Mass ~ The Nativity of the Lord ~ December 25, 2020
Available on December 24, 2020, at 4:00 PM

Holy Family

Luke’s account of Jesus’ presentation in the Temple is a celebration of ritual. Five times Luke mentions that the parents of Jesus followed the ritual prescriptions of the Law, making clear they were observant Jews.

Purification was necessary because of the belief that the life-power within blood was sacred and belonged to God and had to be kept separate from the secular. When it could not, people and things that came into contact with the blood had to be purified. The redemption of the 1^st born male was the reclaiming the child who, they believed, really belonged to God. Buying the baby back through sacrifice acknowledged God’s prior claim.

Christmas 2020

Luke in his Gospel starts the Infancy Narrative by giving a reason why Joseph, along with pregnant wife, had to go to Bethlehem to register for the census: he was of the House of David. That is important because through Joseph as Jesus’ legal father Jesus could trace his human lineage back to David who was anointed king by the prophet Samuel in his hometown of Bethlehem. As a result, Jesus is called “Son of David”.

Now we are all familiar with Luke’s account. Even young children can recite some or all the details, for instance the manger, no room in the inn, swaddling clothes, an angel being joined by a multitude of the heavenly host singing a hymn of praise, and shepherds keeping night watch over their flock.  All those details are important as Luke continues his Gospel, but I want to concentrate on the shepherds.

If you are missing the sounds of your parish singing around you during this Christmas season, maybe this will help us all remember those special moments. Join us in raising your voice to sing about the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ on a most silent night.

https://youtu.be/Hl9i21GAydI

4^th Sunday in Advent B20

Today we meet two important people in salvation history. David and Mary were both chosen by God. One represents the historical past; the other, the future. 

• One had a checkered past; one was free from sin.
• One was a king living in Jerusalem; one was a peasant girl living in Nazareth.
• One brought two groups of tribes living in Judah and Israel to be one nation; one brought two natures dwelling in her womb become one person.
• One had plans for a Temple changed by God; one had her womb become a Temple for the Word of God.
• One waged war and brought death to his enemies. One brought the one who is victorious over our greatest enemies, sin and death.
• One committed adultery. One lived a pure relationship in marriage.
• One we know many details about his life from Scripture. One we know little about from Scripture.
• One was famous on earth. One is our intercessor in heaven.
• One was guided by God. One was favored by God.
• Both mourned a son who was killed. One grieved for days afterward. One rejoiced after three days.
• One was a king on earth. One is Queen of Heaven.

History will come to an end.

But, the future is bright for eternity, all because of the handmaid of the Lord saying her fiat, may it be done to me according to your word. Hail Mary, full of grace!

Please remember to schedule Masses for deceased loved ones as soon as possible. Mass cards are also available for Masses offered for a special intention such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, dealing with illness, requests for healing, or any special needs. Please feel free to eMail, call, or stop by the parish office with your request.

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

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