Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Completing Advent

This weekend the final advent candle is lit.  I hope this season for you has been one of peace and joy as we look forward to the coming of Christ.  I pray that God bring the expectant joy of advent to fulfillment in your Christmas celebrations.  Remember Christmas is not just a day, but a season which is about to begin.  In a special way we want to remember those who struggle through this season due to loneliness, hardship, loss, or family strife.   May the birth of Christ bring us all the deeper peace of heart that this world cannot give.

Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Vigil - December 24 @ 4pm (English)

Christmas Midnight Mass - December 25 @ 12am (Latin)

Christmas Day - December 25 @ 10am (English)

January 1 - Solemnity of Mary Mother of God is a Holy Day of Obligation

Don’t worry, no confusion on this one.  January 1 is a joyous liturgical day as well as the beginning of a new secular calendar year.  Let’s unite ourselves to Mary allowing her to usher in 2025. The Mass schedule will be:

Vigil Mass - December 31 @ 6pm (English)

January 1 @ 8:30am (English)

January 1 @ 6pm (Latin w/ incense)

Wise men on the Move!

You may have noticed the Nativity scene in the Narthex, but it is coming together over time.  We show this also by our wise men beginning at the far end of the Narthex and each week they are moving a little closer to Bethlehem.   They will arrive at the scene on the Feast of the Epiphany.  We too are on the move in the Christian life.  This season in our culture shows lots of movement, but are we being “moved” by the right things and toward the right things? Follow the wise men in their move toward the Lord this Christmas and Epiphany.  

Epiphany Customs

As in the past, we will celebrate the annual Epiphany Water blessing on Sunday January 5 @ 6pm.  You may bring your own water to be blessed, but containers must be no smaller than 1 gallon and its lid must be easily opened. You may bring other items to be blessed as well - salt, oil, religious articles etc.

Also, smaller individual bottles will be made available to all parishioners the following weekend (one per family).

May God bless you and Mary keep you.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Pfr