Praying Advent - Creighton University’s Online Ministries offers a selection of materials to help people prayerfully enter into Advent, from short prayers to longer reflections and audio retreats.
Loyola Press Online Advent Calendar - an online Advent calendar for adults featuring daily reflections from several sites.
If you’re looking for something to get children more involved, Loyola Press has a printable Advent calendar that encourages children to perform an act of kindness each day during Advent.
MASS SCHEDULE
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
(CONFESSION)
The Sacrament of Reconciliation for all faithful with no prior appointments is on Saturdays from 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm in Hofmann Center.
STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT
Your continued ONLINE support of St. Mary is greatly appreciated.
Our Goal for December is $85,000.00
Please consider setting up a recurring or one-time gift Online. Instructions can be found at stmaryslg.org/getting-started-with-online-giving
If you would like to discontinue receiving envelopes please email parish.office@stmaryslg.org or call Frances at 408-354-3726 x 110.
2nd OFFERING - November 26 & 27
Working to break the cycle of poverty by helping low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives, families, and communities.
More than 37 million people in the United States live in poverty. CCHD supports those living in poverty by funding programs that empower local communities to address the challenges they face. In addition, 25% of the funds we collect remain in our - diocese to fund local anti-poverty projects. This collection supports programs that empower people to identify and address the obstacles they face in bringing permanent and positive change to their communities. Learn more about the Catholic Campaign for Human Development at usccb.org/cchd Please be generous. Make an online donation. Envelopes are also available in the church.
Contributions toward the purchase of flowers for the celebration of our Lord’s birth are greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a donation in memory of or in honor of a loved one, Christmas Flower Offering envelopes are available at the doors of the church and can be placed in the offertory baskets at Mass or dropped off at the Parish Office. The names of all those to be remembered will be published in the Christmas bulletin. Please return the envelopes by December 11.
Thank you for your help in making our sanctuary even more beautiful this Christmas.
Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement connecting diverse groups of individuals and communities around the world for one common purpose; to celebrate and encourage giving to your favorite non-profits. The parish ministries you support help us to spread Christ’s love in our community and share His mercy with those in need. Please consider St. Mary this year.
FAITH FORMATION
ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
(formerly known as Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Previously called RCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process of spiritual growth and learning leading up to initiation into the Catholic Church.
If you are an Adult and have not yet received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation or First Eucharist or previously baptized in another Christian church and have the desire to be a full member of the Catholic Church, come and learn how to prepare for these sacraments. Or if you know of someone who would like to enter into the Catholic Church, please join us for this gathering.
INQUIRY SESSION CONVERSATIONS
Time: 12:00 to 1:00 PM
Location: Parish Conference Room
Sunday, December 4, 2022
Topic: Eschatology: the “Last Things”
What happens when we pass from this world? If God loves us so much, how could he condemn someone to hell? Is purgatory a bad thing? Death is a natural process of life, but it can be unnerving to talk about. This week we will be talking about the Catholic beliefs about the afterlife, the Second Coming of Christ and the fulfillment of the kingdom.
FAITH IN ACTION
The Christmas Giving Tree collection will begin this weekend until the 11th of December. Gift cards can be placed in the Giving Tree donation drop boxes around the church, the collection baskets or brought to the office. Click here to make an online donation.
Need Food DELIVERED? Call 1-800-984-3663
ST. MARY SCHOOL
smslg.org 408.354.3944
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL!!
The parish together with the school 5th graders and members of St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul sorted and packed all the coats and food that our parishioners and school families for the Farm Workers in King City. We were impressed with our 5th graders' exuberance and hard work as they sorted and bagged all the donated items.
We thank in a special way the following who spearheaded this program: Claudia Coffey, Sara Cain, Christine Pezino, Fr. Gabriel, Monica Hernandez, Steve Hall, Sue Ahmadian, Sharon Aeria, Fr. Greg, Socorro Lagarda-Quiroz, Erika Freitas, and our fabulous 5th graders.
The donated items will be delivered to migrant farm workers in King City on December 10th with the help of the Diocese of Monterey.
AROUND THE DIOCESE OF SAN JOSE
AND BEYOND
DIOCESAN SYNOD SURVEY
Bishop Oscar Cantú invites every person in our community to complete an anonymous online survey as part of our Diocesan Synod to gain a greater understanding of the pastoral needs of the Catholic community of this diocese, including those no longer practicing their faith. Your responses will help inform how our diocese serves God's people in the coming years.
Go to dsj.org/synod-survey to complete the survey.
December Prayer Themes
Listening to the Holy Spirit
The Gift of Peace and Joy
Bishop Cantú Statement on the Passage of Prop 1: We were disappointed to receive the news that Proposition 1 passed. However, we should take note of important gains through our efforts and, of course, God’s grace. More at dsj.org
Bishop Cantú Message on Laudato Si' Action Platform: On the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary time we marked the first anniversary of the Laudato Si' Action Platform. View Bishop's full statement inviting us to review the Diocesan plan and create our own action plan. Visit Laudato Si’–Care for Common Home webpage
Save the Date | Annual Diocesan Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe! December 2, 2022 all are invited to the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Bishop Oscar Cantú will celebrate the Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. The welcoming procession will begin at 6:00pm. Mass will be begin at 7:00pm.
2022 Layette Donation Program - December 4: 12pm - 3pm the Diocesan Layette Team will hold the annual Layette Donation Drive. Donations will be accepted at Isolation Products 157 San Lazaro Avenue, Sunnyvale. We are grateful for your continued support of this program that serves and supports mothers in our diocese. Here is a list of very fasting moving items the team is in need of. Baby Towels & washcloths, swaddlers, sacks/gowns, boys shoes, cotton hats, receiving blankets. Visit www.dsj.org/layette for a full list.
Diocesan Mental Health Information and Events
- Dial 988 – for Mental Health resources in your area. Suicide Hotline 855-278-4204. NAMI Warmline (multilingual) : 408-453-0400 Mon-Fri 10am to 6pm. For more information click here.
- Talking to Kids about Mental Health free Webinar - November 28, 2022, 12pm to 1pm - Register here. Learn how to help children understand what mental illness is and is not, and how to answer their questions with a licensed therapist
- Holiday Stress & Self-Care free Webinar - December 1, 2022, 11am to 12pm – Register here
- When a Loved One Dies by Suicide" series intended to bring the message of the book "How to discern God's Will for your Life". Resource from Deacon Ed Shoener, founder of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers – for article, free eBook, and more click CRUX: Ministry helps families of suicide victims.
Parish Mental Health Listening Sessions
- Santa Teresa Parish – Hear & Be Heard – Every first Sunday of the month at 1:00pm. Age 16 & up are welcome. More information contact Lynda.demanti@dsj.org
- St. Simon Parish – Monthly Hope & Healing Wellness Circle – every third Monday of the month from 7:00pm – 8:15pm. More information contact roselue@gmail.com.
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2023 PILGRIMAGE
Please continue to check our website for updates - stmaryslg.org
Previous eNewsletters can be found at stmaryslg.org/enewsletter
We are available by email. If you call and leave a voicemail it will reach us to. Just go to our Contact Us page or our website.
