Capital Campaign: We are nearing the $3 million mark. That’s exciting. I still think we will make our $4 million goal, but it might take longer than December. I am really grateful to all of you for your generosity. I recognize the sacrificial gift that many of you are making!
Breakfast: This Sunday is the Knights of Columbus breakfast after the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses. If you haven’t tried their breakfast, you are really missing out.
Our Lady of Guadalupe: December 12 is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This marks the day that Our Blessed Mother appeared to Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531. This gift from God has had a tremendous impact on the peoples then, today and for all eternity. Mexico and South America became Catholic countries, and still today they have a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. The United States Bishops asked us to especially remember the migrants in our country this day. Please pray for our brothers and sisters, who much like our grandparents, came to the United States from another country. We especially pray for unaccompanied migrant children, that God protect them on their journey and safely reunite them with their families. And we always pray for migrants, refugees and other strangers in our midst that they may find strength in our concern for justice.
Healing Service: Please don’t forget to come to our healing service on Monday, December 12. We’ll begin with Mass following by a time of healing prayer and confessions.
Reconciliation Services: Speaking of healing, we are joining other parishes for Reconciliation services this Advent. Tuesday we will be at Holy Redeemer Parish, Wednesday at St. John in Fenton and Thursday at Holy Family. All services begin at 7 p.m.
Hoops: As you may have heard, Fr. Gary and I, along with six other priests played a basketball game against some students at Powers. We ended up winning 42-39. Perhaps we had a little help from our refs, Holy Family teachers Luke Quaranta and Dan LeBeau (they know who signs their paychecks 🙂 ).
Pearl Harbor: This past Wednesday, December 7, was the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. A total of 2,335 U.S. serviceman were killed, and many others wounded. Parishioner, Louise Kinsman, was there that day and went to Hawaii to commemorate the day that “will live in infamy.”
Baby Jesus: Looking forward to attending the Baby Jesus event this Wednesday, December 14. Hope to see you there.
Calendars: Through the generosity of the Ladies Auxiliary group I hoped you were able to pick up our church calendar at the entrances of our church.
Outreach: We are looking for volunteers to pass out the Christmas baskets from Outreach on Saturday, December 17. By the way, our Outreach center helped 454 families in November. That’s pretty amazing.
On this Third Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete (or Joyful) Sunday, may the Lord fill your hearts with much joy and peace.
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quote of the Week:
“Listen, put it into your heart, my youngest and dearest son, that the thing that frightens you, the thing that afflicts you, is nothing: do not let it disturb you? Am I not here, I who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need something more? Let nothing else worry you or disturb you.”
– Words addressed to Juan Diego (and us) at Guadalupe