1st Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners;

Today, we begin a new liturgical year with the season of Advent.  One of the favorite hymns that we sing during the Advent season is “O, come, O come, Emmanuel.”  The word Emmanuel means “God-with-us.” That is truly good news!  Our God is with us every step of the way.  During this holy season of Advent, we celebrate a moment in time and space like no other—the birth of a child, the birth of Jesus the Christ, the incarnate Son of God.

In the busy time of the year, we need to take the time to reflect and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ at Christmas.  Available at the church entrances is a book entitled, “The Little Blue Book: Advent and Christmas Seasons. This little book will help us to truly reflect on the season of Advent as well as prepare us for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

The second collection this weekend is for the Building Maintenance Fund. As our buildings continue to age, there is a need for constant upkeep.  This collection helps with the necessary repairs that are needed to continue to beautify our buildings of St. Peter Parish.

All parishioners are invited to St. Peter School’s Holiday Variety Show on Tuesday, December 5th.  The show begins at 6:30 P.M.  Doors open at 5:30 P.M.  Come hear the story of our Savior’s birth as a cast of characters discover the true meaning of Christmas. Fried fish, French fries, Hot Dogs, Nachos, Sweets, and Drinks will be available for purchase before, during, and after the show. Come and visit the SPS Art Gallery, and experience the Winter Wonderland.  It’s free and open to the public!

            Our monthly Adoration and Benediction is Wednesday, December 6th.  Adoration begins at 1:00 P.M. and closes with Benediction at 6:00 P.M.  What a wonderful way to prepare our hearts during the Advent season by spending time with our Eucharistic Lord.

Friday, December 8th is the SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, a Holy Day of Obligation.  Vigil Mass on Thursday, December 7th at 5:00 P.M. Masses on December 8th at 6:30 A.M., 9:30 A.M. (school Mass) and 7:00 P.M.

The weekend of December 9th and 10th is the annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious.  Across the United States, hundreds of religious communities of men and women lack the financial resources sufficient to meet the retirement and health-care needs of aging members.  Most of religious communities have more members that are retired than those that are engaged in ministry. Please give generously to the Retirement Fund for Religious next weekend.

            Enclosed in the bulletin is the Mass schedule for Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Have a Blessed Advent Week!