Many thanks to all those that made Christmas boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Thanks to your generosity 50 children will have a Christmas that is a little brighter knowing they are remembered this Christmas season. Please continue to pray for the children who will receive our boxes. Thank you for your continued generosity for this project.

Going through closets and bringing some items to Goodwill? Be sure to stop by the church to pick up a Goodwill Donation Card to bring with you.

Head to any of the 26 Goodwill drop off locations on the back of the card with the clothing and donation card. Drop the clothing in the appropriate boxes and give the card to an attendant.

Mass ~ 3rd Sunday of Advent ~ December 13, 2020
Available on December 12, 2020, at 4:00 PM

3^rd Sunday of Advent B20

Rejoice! The word “rejoice” is found in the 1st reading, in the Responsorial Psalm, the 2^nd reading from Paul, and is somewhat implied in the gospel reading from John in that John the Baptist was sent by God for testimony, to announce the one who will be coming after him.

However this rejoicing takes place in somewhat strange circumstances.

Join woman throughout the diocese on January 6, 2021 for an evening exploring Ignatian Comtemplation.
~ ~ Additional details to follow ~ ~

Going through closets and bringing some items to Goodwill? Be sure to stop by the church to pick up a Goodwill Donation Card to bring with you.

Head to any of the 26 Goodwill drop off locations on the back of the card with the clothing and donation card. Drop the clothing in the appropriate boxes and give the card to an attendant.

Mass ~ 2nd Sunday of Advent ~ December 6, 2020
Available on December 5, 2020, at 4:00 PM

2^nd Sunday in Advent B20

The first words of Mark’s Gospel are “the beginning”. That isn’t an accident. It’s meant to recall the start of Genesis 1:1(“In the beginning”). Mark is trying to tell us that God in Jesus Christ the Son of God^[1] is doing something as grand as creation itself. But it serves another purpose. Mark’s original Gospel text ended^[2] with the women who discovered the empty tomb and saw a young man dressed in white who told them that Jesus had been raised. Mark concludes his Resurrection scene with the surprising and confusing words: “They said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” One well respected Scripture scholar^[3] posited that after the resurrection it was up to the disciples to tell the story that Mark had begun. They would have to overcome fear of rejection, ridicule and mockery they would face. The same task, and fear, is ours today.

Click HERE to revisit our

2018 Christmas Concert

~~~

Trying to find a way to stay focused on the true meaning this season?  Are you looking for Advent devotions or reflections?  Below are some different options to help you  :

The Word Among Us – available at Church

Daily reflections from Holy Family Retreat Center

https://www.holyfamilyretreat.org/advent-reflections-2020

Advent reflections from Loyola Press –

https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/advent/calendars/advent-calendar-for-adults/

Sacred space – an online retreat with the Irish Jesuits

https://www.sacredspace.ie/ -

Dynamic Catholic - https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/advent/best-advent-ever.html

Busted Halo Advent calendar:  https://advent.bustedhalo.com/

Reflections and activities for families, teens, young adults and adults can also be found on our Parish Faith Formation page at stjffaithformation.org.

Birthright Needs Volunteers!

Birthright is a crisis pregnancy service offering free pregnancy tests, friendship, counseling, and practical support. Birthright has served in Connecticut since 1972 and helped thousands of mothers and babies. There are seven locations in our state. Please call 1-800-550-4900 for the Birthright nearest you. Training is provided. Spanish speaking volunteers are especially needed. Thank you.

Are you in grades K thru 8?
Want to express your true feelings of Christmas?

ENTER the Knights of Columbus International "Keep Christ in Christmas" - Poster Contest.

The St. John Fisher Community Garden recently wrapped up the 2020 growing season. Over 420 lbs. of fresh produce was donated to the Marlborough Food Bank. Our small but mighty garden impacted those in need right here in our community with fresh produce weekly from late May to late October.A BIG thank you to our faithful volunteers and weekly waterers in making this possible.

Please consider joining in the garden ministry in the spring of 2021 where you can make a difference in your town helping those in need.No gardening experience is necessary,just enthusiasm to help others.

Mass ~ Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of The Universe ~ November 29, 2020
Available on November 28, 2020, at 4:00 PM

1^st Sunday of Advent B20

Three words sum up the message of today: WAIT! WATCH! WORK!

I believe that the first word is the most difficult for us, 21^st century Americans. Waiting seems to most of us as a waste of time. Look how impatiently we waited for the results of the Presidential Election. (And we are still waiting to determine the winner!) But waiting is a chance for reflection, remembrance and expectation.