November 29 marks the first Sunday of Advent and the beginning of a very busy month of December. The First Sunday of Advent is the beginning of the Liturgical Year by deepening our understanding and participation in the life of the Church!
The Special Masses surround Mary. On December 8, at 12 noon and 7:00 p.m., we remember the Immaculate Conception; on December 12, at noon, we remember our Lady of Guadelupe; then at Christmas - during the Vigil at 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Spanish Mass), midnight, and Christmas Day at noon - we remember the Mother of Jesus; and on January 1, we remember Mary as the Mother of God. Mary be our helper and guide during this Season.
On December 9 George Cobb will be meeting with the Pastoral Council as we continue with our parish evaluation process. Things are looking good as we move forward - and someday we can start to build!
This month also has several social events - not to make money, but build community! The Christmas Bazaar will be all day (8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.) on December 5! Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served There will be lots of homemade crafts for Christmas. December 18, the Spanish community will have their Christmas Dance for adults, and on December 20 we will all share in the Family Christmas Dinner beginning at 5 p.m.
We are also blessed to have 120 children making thier First Reconciliation on December 5, and the Parish Reconciliation Service will be on December 17. Five priests from the area will be here to help with confessions. Hopefully we will take advantage of confession as we prepare for the Incarnation.
By now all of our commissions are up and running. All the people who signed up from the survey are invited to get involved. Also, as the result of the survey, Mass will be offered at noon every Tuesday. So mark your calendars.
Continue to pray for me during the year of the priest! I need your support with prayers and good works so I may continue to serve you. Have a blessed Advent and Christmas Season!
Father Jim