December 5, 2021
Dear Friends,
Grace and peace to you!
It sure is nice to be back with all of you celebrating Mass and being available to all again. I am truly grateful for all your prayers and words of encouragement both prior to and following my recent back surgery. I am grateful for all those who have enrolled me with the many different religious groups for their prayerful support. I really do feel the effects of all the prayers. I am grateful for all those who brought meals and treats to the rectory during my recuperation. They really hit the spot! Did I tell you that my favorite cookie is chocolate chip?
If you have seen me walking around and celebrating Mass, you have probably noticed that I am walking much better. The surgery was a success and has taken away all my pain. Praise God! As good as it is, I think I am the only one who thought I would be at 100% immediately following surgery. As I have been told, and as I am finding out, it is going to take quite a while before I completely regain all my strength. If you see me slowing down, it’s okay. My progress is going to be measured in weeks and months rather than days. Eventually, I’ll get there. Thanks again for your prayers and support. I am truly blessed.
Congratulations and prayers for our children who participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance this past Monday evening. It is joy to watch all the children experience the love and forgiveness of the Lord for the first time in the Sacrament. My hope is that their joy will inspire us all to turn to the Lord frequently in the Sacrament. Thank you to their parents, teachers, and catechists for assisting them in their preparation.
As today is the Second Sunday of Advent I encourage all to pick up one of the guides for Advent and the Christmas Season that may be found in the Gathering Area or by the door at the West Transept. Monday evenings during Advent we will offer Evening prayer at 7:00 pm followed by an extended period for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Confessions will also be offered at the regular time on Saturdays beginning at 4:00 pm. On Saturday, December 18th, confessions will be available from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm. You may also either Father Jerry or me to set up an appointment if these times do not work for you.
If you are already making your Christmas Mass plans, please remember that Christmas Day falls on a Saturday this year. Christmas Masses will be celebrated Christmas Eve at 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 10:00 pm. Christmas Day they will be at 7:30 am and 9:00 am. Please note that there will not be a Saturday evening vigil Mass on December 25th. Please check the guide for the season for more information.
Blessings to all and let’s pray for each other this week.
Peace,
Father Bob
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Second Sunday of Advent: December 5
Rite of Acceptance, 9:00 am Mass
Advent by Candlelight, 6:00 pm
Monday, December 6—Evening Prayer & Reconciliation, 7:00 pm
Wednesday, December 8—Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Masses at 6:30 am, 8:00 am and 7:00 pm
Third Sunday of Advent: December 12
Monday, December 13—Evening Prayer and Reconciliation, 7:00 pm.
Saturday, December 18—Penance Day - Priests will be available for Confessions from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Fourth Sunday of Advent: December 19
Following 11:00 Mass, volunteers gather to decorate church for Christmas. All helpers are welcome!
Monday, December 20—Evening Prayer & Reconciliation
CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE: PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN TIMES
The Nativity of the Lord: Dec. 25: Mass Schedule:
Friday, December 24—4:00, 6:00 and 10:00 pm
Saturday, December 25—7:30 and 9:00 am
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph: Dec. 26: Mass Schedule:
Sunday, Dec. 26—7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am
Mary, The Holy Mother of God: January 1: Mass Schedule:
Saturday, Jan.1—8:00 am
The Epiphany of the Lord: January 2: Mass Schedule:
Saturday, January 1—5:00 pm
Sunday, January 2—7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 am
The Baptism of the Lord: January 9: Mass Schedule:
Saturday, January 8—5:00 pm
Sunday, January 9—7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 am