St. Francis Xavier was one of the original Jesuits, part of St. Ignatius of Loyola's first group of followers. Franciso was from the northern part of Spain, the Navarre region. He is also the patron of missions, along with St. Therese of Lisieux. She prayed for the missionaries and he went. He was asked to go to Japan, and over 500 were introduced to the Faith and were baptized. He also went to India, around the state of Goa on the Southwest Coast of India. There is still great reverence for the work that St. Francis Xavier did in India and in Japan. St. Francis' body is at the Basilica of Bom Jesus (Good or Holy Jesus, Portuguese) in Goa. St. Francis' missionary work was impressive and St. Ignatius always wished he was doing the missionary work with Francis, but he had to be in Rome writing the Constitutions for the Order. Francis desired to go to China. He made it to the Sancian Island in the Canton Bay, which was an outpost for Chinese Smugglers and Portuguese traders. No one wanted to risk taking him into China. One smuggler took him money and didn't give him the ride. In November, while on the Island, he caught a fever, went into a coma, and died on December 3. His remains were taken to Goa, India and his right arm is in the Church of the Gesu in Rome. St. Francis is inspiring in his zeal for sharing the Fatih. We are all called to be missionaries to everyone we meet.  May his life inspire us to be missionaries of the Gospel of Joy in this world. There's an elementary school in Vicksburg, Mississippi under the patronage of St. Francis Xavier. St. Francis Xavier, Pray for us!

CYO Garage Sale -- The annual CYO Garage Sale is tomorrow Saturday, Dec. 4th, from 8-11:30 AM in the Parish Center. 

Holy Day of Obligation for Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Mass Schedule: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021 at 5:30 pm, Wednesday Dec. 8, 2021 at 7:00 am, 12:05 pm, and 5:00 pm at Corpus Christi, Macon  

Parish Christmas Party is next Sunday, December 12 at 5 PM. The Parish will have turkey, ham, rolls, and drinks. Last names beginning with A-F, please bring desserts. G-L, please bring some appetizers, and M-Z, please bring some sides. 

Grand Generation Lunch -- It's back! December 7, 2021 11:30 AM in the Parish Center.

Adopt-a-family Christmas Tree -- There are still three cards available on the Christmas Tree in the back of the Church. We are adopting 5-6 families this year in Starkville and would love to have your help.

  

Advent Men's Prayer Breakfasts -- The Knights of Columbus are hosting a Men's Prayer Breakfast for any man in the parish. Tuesday, 7 AM.

  

Wall Calendars in the back of the Church -- Our Parish 2022 Wall Calendars have arrived and are also available in the back of the Church.

  

Magnificat Advent Companions -- The Magnificat Advent Companions are great tools to help you engage your spiritual life during this season of Advent. It's loaded with some great prayers and a reflection for every day. Take one from the table in the back of the Church. If you know someone who will find it helpful, get a copy for them, maybe for that person you're thinking about asking to come to Church with you at Christmas.

Christmas Poinsettias -- If you would like to donate a Christmas Poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one, please enter the information or write “see last year” on the envelope included in your most recent shipment of offering envelopes. Envelopes are also available in the back of the Church. Poinsettias are $12 each.

Sunday Evening Mass -- This is the last Sunday Mass until the Spring semester begins.

Mike Kassouf Pancake Breakfast -- Need some pancakes? Join the parish for the pancake breakfast between the Masses Sunday morning. This will help support vocations in the Diocese of Jackson.

Peace, 

Fr. Jason