Volunteers Needed

Nativity Outreach Food Pantry & Food Bank is in need of a few good men to help unload the Food Pantry truck on Thursday mornings.  This requires about an hour and a half from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.  What an inspirational way to start your day.  Call Pat at 707-1523 for further information.

With Heartfelt Thanks

Nativity Catholic Church has been blessed and enriched by the ongoing presence of the Sisters of Holy Cross in the parish for so many years.  Our praise and thanks to God for their dedication and commitment to our parish and school, and now in a special way for the gifts of Sister Jacqueline Hebert, CSC, and Sister Pauline Tremblay, CSC, who are so generous in offering themselves at the service of the people of God. Sister Jacqueline has been at Nativity for 18 years, and she heads the Home Visitation Team, as well as Remembering Church ministry for Catholics returning to the Church. Sister Pauline has been a teacher for 28 years at Nativity School. Both are loved not only for their grace-filled response to God's call, but also for their gentleness of spirit that gives God's people a taste of what is to come.  Also we honor Sister Constance Arsenault, CSC, who served at Nativity in Pastoral Ministry for many years.  She is now retired to St. George Manor in Manchester, New Hampshire.

            We also remember the dear Sisters who served so faithfully at Nativity and have been called home by the Lord:

VSister Rose Gingras,
VSister Jeannette Gingras,
VSister Alice DuCharme
VSister Irene St. Jean

School Openings

A Nativity Catholic School graduate is a spiritually developed individual, an individual possessing self-esteem and resilience, a responsible steward, and a life long learner. 

Our students in grades pre kindergarten 3 year through eighth grade learn, play, and work together in an environment dedicated to the teachings of our faith.

Nativity Catholic School offers a top quality Catholic education at affordable competitive tuition rates.  A limited number of seats are available in grades EC3 & 4year old, 5th, 6th, and 7th.  Contact the School Office for additional information regarding admission requirements and the application process or to schedule a tour.  Information is also available on our website at www.nativitycatholicschool.org

Nativity Catholic School is an active and vibrant component of the parish community of Nativity Catholic Church.

Automated Online Giving

Automated Online Giving Opportunity Available For Nativity Parishioners

To provide our parishioners with every opportunity to participate in supporting our parish community, we are excited to offer an Automated Online Giving program from Parish Pay for Nativity parishioner’s use.

After careful consideration, research and many requests, Father Proulx and the Parish Finance Council have agreed that this program is an opportunity and a convenience for many of our parish families who travel, work out of town, or those who choose to budget their offertory contributions monthly. 

The new Nativity Online Offertory and Donation opportunity is available through Parish Pay. The Parish Pay online electronic giving program allows us to participate in a secure online donation program where gifts are electronically and automatically transferred to our Parish offertory.

This program is ideal for our Parish. It allows us to prayerfully make a gift that we can be proud of, one that reflects our faith. It also allows us to be good stewards and continue to keep our obligations to our parish community if we are out of town traveling, away on a business or family matter, or just simply forget our envelope or checkbook on the way to weekend Mass.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parishioners Interested in the Nativity Automated Giving Program:

Q – What is an Automated Giving Program?
A.  It is an automated way to make your monthly offertory contributions electronically from your checking, savings, or credit card account. There is NO cost to participate in the program.

Q – How do I enroll?
A.  You can enroll by filling out an enrollment card at the Church Office, signing up directly on the Parish Pay website at www.parishpay.com, or by calling 1-866-PARISH-1. The process takes less than three minutes.

Q – How does the Nativity Automated Giving Program relate to the use of weekly envelopes – what will I place in the offertory basket?
A.  If you decide to participate in the Automated Giving Program, it replaces the use of weekly envelopes. Special donation slips are available for those enrolled in the automated giving program to drop into the collection basket weekly.

Q- Once enrolled can I make changes to my information, such as the amount of my monthly donation, bank account number or mailing address?
A.  Parishioners can provide these changes to the church office or by visiting the website at www.parishpay.com.

Q – Will I receive receipts for tax purposes?
A.  Yes, all contributors enrolled can print out an annual receipt directly from the website every January, which can then be used for IRS documentation.

Re-Membering Church

Nativity Church is offering this program of evangelization to revitalize those seeking their God and their Church that leads to Him.  Again Nativity Church is calling several people to Re-Member—yes, to come home to your Church.  Hear God calling you to Re-Member to return to Him.

• Do you have a desire to get back into the Church as a real active participant?
• Are you attending Church and leave at Communion time because you are embarrassed to stay in the pew because you cannot receive the Lord?
• Are you seeking more knowledge about the Church you do attend?
• Do you have a desire to rekindle your faith?
• Do you know a family member or a friend who is talking about coming back, but needs an invitation?

If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, then the Re-Membering Church is for You!  Call Sister Jacqueline at 689-6244 (office) or after 5:00 p.m. at 689-3720.  Classes are on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Oakwood Room.  At your convenience classes could be scheduled during the day.

Catholic Bible Study

Come join Catholic Bible Study as we explore God’s word in the Gospel of Matthew.  Each week we meet for fellowship, discussion of weekly lessons and lecture.

No experience necessary!  Men and women, Catholic or not, all are welcome!  Together we learn more about God’s word and how to apply what we learn to our own lives.  Come to meet new friends, grow spiritually and share how God is working in your life.

We meet on Thursday mornings from 9:25-11am.  The study starts on September 13 and finishes the week before Easter 2008.  We do not meet during the school calendar holidays and Novemberfest.

For more information, please call Mary Shields at 813-737-2015 or email at maryshields2@yahoo.com.  Newcomers may join at any time during the year.

Ministry of Hospitality
"Greeters"

The parish “Ministry of Hospitality – Greeters” is off and running.  Our initial appeal back in March brought us enough members to get us started.  The parish community’s response thus far has been excellent.

Many Mass attendees, participants, and visitors have commented on how nice it is to be greeted with a smiling face and a kind “Hello.”  Greeters also have been put into service for other special events, liturgies and special occasions.  We could do so much more to “spread the Good News” here at Nativity just with a smile … we’d love to have you onboard.

A greeter is an Ambassador for Jesus Christ who is the first point of contact for fellow parishioners and guests as they enter the Church.  The purpose of the ministry is simply to make the people feel that you are glad that they came and that their presence is important to what is about to take place.  WHAT A WAY to experience the spirit of our Sunday Mass and its fullness within our parish community.

So if you have a warm smile, a couple of pleasant words to say and would like to share them with our community and its’ visitors, simply contact Tim Bergevin at 813-684-4643 to find out more about being a part of this vibrant ministry.  This is an excellent opportunity to share your wonderful talents and time with those who might otherwise miss them!  Thanks for considering this ministry.

Volunteers Needed

“One of the nicest things about working for God
is His retirement plan!”

            Retired?  Come start a second career with Nativity Outreach.  Nativity Food Bank needs several volunteers for warehouse work.  This involves receiving and distributing donations.  Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

            Volunteers are also needed inside the warehouse to stock shelves and make up boxes.  Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon weekdays.

            Nativity Food Pantry welcome volunteers on Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Social Hall to distribute food and from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to unload the truck and set-up.

            These are volunteer positions and can be structured to meet your needs.  Come join us – our retirement program is heavenly!  Information: Call Pat 707-1523.

Library Help:

Volunteers are always needed to help parishioners check out books from our Parish Library, located in the Narthex.  We especially need bilingual (English-Spanish) volunteers.  If you can help out once or twice a month, please call the Faith Formation Office at 689-9101.

Nursery Helpers Wanted:

The Sunday-morning Nursery during the 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. Masses needs adult helpers as well as teenagers willing to donate an hour or two a month.  Please call Marie Miller at 657-0137 if you can help with this vital parish ministry.

Weekly Eucharistic Adoration

Eucharistic exposition is held every Friday beginning after the 8 a.m. Mass in the Chapel and ending with Benediction before the 7:00 p.m. Spanish Mass begins.

            In his 2003 encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Pope John Paul II wrote:  “The worship of the Eucharist outside of the Mass is of inestimable value for the life of the Church. This worship is strictly linked to the celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice. The presence of Christ under the sacred species reserved after Mass--a presence which lasts as long as the species of bread and of wine remains--derives from the celebration of the sacrifice and is directed towards communion, both sacramental and spiritual. It is pleasant to spend time with him, to lie close to his breast like the Beloved Disciple (cf. Jn 13:25) and to feel the infinite love present in his heart.

            “The Eucharist is a priceless treasure: by not only celebrating it but also by praying before it outside of Mass we are enabled to make contact with the very wellspring of grace.”

            Please make plans to spend even just one hour a month in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Your prayer for your own needs and for the Nativity Parish family will be of tremendous value.

It's the flu season.
Should I drink from the cup?

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta advises that influenza “spreads in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing.  It usually spreads from person to person, though occasionally a person may become infected by touching something with virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.” (See the website www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts for more information.)  In other words, typically, consuming from the common cup will not expose you to the flu virus.

 At Nativity we will continue to make the Precious Blood available at all Masses.  If you are sick or if your immune system is weakened due to age or illness you may wish to consider refraining from the cup.  In receiving just the consecrated host, you are receiving the fullness of the Body and Blood of the Lord.

 Some other flu recommendations from the CDC.

·   Stay home when you are sick.
·   Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
      ·   Clean your hands regularly with water and soap or an alcohol-based antibacterial wash.
             ·   Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

The Nursery for infants and toddlers is open on Sundays,  
during the 10:30 a.m. Mass every Sunday,
except for holiday weekends.

Please note that children age 3 or older may not be left in the Nursery, but should attend Mass with their families.

St. Theresa's Bible Study

            Calling all seniors who seek to grow in faith!  Come join our Bible Study group and see the Lord working in your life!

            This year we will explore the richness of the life of the early Church as written in the Acts of the Apostles. Come see your faith blossom.

            Join Sister Jacqueline and her special people on each Tuesday, at 1:30 p.m. in the Oakwood Room for a very important course.  If you have any questions, please contact Sister Jacqueline at 689-6244.

NEWCOMERS

          If you are a visitor to Nativity Catholic Church, we want you to know how welcome you are – whether you have come from another part of the country, from across the world, or simply from another parish here in the Diocese of St. Petersburg.  The priests and people of the parish extend a warm welcome to you.

THE TRAVELING CHALICE PROGRAM

The chalice has been memorialized for the traveling chalice program.  It is In Memory of the Deceased Family Members by the Cureg and Taghap Families.   This program is a popular way to encourage families and individuals to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  Parishes throughout the country have adopted this program.  Families are presented with the chalice at one of the weekend masses and asked to take it home, place it in a prominent and safe place as a reminder to pray each day for vocations.  This chalice will be used specifically for that purpose.  If you are interested in taking the Chalice to your home for a week, please call the Church Office to make arrangements to be presented with it at Mass.

Click here for Religious Education and Confirmation News.

Middle School - High School - College/Young Adults

High School

LIFETEEN Life Night – All high school aged teens are invited to join us in the Social Hall for a light meal following the Sunday LifeTeen Mass, then come over to the Youth Shack for our Life Night (which ends at 9:00 p.m.).

Open Shack night is every Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Join your Christian friends for a night of fun, games, music and fellowship.  

Hispanic Youth Group:  The Hispanic Youth Group meets every Friday evening in the Youth Shack starting at 7:00 p.m.  All Hispanic youth are encouraged to attend an evening filled with fun, fellowship, and Faith sharing.

LIFETEEN PARENTS - WE NEED YOUR HELP FEEDING OUR YOUTH!!!  Every Sunday we have many hungry mouths to feed and we need your help.  What a great way to be an example of stewardship for your children.   Call the youth office to schedule your week - 689-4147.

Life TEEN Ushers are looking for a few new faces.  If you’re interested in helping out contact the Youth Office.

Parents needed:  If you are interested in volunteering to assist with meal preparation for Life TEEN please contact Justin in the Youth Office at (813) 689-4147.

Teen Leaders:  We are looking for a few GREAT leaders to help out with various positions of leadership within Life TEEN and Life F.O.R.C.E.  If you are interested in helping out in Christ’s Ministry, please contact Justin in the Youth Shack at 689-4147.  Applications will soon be made available.

Middle School

LIFE F.O.R.C.E. -  Following Our Resurrected Christ Everywhere.  This is our ministry for 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade youth.  We meet every Tuesday from 6pm-8pm in the Youth Shack for fun, fellowship and growing in our faith.  Our motto is “Play hard, Pray harder”!  Come join us.  For questions please call Ed Buckley-Assistant Youth Director at (813) 689-4147.

LIFE F.O.R.C.E. Parents -  Parents please try and donate snacks for our Tuesday night gathering to help feed the youth and create an environment of hospitality.

College and Career

Join us Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Education Building.  We are a group of Catholic young adults who seek to learn and grow in our Catholic faith.  Our primary focus is on activities that will help us to learn to live as a Christian in the world.  At each meeting we gather together socially in Christian fellowship, study Holy Scripture and discuss a topic related to the Church’s teaching on Social Justice in the hope of fostering a spirit of Christian service to greater community.  After our discussion plan on going with us to one of our favorite local restaurants!

PASTORAL CARE NEWS

We now have Sunday van drivers and room for more passengers.  Do you know of any homebound who would be able to get in and out of the van and would like to attend the 4:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday or the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday?  Please contact the Pastoral Care Office at 689-2289 and we’ll mail you a release form to ride the van each week.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

When we present a religious teaching, share a faith story, or hear how God is stirring the hearts of our young people, our understanding of God’s love grows and deepens. Learn a new lesson, hear a new story, and volunteer to teach in our parish Religious Education Program. A variety of opportunities are available to match your talents and time.  Team-teaching with a family member or friend is encouraged.  On-going training and support is provided by the parish staff and through diocesan workshops.  Contact the Religious Education Office, 689-9101, Vicki Hawkins or Pamela Emery for further information.

La Victoria News

The Storage facility behind Pastoral Care has been completed and the La Victoria space will be open every Monday from 9:00-11:00 AM to accept items to be shipped there on the next container.   Please be selective in what you present to the storage facility for shipment to La Victoria.  This space is not intended to accept items that are of inferior quality.  Things that are always needed are clothing and shoes in good condition, diapers, maternity clothes, craft/art supplies, “like new” working appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers) to name only a few.  If you have any questions as the appropriateness of an item, please call the Church Office (681-4608).

Hospitals and nursing homes cannot give us the names of the Catholics admitted unless you specifically state that you want to see a priest or visitor from the Catholic Church. If you would like to be visited during your hospital stay, please make sure that you tell the Admitting staff to include you on the Clergy Visitation List.   It is crucial that you say yes to the Clergy Visitation List, if you want priests and our Extraordinary Ministers to visit you.  Please give this information to the hospital when you are admitted. If you are confined to home or a nursing home facility, either temporarily or permanently, a member of the Pastoral Care Team will be happy to bring Holy Eucharist to your home weekly.  Please call the Pastoral Care Office at 689-2289, to let them know your circumstances.

  
EMERGENCY EVACUATION LIST

The Nativity Pastoral Care Center is currently updating the Emergency Evacuation List for Hillsborough County.  If you or a family member will need assistance in the event of a natural disaster, please contact the Pastoral Care Office NOW at 689-2289 with the necessary information so your name will be registered with the county.  Thank you!

A Word on the Family Mass

If you have attended the 10:30 a.m. Family Mass in the Chapel, you know that most Sundays it is extremely crowded.  Many of those attending, however, do not have children or have children who have entered adolescence.  Please note that this Mass is designed for parents or guardians with young children.  If your children have entered adolescence, please consider switching to the 10:30 a.m. Mass in the Church, or try the 6:00 p.m. Life Teen Mass.  If you have been attending without children or grandchildren, please consider switching to the Church Mass.  In this way, we can reduce the crowding and make more room for young families.  Thank you.

REMEMBER SOMEONE WITH A GIFT TO OUR PARISH LIBRARY!

While You Are On Vacation…

The work of the Church carries on! Remember when you travel that the many ministries we support at Nativity don’t stop for vacation. Please remember to mail in your weekly envelopes for the weeks you are gone. You can also combine several weeks’ worth in one collection basket. As always, thank you for your generosity and have a safe and enjoyable vacation!
 

As You Travel…

REMEMBER by dialing (1-410-676-6000) or website: www.masstimes.org, you can access a nation-wide ministry to traveling Catholics, which provides free information on the location of a near-by church and times of Masses daily, and on weekends and holy days. The languages of the services and information of interest to disabled persons or sign language, wheel chair access and directions are also included. Try it, all you need to know is the zip code of the area in which you are interested!