It is a
busy time of year, and many things are going on. I usually find it difficult to keep track of
them all, so I am doing myself a favor and reminding me (and also you) of a few
of the events going on here over the next week.
This
weekend is the Holiday Fair. Please stop
by the gym and check it out. You can do
some shopping for gifts, treat yourself to some goodies, spend a little time
chatting and conversing with other parishioners, and generally have a good
time. In addition, this year I ask you
to stop by the booth that displays the next generation of a concept scheme for
the renovation of our church and rectory.
We received a lot of good input and suggestion from parishioners since
the three schemes were put out a month ago.
It is now time to move it forward and narrow down just exactly we want
to do. We need to get some pricing done
so we know exactly what we are asking for when we approach donors. So your reactions, suggestions, and input on
this next level of refinement of the renovation plans is needed. Members of the Parish Property Committee, or
Pastoral Council, or Finance Comm. will be there to answer questions and
solicit comments. So please plan to take
a few minutes, stop by and check it out, and make your comments. THANKS.
Tomorrow,
Dec 8, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This year it is a Holy Day of
obligation. We have Masses scheduled at
8 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 6:00 p.m. All
are, of course, most welcome. This Feast
celebrates that Mary, from the first moment of her being, was always full of
grace. She was never tainted by sin.
This was a special favor given to her in view of her becoming the Mother
of God. However, we all hope that when
all things are made new in Christ, that we too shall indeed be “full of grace,”
that is, totally in harmony with God’s will.
So in celebrating this special favor that Mary has already enjoyed we
are anticipating what we hope one day to be, that is, totally in harmony with
God.
Friday
December 12, at 7:00 p.m. is the St. Austin School Advent Cantata. Always a joyous, lovely affair it fills up
early. The children do a wonderful
job. All are welcome.
Saturday,
Dec. 13 at 3:00 p.m. is when we have our Advent Communal Reconciliation
Service. There will be several priests,
and after a short communal liturgy there will opportunity for individual
confession and reconciliation. What
better way to prepare spiritually for celebrating the true meaning of
Christmas? All are welcome!
And Monday,
December 15 at 7:30 the Austin Handbell Ensemble will perform their Christmas
Concert. What sounds more Christmasy
than handbells? This is always a great
concert for the whole family. A freewill
offering is accepted.
And that just takes us ahead about a week. After that is the Christmas Basket Project,
decoration of the church, and then the wonderful Christmas celebrations
themselves.
I get tired just
thinking about it all, but I also get excited about all the positive and joyful
events (even Reconciliation!) that go
on here. With so much anger, division
and hatred in the world, we all need to focus on what gives life and affirms
our deepest beliefs. Advent is truly a
wonderful time of year. God bless!
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