The Lord is coming

The Advent Season

Advent during the Eucharistic Revival

This Advent, during the US Catholic Bishops’ 3- year Eucharistic Revival, they hope, as I do, we will grow in appreciation of – and regularly receive – the Eucharist. So, this year’s Advent Calendar offers invocations from The Litany of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Ponder each phrase; prayerfully reflect on its meaning; use it as a mantra; ‘look it up’ to learn the theological impact of each title. For as the Church teaches, the Holy Eucharist is “the source and summit” of our Faith – so we must do all we can to better understand and celebrate the great Gift, born for us at Christmas, sacrificed for us, risen from the dead, and truly present to us in the Eucharist! Get an Advent Wreath and Nativity Scene to properly celebrate Advent and Christmas at home!

Advent Prayers Before Meals

Let us pray. Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive, from your goodness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or

God, the Father of mercies, you willed your Son to take flesh, in order to give life back to us. Bless these, your gifts, with which we are about to nourish our bodies, so that, receiving new strength, we may wait in watchfulness for the glorious coming of Christ. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Advent Prayers After Meals

Let us pray. We give you thanks for all your benefits, O Almighty God, who lives and reigns for ever; and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Or

V. Let us live soberly, justly, and devoutly in this world.

R. As we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Let us pray. We thank you, all-powerful God, for your kindness in refreshing our bodies by these gifts from your providence. Strengthen us, we pray, not only in body, but also in spirit. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Important Dates in the Advent Season

National Patronal Feast Day

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Wear something BLUE as we honor Mary under her title “The Immaculate Conception”, Patroness of the USA.

Masses for the Immaculate Conception are:

Wednesday, Dec. 7: 5:00 pm
Thursday, Dec. 8: 8:30 am, 12:00 noon & 7:00 pm

Sunday Obligation Masses

Saturday evening: 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Weekday Masses
Monday: 5:00 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:30 am
Prayer Service with Holy Communion:
Friday: 12:00 noon
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
Saturdays: 11/26 – 12/03 – 12/10 – 12/17
at 4:00 pm – MUST END by 4:45 pm for Mass

Advent Confessions

December 18: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

In lieu of an Advent Penance Service, an examination of conscience will be provided in the bulletin and on our website for a few weeks before confessions. Several Priests will be available in safe-distanced, private places from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm on Sunday, December 18. This is your last opportunity to go to Confession before Christmas. Keep a silent, safe distance as you wait for this great Sacrament of Healing.

Christmas Eve Masses

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Solemn Mass: 10:30 PM
(Begins with Lessons & Carols at 10:00 PM)
Christmas Day Masses:
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
(Note: regular Sunday Mass Schedule)

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph

Friday, December 30, 2022
12:00 Noon Communion Service
Come as a family!

Mary, the Holy Mother of God

New Year’s Eve/Day
Saturday, December 31, 2022: 5:00 PM
Saturday, January 1, 2023
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
(Note: regular Sunday Mass Schedule)

The Epiphany of the Lord

Saturday, January 7, 2023: 5:00 PM
Children’s Epiphany Pageant
immediately after 5:00 PM Mass
Sunday, January 8, 2023
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

Church un-decorating and clean up right after the 12:00 noon Mass. Lots of strong hands, backs and vacuum cleaners needed!

The Baptism of the Lord

Monday, January 8, 2023: 5:00 PM

Reflections on Advent

The Epiphany of the Lord

As you may know, I have devoted my bulletin article column to the USA Bishops’ National Eucharistic Revival document The Mystery of the Eucharist in...
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Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

As you may know, I have devoted my bulletin article column to the USA Bishops’ National Eucharistic Revival document The Mystery of the Eucharist in...
Read More

The Nativity of the Lord

s you may know, I have devoted my bulletin article column to the USA Bishops’ National Eucharistic Revival document The Mystery of the Eucharist in...
Read More

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Today I offer part 19 of my series on the USA Bishops' National Eucharistic Revival document The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of...
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Third Sunday of Advent

On this Gaudete or Rejoicing Sunday, I offer part 18 of my series on the USA Bishops’ National Eucharistic Revival document The Mystery of the...
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Second Sunday of Advent

In part 17 of my series on The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church US Bishops’ document, I’m reflecting on the...
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First Sunday of Advent

This is part 16 of my series on the USA’s Bishops’ document The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church.
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The Litany of the Most Blessed Sacrament Invocations

Click the image below to download a copy of the Invocations

The Litany of the Most Blessed Sacrament Invocations

Click the button below to download a copy of the Invocations