Good news from heaven the angels bring,

Glad tidings to the earth they sing;

To us this day a child is given,

To crown us with the joy of heaven.

December 22, 2015

*** Due to the Christmas week office work schedule, this emailing is in lieu of our weekly Parish: 'the thought' issue.

(Click on the picture of the staff above for a print quality image)

Carissimi,

The birth of any child, the birth of THIS Child, fills us with wonder, stirs up our fears and inadequacies, and draws out strength, generosity, and compassion we didn't know were in us.

Welcome visitors. Welcome new life, whatever was before. Welcome to our Manger. Welcome to our Table. Welcome to our Family.

What more can I hope for all of us this Christmas? We are blessed to be together on the journey.

Pastor

This Week's Poor Box Collection

December 26 - January 1

Vulnerable Families In Crisis

This weekend's POOR BOX Contributions will enable us to assist vulnerable families in crisis, such as facing eviction, the shut-off of utilities, or the inability to pay for vital medications. We hope to build up the Poor Box balance so that we can help as many as possible with winter emergencies. Your cheerful generosity makes such a difference for those living at the margins.

To contribute, the Poor Boxes are located in the Chapel of Grace and in the narthex of the church at the top of both side stairs.

Thank you for your kind generosity.

Christmas and New Year's Mass Schedule

CHRISTMAS EVE - DECEMBER 24

Family Mass - 4 PM

Evening Mass - 6 PM

Christmas Music - 8:30 PM

Solemn Christmas Mass - 9 PM

(This Mass will be followed by our parish's traditional Christmas Eve Grand Reception in Ignatian Hall from 10:30 to 11:30 PM)

CHRISTMAS DAY - DECEMBER 25

Mass in Chapel - 8 AM

Christmas Mass in Main Church 10:30 AM

(There will be a reception in Ignatian Hall following the 10:30 Mass)

NEW YEAR'S EVE - DECEMBER 31

Interfaith Service - 8:30 PM

(special music prior to Interfaith Service - 7:30 PM)

Jewish - Muslim - Christian

ALL ARE WELCOME!

NEW YEAR'S DAY- JANUARY 1

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Mass will be celebrated on New Year's Day at 10:30 AM in the Church

e-zine compiled by John C. Odean