Advent Reflections
Bonnie Firkus
Director of Finance, Building & Grounds
We are now entering the second week of Advent. The second candle in our Advent wreath symbolizes faith and the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. It calls you out to prepare the way of the Lord. The candle may also be referred to as the Bethlehem candle. As we journey through this season of Advent, we may take the time to take a good look at our faith. Some may do an examination of faith through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, others may move slower trying to experience this season and not rush too quickly into the Christmas season. Think about the journey Mary and Joseph took to Bethlehem and the deepness of their faith to follow God’s will and give us the Christ child as the prophets described. I often wonder how this journey would have transpired today. I guess I can’t imagine how it would have turned out. I personally love the Christmas story and enjoy pondering their journey each year. Sometimes on Christmas morning I walk outside to look at the stars to see if I can pick out the Bethlehem star. Thank you God for bringing Jesus into our lives and drawing us one step closer to you.
Bonnie Firkus
Director of Finance, Building & Grounds
Friday Feature
St. Raymond and St. Mary Parishes will be holding a 9-day giving event! We are seeking donations of warm winter clothing from infant to adult. These donations will go to King’s Closet, an organization who will give to all who are in need, free of charge. Men’s clothing are in particular need: boots, shoes (non-dress), socks, hats, gloves, and additional warm clothes for these cold months. We will begin accepting donations on Saturday, December 3rd and will continue through Sunday, December 11th. On Monday donations will be brought to King’s Closet. Please bring all items to the parish and place in designated areas. Thank you for your generosity!
Bambino Jesù (“Baby Jesus”) Christmas Collection for Ukraine: As we approach the Advent and Christmas season, Valentyna Pavsyukova, founder of Chalice of Mercy mission to Ukraine, is organizing a diocese-wide charitable collection for the suffering children, women, and men of her homeland. Please see the "Needs List" and consider donating something from the list. St. Mary’s Altoona is the collection site for the Eau Claire area. To make a much-needed financial donation, visit chaliceofmercy.org/donate. The collection will run through the weekend of Dec. 10-11. Thank you for you donation!
Christmas Flower Donation
Once again our beautiful Church will be filled with Poinsettias, to celebrate the birth of our Lord, on Christmas day! Please help provide these flowers by using the Christmas Flower donation envelope provided in your envelope giving packet. Thank you!
St. Mary Knights of Columbus Christmas Signs
The Saint Mary Knights of Columbus will have their annual Keep Christ in Christmas yard signs available in the narthex after Mass. Donations are welcomed. Merry Christmas!
Decorating St. Raymond Church for Christmas
Join us for the annual tradition of decorating St. Raymond's for Christmas after the 8:30am Mass on Sunday, December 18. Families are encouraged to stay after Mass as we set up the Christmas trees and Creche' to celebrate the birth of our Lord! Coffee and donuts will be provided and many hands make the work seem light and enjoyable! Always a joyous time spent with fellow parishioners!
Help Needed
We need help for various tasks at the parish. Dusting, vacuuming, and washing are just some of the ways we keep our parish a beautiful and welcoming place to worship and gather. Our experience tells us that the best help comes from within the parish. Please contact Bonnie Firkus if interested in helping.
Upcoming Events:
Dec 3. First Saturday Devotions. 7:30am. St. Mary
Dec 3. Men of the Beatitudes. 9am. St. Mary
Dec 3. Start of Spanish Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe. 5:30pm. St. Mary
Dec 4. Family Faith Formation. Nativity and Incarnation. 9:45am. St. Raymond
Dec 5. Knights of Columbus Meeting. 6:30pm Officers. 7pm General. St. Mary
Dec 6. Advent Confessions. 7pm. St. Olaf Parish
Dec 7. Women’s Bible Study: Romans 9am. St. Mary
Dec 7. Vigil Mass. Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. 5:30pm. St. Mary
Dec 7. Family Faith Formation. Nativity and Incarnation. 6pm. St. Mary
Dec 7. Parish Ensemble Rehearsal. 6:30pm. St. Raymond
Dec 8. NO 8am Daily Mass. St. Raymond
Dec 8. School Mass. Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. 9am. St. Mary
Dec 8. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. 10am. St. Mary
Dec 8. Spanish Choir Rehearsal. 4:30pm. St. Mary
Dec 8. Adoration 5pm-6:45pm (NO Adoration after 7pm Mass). St. Raymond
Dec 8. Mass. Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. 7pm. St. Raymond
Dec 8. NO Confessions. St. Raymond
Dec 9. NO 9am Daily Mass. St. Mary
Dec 10. Men of the Beatitudes. 9am. St. Mary
Dec 11. Las Mañanitas. Mass at 7am in Spanish (No 1pm Mass). St. Mary
Dec 11. Office Closed. St. Mary
Dec 11. Catechist Master Class. Topic: Jesus in the Eucharist. 4pm. Virtual
Dec 12. Knights of Columbus Meeting. 7pm. St. Raymond
Dec 13. Annual Christmas Caroling. 6pm. St. Mary
Dec 14. Women’s Bible Study: Romans 9am. St. Mary
Dec 14. Parish Ensemble Rehearsal. 6:30pm. St. Raymond
Dec 15. Coffee Community. 8.45am. St. Raymond
Dec 15. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. 9:45am. St. Mary
Dec 15. Spanish Choir Rehearsal. 4:30pm. St. Mary
Dec 15. Spirit Choir Rehearsal. 5:30pm. St. Mary
Dec 15. Advent Penance Service. 7pm. St. Raymond
Dec 17. Extended Confessions. 8am-3:30pm. St. Mary
Dec 18. Church Decorating. 9:30am-11am. St. Raymond
Dec 18. Bilingual Mass. Noon. Followed by Posada Meal. 1pm. Followed by Christmas Decorating. 3pm St. Mary
Small Group Communities & Studies
For those of you looking to grow deeper in faith and community, consider one of our small groups offered through the Parish.
Join our Becoming Catholic (RCIA) group, that provides a place where you can listen to, consider, and explore God’s calling for the next step in your faith journey. The group meets twice a month to discuss a variety of topics surrounding our practice of faith and Christian living. There is no obligation to become Catholic by attending and simply provides a space to be uplifted by others and grow in your individual faith journey. For more information contact Michael Van Hemert at mvanhemert@smsrcatholic.com.
Men of the Beatitudes
Men of the Beatitudes is a group of men sharing their faith, holding one another accountable, and deepening their prayer life by experiencing the Beatitudes as a path to healing. If you are in need of fellowship and connection, contact Lucas Munns at munnsld@gmail.com.
Elizabeth Ministry
Women are welcome to join us to build community through fellowship and spiritual discussion. Evenings begin with wine, appetizers, and desserts provided by Elizabeth ministry. Ladies are welcome to contribute, but it is not necessary. For more information contact Liz Johnson.
Employment Opportunities
Administrative & Pastoral Coordinator (full-time, both parishes)
A full-time position that provides administrative support to our parish staff and provides welcoming and pastoral care to parishioners & guests. The position will coordinate our pastoral outreach programs, helping to reach those in our community that are homebound or in care facilities.
Director of Evangelization & Faith Formation (full-time, both parishes)
A full-time position that builds up, coordinates, and leads the parishes’ employees and teams into effective evangelization, especially the programs of Family Faith Formation, sacramental preparation, catechesis, and mystagogy.
Click here for the full job description.
Click here for the full job description.
Online Giving
Weekly Stewardship Made Easy. Donate Online or at Mass!
Estate Planning
There are many ways to financially invest in our communities. Would you prayerfully consider treating one of the parishes as one of your children in your will or estate planning? For more information contact Bonnie Firkus.