Dear parishioners, Advent is almost over and Christmas will soon be here. The word advent means “coming.” In Advent we celebrate the coming of the Lord. In Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Lord. In the Epiphany we celebrate the manifestation of the Lord. The Christmas season continues through to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which is celebrated January 10th.

Ladies of St. Mary Church are invited to spend six weeks with My Badass Book of Saints: Courageous Women Who Showed Me How to Live, a edgy, honest, and often audacious book of twenty-four Catholic women who lived lives of virtue in unexpected and often difficult circumstances. Written by popular podcaster and blogger, Maria Morera Johnson, this simple read is humorous, empowering, and provides touching portraits of inspiring holy women and saints.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a holyday of obligation. Holyday Masses will be on Monday, December 7, at 7:00pm, and Tuesday, December 8, at 8:00am.

Families of Faith: Advent Penance service also marks First Reconciliation for children. Children in our 2nd grade class are preparing to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Thursday, December 10 (7pm) during the annual Advent Penance Service. Please consider lending your support to our young people by planning to participate in this communal service. You need not be a parent or family member to participate—the grace of the sacrament is open to all!