BASILICA PACKED FOR LAST MASS OF 2007
The Basilica of St Mang was crowded and many were left standing at the last Mass of 2007.As is tradition in Füssen it was celebrated in thanksgiving for the year ending.Sylvester Mass is very popular.Unfortunatly the Holyday of Obligation for "Mary,Mother of God" did not have a large congregation with standing room only.We have been in Germany now for 18 months and have only just found out all the Holydays of Obligation due to a search of the internet!In the UK it was made very clear when there was a Holyday and all were bound to attend Mass.Here in Bavaria we hadn't got a clue that Mondays after Easter and Pentecost and the Second Day of Christmas were Holydays.It just was not announced in a way we could understand.When we discussed the matter with others,they all had a very "laid back" attitude that its not so important!
Were the Sylvester Mass to become the 1st Mass of the Holyday in Thanksgiving as well for the past year,many would have then filled their Obligation to attend Mass on the Holyday!
CHRISTMAS DAY MASS
Mass was celebrated at 1000hrs by Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel,he was assisted by Deacon Fredl Hofmann.The Church was full.The music for Mass was the Sparrow Mass from W.A.Mozart KV 220.Monsignor in his sermon spoke about bringing Christ into our hearts.
People line up after Mass at the crib and at the statue of Our Lady of Bavaria.The "Theatrum Sacrum" is open showing the Christmas theme.
CHRISTMAS MASS AT 2230HRS
The Basilica was packed for the "Midnight Mass" of Christmas.Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel celebrated the Mass assisted by Deacon Fredl Hofmann.The music for the Mass was the Pastoral Mass from Karl Kempter
HEILIGER ABEND MASS
At 1630 hrs on Christmas Eve-Heiliger Abend or Holy Evening,
the servers,1st communion children,Deacon and Priest processed out of the sacristy for the 1st Mass of Christmas in St Mang Basilica.
Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel was the celebrant assisted by Deacon Fredl Hofmann.
The church was packed and all seats had been filled by 1600hrs,30 minutes before the start of Holy Mass.The Children from the 1st communion group presented the Nativity for all the congregation to see and meditate on.
Monsignor in his sermon told the children that all their Christmas presents could not match the importance of the gift God the Father gave us.He asked that all take the chance this Christmas to invite Jesus into our hearts so that others will see Jesus in us and all that we do.
After Mass was finished the servers and children processed to the Krippkirche in the centre of the pedestrian zone.Monsignor held the statue of the Christ child.
Members of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Füssen were holding their vespers service with carols when the procession arrived at the Krippkirche.
The statue was then placed in a holder set on the altar.
HEILIGER ABEND
Waiting for Jesus to Come
3 joYoung boys pray at the crib.Waiting and watching for Jesus to come.May He come into their hearts and minds this Christmas.May the hearts of all people be enlightened with His message of love,peace & Joy
CRIB IN ST STEPHAN FRANZISCAN CHURCH FÜSSEN
ADVENT 2007
A Time of watching,
waiting,
prayer &
JOY!
ADVENT 2007 IN THE PARISH
St Walburga,Weisensee
BLESSING FOR PREGNANT MOTHERS AND THOSE TRYING FOR A BABY
On Wednesday 19th December at 1900hrs,Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel led a service of blessing in the Baptistry for those who were expecting or trying to conceive a baby.The Blessing was the idea of Michael & Michaela Blitzner.
One couple even came from the neighbouring parish of Trauchgau to receive a special blessing.They were so grateful that this was happening in the Basilica.
From now on it will happen 3 times a year to enable all pregnant mothers and those who wish to conceive,to be able to get a special blessing.
--------------------------------
SEELOSHAUS MOTHER & BABY GROUP NATIVITY
The Mother & Baby group meet in Seeloshaus for the last time this year on Wednesday 19th December.
Parish Children's helper,Brigitte Böck arranged a small story about the coming of Jesus for them.
Carols were sung as the children and their mama's walked around in a circle.
The children looking at the empty stall.Maybe they can help make it comfortable for Jesus when He comes.
Some more Carols were sung before sitting down to cakes,biscuits and soft drinks.
Brigitte Böck was presented with a voucher to buy,make-up,perfume or creams for herself,by all the mothers and children.
---------------------------------
Christmas Music & Nativity Meditation in the Local Schwäbisch Dialect.
On Sunday 16th December in St Stephan Franciscan Church a Nativity Meditation by Arthur Maximilian Miller was enacted.
There were three speakers using the local Dialect which is very different from normal German.
Music was provided by the children's choir of the Music & Singing School in Füssen and Huber-Jaumann family Music Group.
The speakers were Margarete Huber,Cilly Kahle,& Dr.Christoph Böhm.
The whole presentation and the music led one to meditate joyfully on the birth of Christ.The local dialect only added to this uplifting mood as it rolled of the tongues of the speakers.It and the music filled everyone with harmonious thoughts.
This was a combined effort where all parties flowed together to bring this work of art to reality.
The church was packed for the event.
A retiring collection was in aid of a Priest in Lima,Peru who looks after slum children.
Only one thing spoiled the whole event slightly.Outside of the church,a lady who originates from Munich was freezing with her child in temperatures of -6c.She said that she was forced to bring her child out of the church because of the looks of the old people in the church.He was 3 years old and was dancing to the music and listening in his own way.She went on to say that this is the very reason she only brings him to church about twice a year.Her words are a real meditation for all Christians at this time of year.She said"They gather to worship and love the little child in the manger,but when they see another child in the church they hate it"
We asked her to make the effort to bring her child regularly and pray that all reading this will do the same.
---------------------------------------
PREPARING FOR THE COMING BIRTH
Sunday 16th December was the monthly Children's Liturgy of the Word.Parish Children's helper Brigitte Bock led the service.Music was provided by Michael & Michaela Blitzner.
The Children were read the Christmas Story of the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger in Bethlehem.They then tried to make the manger softer for His arrival by
putting straw in the crib.
They then joined the congregation in Acht Seligkeiten for the Consecration and the rest of the Holy Mass.
---------------------------The Basilica of St Mang was crowded and many were left standing at the last Mass of 2007.As is tradition in Füssen it was celebrated in thanksgiving for the year ending.Sylvester Mass is very popular.Unfortunatly the Holyday of Obligation for "Mary,Mother of God" did not have a large congregation with standing room only.We have been in Germany now for 18 months and have only just found out all the Holydays of Obligation due to a search of the internet!In the UK it was made very clear when there was a Holyday and all were bound to attend Mass.Here in Bavaria we hadn't got a clue that Mondays after Easter and Pentecost and the Second Day of Christmas were Holydays.It just was not announced in a way we could understand.When we discussed the matter with others,they all had a very "laid back" attitude that its not so important!
Were the Sylvester Mass to become the 1st Mass of the Holyday in Thanksgiving as well for the past year,many would have then filled their Obligation to attend Mass on the Holyday!
CHRISTMAS DAY MASS
Mass was celebrated at 1000hrs by Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel,he was assisted by Deacon Fredl Hofmann.The Church was full.The music for Mass was the Sparrow Mass from W.A.Mozart KV 220.Monsignor in his sermon spoke about bringing Christ into our hearts.
People line up after Mass at the crib and at the statue of Our Lady of Bavaria.The "Theatrum Sacrum" is open showing the Christmas theme.
CHRISTMAS MASS AT 2230HRS
The Basilica was packed for the "Midnight Mass" of Christmas.Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel celebrated the Mass assisted by Deacon Fredl Hofmann.The music for the Mass was the Pastoral Mass from Karl Kempter
HEILIGER ABEND MASS
Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel was the celebrant assisted by Deacon Fredl Hofmann.
The church was packed and all seats had been filled by 1600hrs,30 minutes before the start of Holy Mass.The Children from the 1st communion group presented the Nativity for all the congregation to see and meditate on.
Monsignor in his sermon told the children that all their Christmas presents could not match the importance of the gift God the Father gave us.He asked that all take the chance this Christmas to invite Jesus into our hearts so that others will see Jesus in us and all that we do.
Members of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Füssen were holding their vespers service with carols when the procession arrived at the Krippkirche.
The statue was then placed in a holder set on the altar.
A
Children from the Syrian Orthodox Church sang a few carols in Aramaic.Father Yavno Cepe,Syrian Orthodox priest in Füssen can be seen in the midle of the photo below.
Children from the Syrian Orthodox Church sang a few carols in Aramaic.Father Yavno Cepe,Syrian Orthodox priest in Füssen can be seen in the midle of the photo below.
HEILIGER ABEND
Waiting for Jesus to Come
3 joYoung boys pray at the crib.Waiting and watching for Jesus to come.May He come into their hearts and minds this Christmas.May the hearts of all people be enlightened with His message of love,peace & Joy
CRIB IN ST STEPHAN FRANZISCAN CHURCH FÜSSEN
ADVENT 2007
A Time of watching,
waiting,
prayer &
JOY!
ADVENT 2007 IN THE PARISH
St Mang Basilica
St Walburga,Weisensee
Acht Seligkeiten
St Peter & St Paul,Hopfen am SeeBLESSING FOR PREGNANT MOTHERS AND THOSE TRYING FOR A BABY
On Wednesday 19th December at 1900hrs,Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel led a service of blessing in the Baptistry for those who were expecting or trying to conceive a baby.The Blessing was the idea of Michael & Michaela Blitzner.
One couple even came from the neighbouring parish of Trauchgau to receive a special blessing.They were so grateful that this was happening in the Basilica.
From now on it will happen 3 times a year to enable all pregnant mothers and those who wish to conceive,to be able to get a special blessing.
--------------------------------
SEELOSHAUS MOTHER & BABY GROUP NATIVITY
The Mother & Baby group meet in Seeloshaus for the last time this year on Wednesday 19th December.
Parish Children's helper,Brigitte Böck arranged a small story about the coming of Jesus for them.
Carols were sung as the children and their mama's walked around in a circle.
The children looking at the empty stall.Maybe they can help make it comfortable for Jesus when He comes.
Some more Carols were sung before sitting down to cakes,biscuits and soft drinks.
Brigitte Böck was presented with a voucher to buy,make-up,perfume or creams for herself,by all the mothers and children.
Christmas Music & Nativity Meditation in the Local Schwäbisch Dialect.
On Sunday 16th December in St Stephan Franciscan Church a Nativity Meditation by Arthur Maximilian Miller was enacted.
There were three speakers using the local Dialect which is very different from normal German.
Music was provided by the children's choir of the Music & Singing School in Füssen and Huber-Jaumann family Music Group.
The speakers were Margarete Huber,Cilly Kahle,& Dr.Christoph Böhm.
The whole presentation and the music led one to meditate joyfully on the birth of Christ.The local dialect only added to this uplifting mood as it rolled of the tongues of the speakers.It and the music filled everyone with harmonious thoughts.
This was a combined effort where all parties flowed together to bring this work of art to reality.
The church was packed for the event.
A retiring collection was in aid of a Priest in Lima,Peru who looks after slum children.
Only one thing spoiled the whole event slightly.Outside of the church,a lady who originates from Munich was freezing with her child in temperatures of -6c.She said that she was forced to bring her child out of the church because of the looks of the old people in the church.He was 3 years old and was dancing to the music and listening in his own way.She went on to say that this is the very reason she only brings him to church about twice a year.Her words are a real meditation for all Christians at this time of year.She said"They gather to worship and love the little child in the manger,but when they see another child in the church they hate it"
We asked her to make the effort to bring her child regularly and pray that all reading this will do the same.
---------------------------------------
PREPARING FOR THE COMING BIRTH
Sunday 16th December was the monthly Children's Liturgy of the Word.Parish Children's helper Brigitte Bock led the service.Music was provided by Michael & Michaela Blitzner.
The Children were read the Christmas Story of the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger in Bethlehem.They then tried to make the manger softer for His arrival by
putting straw in the crib. They then joined the congregation in Acht Seligkeiten for the Consecration and the rest of the Holy Mass.
ST LUCY'S DAY-13th December 2007
On the feast of St Lucy the Catholic Church in Füssen were day 13 in the City of Füssen Advent Calender.
Christian Schulter,Pastoral Worker, Brigitte Bock,Children's Worker and Franciscan Priest,Father Michael worked hard to make sure the children not only enjoyed themselves but that they also gained something spiritual from the day.
At 1500hrs in Seeloshaus,many children started to make little ships with lights in them.
---------------------------Christian Schulter,Pastoral Worker, Brigitte Bock,Children's Worker and Franciscan Priest,Father Michael worked hard to make sure the children not only enjoyed themselves but that they also gained something spiritual from the day.
At 1500hrs in Seeloshaus,many children started to make little ships with lights in them.
Above the children making their ships with Christian Schulte,
Pastoral Helper,in the right hand photo.
Father Michael helps the children
The Children then took their ships to the Krippekirche
Inside the Krippkirche,A small service was held.Advent hymns were sung.
Then some children came in leading St Lucy, who has candles on her head.
St Lucy was a young girl.Her parents let her help the persecuted church by taking food and other supplies to those who were secretly hiding in the catacumens.She had to do it by night and so she could see as her hands were full,she wore candles on her head.
In the old "Julian"Calender,her feast falls on the longest night of the year.He name means light.Her mother wanted her to marry a pagan but Lucy refused and wanted to remain a virgin and consecrate her life to Christ.She gave her dowry to the poor.Her rejected suitor told the authorities she was a Christian.She was martyred by guards who were unable to move her to burn her at the stake.They removed her eyes and then stabbed her to death,She is the Patron Saint of blind people.
The children came to the altar of the Krippkirche and sang "Sancte Lucia".
More Advent Carols followed then Christian Schulte came with a massive candle and talked about the life of Saint Lucy.Then everyone was invited to light their candles.After the short service the children led all the congregation through the city centre.
Heading towards the River Lech
Everyone is very exited when they arrive on the banks of the River Lech.Father Michael was the first to launch his boat with the help of Christian Schulte.
The 1st boats float away in the River Lech.
The view from above the crowds as the boats float away.The children were then given St Lucy cakes made with Saffron. We manged to catch one of the last ones being eaten.To say they disappeared like hots cakes is an understatement!
Many thanks must go to the organisers for a fantastic event which was enjoyed immensely by all the children and adults who took part.
Pastoral Helper,in the right hand photo.
Father Michael helps the children
The Children then took their ships to the Krippekirche
Inside the Krippkirche,A small service was held.Advent hymns were sung.
Then some children came in leading St Lucy, who has candles on her head.
St Lucy was a young girl.Her parents let her help the persecuted church by taking food and other supplies to those who were secretly hiding in the catacumens.She had to do it by night and so she could see as her hands were full,she wore candles on her head.
In the old "Julian"Calender,her feast falls on the longest night of the year.He name means light.Her mother wanted her to marry a pagan but Lucy refused and wanted to remain a virgin and consecrate her life to Christ.She gave her dowry to the poor.Her rejected suitor told the authorities she was a Christian.She was martyred by guards who were unable to move her to burn her at the stake.They removed her eyes and then stabbed her to death,She is the Patron Saint of blind people.
The children came to the altar of the Krippkirche and sang "Sancte Lucia".
More Advent Carols followed then Christian Schulte came with a massive candle and talked about the life of Saint Lucy.Then everyone was invited to light their candles.After the short service the children led all the congregation through the city centre.
Heading towards the River Lech
Everyone is very exited when they arrive on the banks of the River Lech.Father Michael was the first to launch his boat with the help of Christian Schulte.
The 1st boats float away in the River Lech.
The view from above the crowds as the boats float away.The children were then given St Lucy cakes made with Saffron. We manged to catch one of the last ones being eaten.To say they disappeared like hots cakes is an understatement!
Many thanks must go to the organisers for a fantastic event which was enjoyed immensely by all the children and adults who took part.
NIKOLAUS
St Nicholas and he is always accompanied by Rupert(Knecht Ruprecht) THE DEVIL!
The feast of St Nicholas is very big here in Germany.It is held on the 6th December,however,many towns,villages and cities have a Nicholas Market around that date if not on the day itself..
On 4th December the Kindergarten raised over €1000 from a Nicholas Market held in the forecourt area of Acht Seligkeiten Church,West Füssen.Many seasonal gifts were on sale as well as hot children's punch.St Nicholas visited the children about 1800hrs and gave each a small present to eat.
In the Wednesday Parents and babies group,held in the Seeloshaus,Presents of fruit,chocolate and nuts were also handed to the children.Brigitte Bock,Children's Worker for the Parish had been given a big bag left by St Nicholas!
On the 5th of December,the Parish arranged for St Nicholas and Rupert(THE DEVIL),(who punishes the naughty children),to visit children in their homes.
Parents had to ring the Parish Office to book an appointment.
St Nicholas then visited at the right time and spoke to the children.
Parents were able to have him say a little message to the children.
This was an excellent chance to encourage little acts of good behavior in their religious life.
A Donation was given by the parents to the church and the parents supplied goodies for St Nicholas to give their children.
The look of awe and amazement on the children's faces was worth seeing.
Thursday 6th December St Nicholas was extremely busy!First he spent his time with all the groups in St Gabriel Catholic Kindergarten,West Füssen.
We managed to catch up with him as he visited the Parents and Toddler group which meets every Thursday in the Kindergarten between 0830hrs and 1030hrs.
All the children were delighted to see him and receive their "Nikolaus cake".
From the smiles and laughter,it seems the parents also enjoyed it as much as their children.
Tonight he will be busy visiting the children in the Acht Seligkeiten area of the Parish.
------------------
1ST MASS OF ADVENT IN WEISENSEE
St Nicholas and he is always accompanied by Rupert(Knecht Ruprecht) THE DEVIL!
The feast of St Nicholas is very big here in Germany.It is held on the 6th December,however,many towns,villages and cities have a Nicholas Market around that date if not on the day itself..
On 4th December the Kindergarten raised over €1000 from a Nicholas Market held in the forecourt area of Acht Seligkeiten Church,West Füssen.Many seasonal gifts were on sale as well as hot children's punch.St Nicholas visited the children about 1800hrs and gave each a small present to eat.
In the Wednesday Parents and babies group,held in the Seeloshaus,Presents of fruit,chocolate and nuts were also handed to the children.Brigitte Bock,Children's Worker for the Parish had been given a big bag left by St Nicholas!
On the 5th of December,the Parish arranged for St Nicholas and Rupert(THE DEVIL),(who punishes the naughty children),to visit children in their homes.
Parents had to ring the Parish Office to book an appointment.
St Nicholas then visited at the right time and spoke to the children.
Parents were able to have him say a little message to the children.
This was an excellent chance to encourage little acts of good behavior in their religious life.
A Donation was given by the parents to the church and the parents supplied goodies for St Nicholas to give their children.
The look of awe and amazement on the children's faces was worth seeing.
We managed to catch up with him as he visited the Parents and Toddler group which meets every Thursday in the Kindergarten between 0830hrs and 1030hrs.
All the children were delighted to see him and receive their "Nikolaus cake".
From the smiles and laughter,it seems the parents also enjoyed it as much as their children.
Tonight he will be busy visiting the children in the Acht Seligkeiten area of the Parish.
------------------
1ST MASS OF ADVENT IN WEISENSEE
Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel,Parish Priest of the Füssen Partnership of Churches and Regional Dean celebrated the 1st Advent Mass in Weisensee.He welcomed all the 1st communion children and introduced to the congregation,those making their Confirmation this year.
At the beginning of Mass,the 1st communion children brought the Advent Wreaths they had made and they were blessed by Monsignor.
The church was crowded to overflowing for this Mass to welcome in the start of the churches year.A choir of children under the lead of Mrs Johanna Hüber sang Advent Hymns & Carols During the Mass and after at the Nikolaus Market.
AFTER MASS AN ADVENT MARKET WAS HELD TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ST NIKOLAUS OBERKIRCHE,WEISENSEE:
Mrs Johanna Hüber and the children sang Advent Carols and hymns and also gave a little dance display.
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THE FIRST MASS OF ADVENT
St Mang Basilica
Father Rudolf Böhm celebrated the 1st Mass of Advent in St Mang Basilica at 1800hrs 2nd December 2007.
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MAKING AN ADVENT WREATH
On Saturday 1st December 2007,the 1st communion children we invited to make Advent Wreaths in the Parish Rooms at Acht Seligkeiten.Brigitte Bock,the Parish Children's Worker organised the event.
Whilst the children were making the wreaths they sang some Advent Songs as well.
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