In the Bleak Mid-Winter
I have grown to love this song! This poem by English poet Christina Rossetti and then set to music by Gustav Holst has become a popular Christmas song. I may be jumping the season since this song is usually sung at Christmas time; however, living in the Northern Hemisphere, the days already seem bleak. Some of the lyrics are:
In the bleak midwinter
In the bleak midwinter
Frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron
Water like a stone
Snow had fallen snow on snow on snow
In the bleak midwinter
How stark! It makes me feel cold!
However, the lyrics continue:
What can I give him?
However, the lyrics continue:
What can I give him?
Poor as I am
Give him my heart.
Is my heart prepared to give to him at Christmas? It needs work! I know a contrite confession will help! This week the church celebrates St. John of the Cross who experienced the dark night of the soul. As part of his experience he said that he needed to die to himself to achieve total union with God. I pray that I can die to myself so my heart is ready to give to him at Christmas! The rendition I have for you of In the Bleak Midwinter may be a bit unusual. One Hope Project is a group of friends that came out of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement. They enjoy meeting up, being creative, and worshiping God, the God of Love.
Christmas Memorials
We accept Christmas memorials at this time each year. A Christmas memorial is a wonderful way to remember loved ones who have died. The money collected is used to decorate the church at Christmas and throughout the year. All memorial gifts are recognized in the bulletin after the holidays. Please send your donation to the Parish Office in a marked envelope. Thank you!
Alleluia Attitude Choir—We Need You!!
Alleluia Attitude choir is a family choir open to all ages and abilities. Please consider joining us to sing for Advent and Christmas Eve. Choir rehearsals are in the Chapel Monday nights 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and one hour before our assigned Masses.
Upcoming Masses include:
December 18, at 4:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve, at 4 p.m.
We hope you will join us!
After Alpha
What is After Alpha? After Alpha is an opportunity for all age groups to share and deepen their Faith. Please join us the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month starting January 10. We will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Social Hall. We will view and discuss "The Wild Goose" series, which invites us to encounter the Holy Spirit. We will have a simple meal and good conversation. Please RSVP to the Parish Office at (920) 336-4033. We hope to see there!
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family
1307 Lourdes Avenue
De Pere, WI 54115
(920) 336-4033
Email: parish@lourdesdepere.org