Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, 

His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

COME, LORD JESUS, COME!

Talk About Confusing!

You may have heard rumblings and conflicting or at least confusing reports about the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.   If you want to go down the rabbit hole of why it’s an issue, be my guest.  But as it is, this feast is a holy day of obligation, but December 8 falls on Sunday this year, so the feast is bumped to the next day December 9th.   Also bumped with it is its obligatory status.  So, this year December 9th IS a Holy Day of obligation.  Like all obligatory days, one must participate at Mass (as they would on a Sunday) and can only miss if there is a grave reason. Due to the odd timing of this one, there will be no anticipatory Mass on Sunday evening.  The Immaculate Connection Holy Day schedule is:

Monday December 9 @ 7am - English (low mass, chanted)

Monday December 9 @ 8:30am - English (chanted w/ music)

Monday December 9 @ 6pm - Latin (chanted w/ incense) 

Advent Spiritual Opportunities 

Adoration Time after All Masses November 30, December 1

Our regular schedule of having a adoration and Solemn Benediction after weekend Masses continues. May extra time with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament inspires us to a fruitful and hopeful Advent season. 

Extra Confession Times – Tuesday, December 3 @ 5-7 at St. Paul

I will be available at this time for confessions in addition to the regular parish confession schedule.  No need to wait to the last minute!  This is a wonderful time of year to go to Confession. Prepare the way of the Lord by preparing your hearts with receiving God’s mercy.   

Ecumenical Christmas Concert - Saturday, December 7 at 7pm in the Church

This great Firestone Park tradition continues.  We have been blessed to host it here at St. Paul for many of those years. Join us in this joyous community event as we unite in prayer and song to prepare for the coming of the Lord.

Confessions at Nativity Parish – December 10 @ 5-6pm

This is a cluster confession opportunity.  I along with other area priests will be at Nativity parish to hear confessions.

The Rosary in Song - Thursday, December 12 @ 7pm in Church

Join us as the Chesterton Academy of Akron choir leads us in a sung rosary.  It is so appropriate to let our Blessed Mother guide us as we prepare for Christmas. How fitting too since Dec. 12 is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.   

Faith Formation - Sunday, December 15 @ 9:15-10:15 in PAC

This month’s topic is entitled: It’s not Pink, but Rose!: Gaudete Sunday and the Joy of the Christian Life.  So often our world either suppresses joy, or offers a counterfeit that does not satisfy.  Join us as we examine the true Christian gift that is JOY!

Confessions at Queen of Heaven Parish – December 17 @ 5-6pm 

This is a cluster confession opportunity.  I along with other area priests will be at Queen of Heaven parish to hear confessions.

May God bless you and Mary keep you.

Sincerely in Christ, 

Fr. Pfr