Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Merry Christmas and Happy Feast of the Holy Family! Blessed be God who is born unto us! Don’t be afraid to continue celebrating the Christmas Season and saying, “Merry Christmas” to our brothers and sisters at least through this coming week until we can start saying, “Happy Epiphany!” Leave the tree up and keep giving gifts to prepare for the coming of the Magi. Speaking of the wise men, our wise men in the narthex will be arriving at the manger next weekend! Do you have any special family traditions in order to celebrate the Octave of Christmas? Or maybe this is the year to start some?

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.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Merry Christmas and Happy Feast of the Epiphany! Blessed be God who is born unto us! Don’t be afraid to continue celebrating the Christmas Season and saying, Merry Christmas,” and “Happy Epiphany!” Leave the tree up and prepare for the coming of the Magi. Speaking of the wise men, our wise men in the narthex arrive at the manger this weekend!

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Happy Gaudete Sunday! Faith Formation - Sunday, December 15 @ 9:15-10:15 in PAC This month’s topic is entitled: It’s not Pink! It’s 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!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, COME, LORD JESUS, COME! - Maranatha! This Year Dec. 9 is a Holy Day of Obligation 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.