Join us on Tuesday, December 4rd  (oops!)  MONDAY, DECEMBER 3rd from 7:00-8:00pm as we journey through Advent together. Patrick Laorden from the Office of Social Catholic Justice Ministry will join us as we take a prayer walk together reminiscent of the journey Mary and Joseph embarked on years ago filled with joy and anticipation.

Join the SJF Youth Group for a festive night of gingerbread houses and cheesy christmas movies, from 4:45-8:30 on Saturday, December 1st.

St. John Fisher Church is hosting a Holiday Shopping with a Conscience Event on Saturday, December 1st, 2018, from 9:00am to 12:00 noon, in the church hall. Locally created gifts as well as ethically sourced and produced items from around the world will be available to purchase. There will be something here for everyone on your Christmas list! Free gift wrapping will be provided.

The money raised and donated from the table fees and baked goods will support the church’s plan to provide a hands-on packaging meals event in 2019 to help fight global hunger.

Dear God,

You have called your people to many walks of life.

Some like St. Francis were called to a life of peace and others to the life of a soldier and warrior.

David, the Maccabees, Saints Joan, George and Martin all were called by you to take up arms in the service and protection of their citizens.

On this day, bless those who have given their time, talents, and in some cases their lives, to protect our freedoms.

Guide them in their tours of duty. Comfort the wounded and their families.

Remind us to appreciate their sacrifices.

Amen.

We are very grateful for the generosity shown by so many parish families to our Annual Collection. If you have not yet had an opportunity to return your pledge card, please do so as soon as possible. Every gift is welcomed and sincerely appreciated.

Bartimaeus would not be denied. He heard the clamoring crowds and could feel the excitement. He heard that Jesus was near and also knew that this was his chance, maybe his last and only. He cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” Many told him to shut up ¹, but he once more begged, “Son of David, have pity on me.” The blind beggar’s cry pierced through the noisy crowd and reached Jesus’s ears. He stopped, probably surprised that the beggar used a royal title to name him, “son of David”, a king who was responsible to bring justice to the poor, and healing if possible. Jesus asked what he wants. Bartimaeus responded, “I want to see.” And Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you”. And the once blind beggar receives his sight. No laying on of hands, no spittle on the eyelids, nothing like that, just his faith. Instead of going his way, Bartimaeus follows Jesus on the way ².

TO BENEFIT THE FOOD BANK OF MARLBOROUGH

Join fellow parishioners in feeding hungry families this Thanksgiving.

Pick up an empty bag after Mass

Fill your bag with:

5 lb. bag of potatoes

3 lb. bag of onions

2 lb. bag of carrots

Stuffing Mix

Corn bread or muffin mix

Canned or jar gravy

Cranberry sauce

Bring your filled bag to Mass the weekend of November 10 & 11.

Thank you for your generosity!

Saturday, December 1, 9 am - noon for the Holiday Shopping with a Conscience event in the St. Thomas More Hall.

Enjoy the holidays knowing your dollars make a difference.

If you are interested in helping or if you know of potential artists or non-profit vendors, please contact:

Jen O’Neill at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  ~ or ~ Siobhan Peng at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Operation Christmas Child is right around the corner! Boxes will be due the weekend of November 17 and 18. Flyers with instructions and tags are available at the entrances to the Church.

The Confirmation class will once again be collecting left over Halloween candy. All candy will be used to make treat bags that will be distributed to homeless shelters and warming centers and may be left in the baskets at the entrances of the church following October 31st.

What were James and John thinking?

They had already heard Jesus’s chastisement of the 12 who were arguing about who was the greatest. Jesus said then if one wishes to be first, he shall be last of all and the servant of all. Now they are asking for places of honor when Jesus comes into his glory. This, after he had already predicted his passion three times!