We celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day of obligation, this Thursday, Dec. 8. A Vigil Mass is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. tonight (Wednesday), and Mass will take place at 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. tomorrow.
In observance of the Feast Day, the Parish Office will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 8.
About the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
The term “Immaculate Conception” refers to the conception of the Virgin Mary as free from original sin by virtue of the merits of her son, Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church teaches that God acted upon Mary in the first moment of her conception, thus keeping her “immaculate.” Although the belief that Mary was sinless, or conceived without original sin, has been widely held since Late Antiquity, the doctrine was not dogmatically defined in the Catholic Church until 1854 when Blessed Pope Pius IX, declared the Immaculate Conception to be doctrine. The United States bishops unanimously chose the Virgin Mary, conceived without sin, as patroness of the country, on May 13, 1846.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us!
"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me
according to your word."