Dear Parishioners,
This Friday, we officially enter into the Christmas season. The liturgical season of Christmas begins with the vigil Mass on Christmas Eve, and ends with the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. During this season, we celebrate the birth of Christ not only into our world, but into our hearts as well. We reflect on that wonderful gift of salvation that is born with Him, while not forgetting that He was born to die for us.
The Importance of Christmas
Christmas is one of the most important days of the liturgical year because it is the feast of the Incarnation: God’s decision to become flesh and walk among us. The Divine choosing to be one of us is a uniquely Christian teaching. We see this teaching in the Eucharist every Sunday, when bread and wine is transformed into His Body and Blood. We are reminded of this in glorious fashion at Christmas, for not only did God choose to become flesh and blood on this day, He brought the salvation of the world with Him.
Upcoming Events
We will be having special events during this Christmas season to celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We would love for you to participate in any way you are able during this Christmas season. The information about these events can be found below.
Christmas Concert
Friday, December 24th at 3:00pm
Come celebrate Christmas with your friends and family by attending our Christmas Eve Concert prior to Mass. Carols will be sung and a variety of festive choral music will be presented. All are invited to attend.
This event is free and open to the public.
New Year's Raffle
Drawing Held on Friday, December 31st following the 4:00pm Mass
Tickets can currently be picked up at the rectory during office hours or on the tables in the back of the church. Tickets can be returned to the rectory or in the collection in a plain envelope.
One winner will receive 50% of the ticket sales. Ticket stubs are due to the rectory by December 29th, 2021.
The True Meaning of Gift-Giving
The Christmas Tree and the Nativity Scene are popular symbols of the season and are a tradition in many Catholic homes. Pope Francis describes the Christmas Tree as “a symbol of rebirth, God’s gift by which He is united forever to humanity.” In that same vein, it is a tradition to exchange Christmas gifts with our family and friends to honor God’s gift of salvation. Giving gifts at Christmas is not about getting your loved one an expensive watch; it is meant to be a celebration of God’s eternal gift.
Let us remember this principle as we enter the Christmas season, and give each other gifts that truly honor our Lord and Savior. For example, we can call a person we know is lonely, or we can donate to a local charity. Instead of concerning ourselves with decorations and other material worries, let us look inward and ask ourselves what we should do for Jesus and for others. As we come closer to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us open our minds and hearts, and celebrate the ever-giving love that He brings.
Yours in Christ,
Monsignor Sweeney
Mass Schedule
Livestreaming Sundays at 9:00am, All Christmas and New Year’s Masses
(No 4:00pm Mass on December 25th)
Christmas Day: 10:00am
New Year’s Eve: 4:00pm
Confession Schedule
Friday, December 24th:
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Anytime upon request
Devotions
Second Sunday of the month:
Holy Hour following the 11am Mass
Monday-Friday: 7:30am
Fridays: Following the 8:00am Mass