Advent Resources
This weekend we begin a new liturgical year, the first Sunday of Advent! Just as Jesus' parents, Mary and Joseph, patiently and joyfully awaited the birth of their baby boy thousands of years ago, we are a people waiting in joyful anticipation for the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Listed below are a few ways to help us prepare our hearts as we wait, to make ready and to receive Jesus this Christmas.
This coming weekend we begin a new liturgical year, the first Sunday of Advent! Just as Jesus' parents, Mary and Joseph, patiently and joyfully awaited the birth of their baby boy thousands of years ago, we are a people waiting in joyful anticipation for the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Listed below are a few ways to help us prepare our hearts as we wait, to make ready and to receive Jesus this Christmas.
Receive daily Advent reflections read by over 300,000 people each day. When you sign up, you can choose to receive the reflections in English or Spanish. Bishop Barron will then send you a new reflection each day during Advent. You can sign-up here or view the videos each day on our Advent Resources page on the parish website.
Advent Reflections
Word on Fire - Bishop Robert BarronReceive daily Advent reflections read by over 300,000 people each day. When you sign up, you can choose to receive the reflections in English or Spanish. Bishop Barron will then send you a new reflection each day during Advent. You can sign-up here or view the videos each day on our Advent Resources page on the parish website.
Advent Resources
Best Advent Ever - Dynamic CatholicJoin the Best Advent Ever a free email program from Dynamic Catholic that will help you slow down and focus on what matters most during the busy holiday season. Each day of Advent, you’ll receive an email with short inspirational videos from Allen Hunt, Matthew Kelly, and the Dynamic Catholic team, practical tips for your everyday life and real-life stories to encourage you in your faith journey. All you have to do is sign up at BestAdventEver.com.
What did Mary Do for Advent? - Ascension Presents
This video series will put you in the frame of mind to see Advent through Mary's eyes as you wait with her for the birth of her son, Jesus. Ascension will release one video each week of Advent on their YouTube channel as Advent unfolds.
In the first video, there is a beautiful reflection on Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. If you click here, the video will start at the beginning of that reflection (18:02). It's a beautiful way to spend 8 minutes of time in prayer!
Upcoming Events
Holly Fair
December 1 - 2
Come join us for this annual tradition. Get in the Christmas spirit while taking care of your shopping list.- Saturday, December 1st 9:00 am- 6:00 pm
- Sunday, December 2nd 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Christmas Carol Festival
If you are able, please bring a plate of cookies to share!
December 7
From Thanksgiving to Christmas something happens in our culture. We embark on a quest for gifts, for family togetherness, for love, and for Christmas traditions. Travel with us to Bethlehem and encounter Jesus at the heart of the Christmas story by singing Christmas Carols that reflect the wonder, beauty, and the true meaning of Christmas. Invite your friends and families to join you at St. Mary’s on Friday, December 7th at 6:30 pm for a joy-filled evening.If you are able, please bring a plate of cookies to share!
Simbang Gabi: A Filipino Christmas Tradition
On Saturday, December 15th this Filipino tradition will continue at the 4:30 pm Mass here at St. Mary’s. Some Filipino parishioners will lead the music at this Mass and will offer a taste of Filipino treats after the Mass. Please join us.
December 15
The Sambang Gabi tradition was introduced to the Philippines by the Spanish friars to allow the farmers to hear Mass before going to the fields early in the morning. Simbang Gabi is also known by its popular Spanish name as the Misa de Gall or “Mass of the Rooster”. Church bells would start ringing as early as 3:00 am, waking people up so they could get ready for the 4:00 am dawn Mass which they would attend for the nine days before Christmas. Today the tradition continues although it is celebrated in new ways. Churches are decorated with colorful lights and beautiful parol lanterns to welcome churchgoers. After the Mass traditional delicacies are served.On Saturday, December 15th this Filipino tradition will continue at the 4:30 pm Mass here at St. Mary’s. Some Filipino parishioners will lead the music at this Mass and will offer a taste of Filipino treats after the Mass. Please join us.
Blessing & Lighting of Outdoor Nativity
December 15 & 16
The blessing of the parish outdoor nativity scene and manger will take place on Sunday, December 16th immediately following the 9:00 am Mass. The lighting of the outdoor manger will take place following the 4:30 pm Mass on Saturday, December 15.
Blessing of Home Nativity
December 16
On Sunday, December 16th we invite children to bring a figure of the Christ Child to the 9:00 am Mass for a special blessing before placing it in their family nativity scene.
Decorate the Church for Christmas
Join us in the Church on Sunday, November 23rd at 6:30 PM to decorate the Church for Christmas. For more information, contact Marilyn Blanchard @ msb158@townisp.com
December 23
Join us in the Church on Sunday, November 23rd at 6:30 PM to decorate the Church for Christmas. For more information, contact Marilyn Blanchard @ msb158@townisp.com
Visit the Advent Resources page on the parish website throughout Advent for updates, photos, and information on upcoming events.
