Advent is the opportune time to renew a vibrant relationship with the Lord and his Church: the regularity and devotedness of our Sunday experience at mass, our personal prayer life, our respect and dealings with others, our commitment to changing the world through authentic discipleship and service to the poor, the sacredness of human life, the strengthening of marriage and family life. It's a good time to restart your drooping spirit, to restore broken relationships with friends and neighbors.
Sorry to say, the secular world has turned the holy season of Advent into a season of indulgence. It is meant to be a season of training the appetites and being deliberately vigilant for He is coming. It’s time to blow on the spark of spiritual desire within us till it bursts into flame symbolizes by the Christmas lights that we tarry not to adorn our houses with.
How should a believer await the coming of the Lord? Be vigilant, says the Lord. Actively, with our lamps burning until the bridegroom enters into the marriage feast. May no one be found lacking in any spiritual gifts as we wait for the coming of the savior! Let us be mindful since it would be very tempting, and very easy to get so wrapped up in the transient gifts of this season that we forget the true spiritual gift, Christ the Lord.
Brothers and sisters, the wonder of Advent is that filled with hope, we are pressing onward. In the face of all that suggests the contrary, and irrespective of the evening news, God is still alive. He’s still the Lord of this world, and, because of that, we will all be conquerors, and we will all be exultant in Jesus Christ. Let’s not be mistaken, the Lord is coming! Tell the good news! -
Mass Times
- Saturday: 6:00 PM EnglishEnglishEN
- Sunday: 8:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN 11:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN Third Sunday is a Children's Mass 5:00 PM EnglishEnglishEN Teen Mass
- Tuesday: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN
- Thursday: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN
- Friday: 7:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN 12:15 PM EnglishEnglishEN
- Saturday: 7:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN First Saturday Mass in the Grotto (weather permitting)
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Confession Times
- Sunday: 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM 4:15 PM to 4:45 PM
- Tuesday: 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM
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Adoration Times
- Friday: 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM To volunteer contact Bill Leek at 254-666-0174.
- 1st Friday: 6:00 PM to 12:00 PM To volunteer contact Bill Leek at 254-666-0174.
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Nursing Home Masses
1st Thurs.--9:30am, Regent Care Center
2nd Thurs.--9:30am, Hewitt Senior Care Center
3rd Thursday--9:30am, Heartis Senior Care Center
4th Thurs.--9:30am, Ridge Crest -
Today's Readings
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Reading 1 Zep 3:14-18aResponsorial Psalm Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.Reading 2 Phil 4:4-7Gospel Lk 3:10-18
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Bp. Barron's Advent Reflections
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Friends, like those in the time of John the Baptist, we ask: “What should we do?” How should we live our lives? This question, of course, tells us something else about repentance: that it has to do...
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What Is BEST ADVENT EVER?
It’s a free email program that will help you slow down and focus on what matters most during this busy season. You'll experience Advent in a whole new way—leading to the best Christmas of your life!
SIGN UP
Music Ministry Christmas CD
There are a limited number of our music ministry's Christmas Cd's still available to purchase! These were a beautiful collaboration by all of the music groups at St. Jerome's. They make excellent Christmas gifts as well as St. Nicholas Day goodies. Cd's are $10 a piece and can be purchased in the secretary's office at church during regular business hours.
Midnight Mass Choir Opportunity!
Why not offer the Lord the gift of your time and talents this Christmas? If you are interested in joining the choir for Midnight Mass this Christmas please contact Liz Rogers at liz.jean.rogers@gmail.com . There will be several rehearsals throughout the month of December.
Liturgy of the Hours
Liturgy of the Hours will now be prayed each morning in the Ave Maria Chapel. On Wednesdays and Fridays, they will be prayed before 7:00 am Mass. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, they will be prayed at 7:00 am in the Chapel. Dary Santos will lead the prayers. Everyone is welcome.
First Friday Rosary
We will be saying the Rosary as a community on First Fridays for the deceased of our families, our parish, and other intentions. All are invited to participate. Time is 11:30 am. Mass follows in the Ave Maria Chapel at 12:15 pm.
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Upcoming Events
Coffee and Donuts Fellowship
We have coffee and donuts after the 8:30 am and 11:00 am masses EVERY SUNDAY except for Pancake Breakfast Sundays.
Please join us.
Faith Journey
Join us on Sunday mornings from 9:45-10: 45 am in Raphael Hall while CCE classes are meeting. We will not meet the week of the MOSTJ pancake breakfast each month. Coffee and donuts are served. The title of the program we are studying is Epic: A Journey Through Church History which comes with a workbook, timeline, bookmark, and access to online videos. For those who cannot attend the class in person, you can purchase the book and have access to online videos. The book is available through the main office and the cost is $27.
Game Day at St. Jerome
Join your fellow parishioners the first Sunday of every month at the Mother Teresa Center for Family and Youth from 2:00pm-4: 30 pm. Pickleball and volleyball will be available in the gym and table games, such as Dominoes, Skip-Bo, Chicken Foot and cards will be available in Raphael Hall.
Potluck Dinner
Saturday, January 19th after the 6:00 PM Mass. Bring your
favorite main dish, side dish or dessert to share.
Men of St. Jerome
The Men of St. Jerome World Famous Pancake Breakfast will be held in the Mother Theresa Center on Sunday, January 13th starting at 9:30 am. Breakfast includes two kinds of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, fruit, milk, juice, and coffee. All are welcome. We always welcome new men to come help. For information Bill Leek at 254-716-3416.We meet at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Jordan Hall every other Thursday from 7-9 pm. Our group also hosts play dates, moms nights out, and much more! For more information, contact wacocatholicmoms@gmail.com.
Waco Catholic Moms Group
We hope you can join us!
Annual Men’s Conference
The 2019 Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men’s Conference is taking place on Saturday, February 23 rd at St. Williams Catholic Church in Round Rock, TX. This year's speakers are Vince Young, Hector Molina, and Jon Leonetti. Register before Dec. 15 for the discount price of $30. To sign up contact Mike Kelly at 254-644-2272.
The price after Dec.15 th is $50.
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Advent Penance Services - Waco Deanery
December 11, 6 p.m., St. Eugene in McGregor, English
December 11, 7 p.m., St. Joseph in Waco (Bellmead), English
December 18, 6 p.m., St. Mary in Mexia, English
December 19, 6:30 p.m, St. Jerome in Waco (Hewitt), English
December 19, 5:30 p.m., St. John in Waco, English
December 20, 6 p.m., St. Mary in West, English
Mass Schedule for Upcoming Special Worship Days
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 7th (Vigil)
6:30 PMDecember 8th
9:00 AM
Nativity of the Lord
December 24th (Christmas Eve)
5:00 PM Children's Mass
(Pageant starts 4:15 pm)
7:00 PM
12:00 Midnight
(Music & meditation music begins at 11:20pm)
Nativity of the Lord
December 25th (Christmas)
9:00 AM
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
December 31st (Vigil)
6:30 PM
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
January 1st
9:00 AM -
Schedules/Minutes
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Calendar Entries and Room Reservations
To add an event to the church calendar or to reserve a room, please fill out the Request Form -
Ethics and Integrity in Ministry
Please Note: All clergy, religious, seminarians and employees; and all volunteers serving in ministry to minors or the vulnerable must attend an EIM workshop in order to be compliant with diocesan EIM policies. Verification of safe environment training from a previous diocese no longer serves as training in the Diocese of Austin. Please contact the EIM Office at emily-hurlimann@austindiocese.org if you have questions.
Please check the Diocese of Austin website for upcoming workshops. You must sign-up for a workshop on the Diocese of Austin website.
Upcoming Workshops
St Louis Catholic School, Waco
Saturday
1/12/2019
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM -
Mother Teresa Center for
Family and Youth4x8" personalized engraved pavers that will be placed at the entrance to the new activities building can still be purchased for $100. Please bring order form and payment to the church office during regular business hours. For questions, please contact Pat Flavin at 235-1893 or pat.flavin@gmail.com
(Click on bricks below for form)
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Vocations
The Priesthood is the Love of the Heart of Jesus
(Austin Vocations website)
Vocation Spotlight
Fr. James Ekeocha
Fr. Raj
Our Deacons
Don Moore
Sisters of Sacred Sciences -
We are excited to announce that St. Jerome Parish has become a partner in an exciting 24/7 on-line web-based digital formation series called Formed, produced by the Augustine Institute and Ignatius Press.
To register for a free account log on to stjeromewaco.formed.org
Once you have signed up, don't forget to download the free iOS or Android app to put FORMED at your fingertips.
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When you shop AmazonSmile, Amazon will make a don ation to St Jerome. Bookmark https://smile.amazon.com/ch/74-2291641 and use the link every time you shop. St Jerome has received a $40.83 donation from the AmazonSmile Foundation as a result of AmazonSmile program activity between July 1 and September 30, 2018.
