Hello everyone! I hope you’ve been able to enjoy the mild weather that we’ve been having. It looks like beginning this weekend, we are definitely moving into the colder weather.
With the cases of the virus going up exponentially, the governor has mandated a state-wide curfew from 10pm-5am for the next few weeks. At this point, it does not affect our worship. We will still have Mass as we have been. Throughout Mass, everyone should be wearing a mask at all times in the proper manner as described by health authorities, covering mouth and nose, with the typical exceptions of children under the age of 2 or those with medical reasons. We will not be confrontational and force people to wear them, but ushers will offer masks to those who enter without one and ask them to wear it. It is highly recommended that groups should meet virtually (group business meetings, Bible study, etc). OLL church will remain open at the normal times for private prayer (8am – 8pm every day except Thursdays), but please sanitize your pew before you leave. ICC church remains locked for security reasons not related to the virus, but anybody wishing to go in for prayer can ask Kathy in the office to unlock the door. Note that Kathy will be off during Thanksgiving week.
Please be extra vigilant during these days. The virus is not something to be taken lightly as we hear reports of how serious it is for those who are hospitalized and how overwhelming it is for those who are working in the hospitals. Please keep all those affected by this virus in prayer.
As Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays approach, please consider whether it is safe to gather with family who are not of your household or “bubble.” It is difficult to think of spending the holidays apart from family, especially if that is the usual custom, but it may be a greater act of charity to stay physically apart. We can be creative and find new ways to gather as a family or to spend the holidays.
Remember that Jesus Christ is still the King of the universe and no amount of evil should dampen our spirits. Jesus Christ has already won the victory and overcome even the worst evil, death itself. That means that death does not have the final say. St. Paul says, “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us” (Romans 8:18). That perspective of St. Paul can make all the difference in our spirit, giving us hope and joy no matter what happens.
As we celebrate Christ the King this weekend and Thanksgiving this week, before giving way to Advent on Nov 29th, let us give thanks to God for all he has done for us, most especially for giving us His Son, who is indeed our king who reigns in our hearts and in our lives. I pray that you all will have a great Thanksgiving celebration however you do it. I, myself, may just remain home, cook a small meal and then eat with my family over Zoom!
New email address for Deacon Klear
Deacon Nick Klear has been set up with a new diocesan email address. If you need to contact him in his capacity as a deacon, you may email him here: nklear@columbuscatholic.org
Advent Penance services
We will have penance services during Advent at both parishes. Fr. Jeffrey and I will be hearing confessions at both churches. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be offered during these hours. All are welcome to attend either penance service.
Advent Penance Service at OLL will be on Sunday, Dec 6th from 12:30 – 2:30pm. This will be in conjunction with the 2nd graders' First Reconciliation.
Advent Penance Service at ICC will be on Monday, Dec 14th from 5-7pm.
Christmas Eve Masses
We will be offering an extra Christmas Eve Mass at ICC for the sake of social distancing. The normal schedule is 8pm, but we will have one at 5:30pm. Since I will have the Mass at OLL at 5:30pm, Fr. Jeffrey will be celebrating that Mass. We will have music, though hymns might not be sung (just the ordinary parts of the Mass will be sung – Holy, Holy, Holy, Lamb of God, etc.).
Survey for Christmas Eve Masses
I will be sending out a Flocknote survey asking who is planning on attending the Christmas Eve Masses. This will give us an idea of whether we need to consider adding a Christmas Eve Mass at OLL and whether we need to do a reservation/ticketing system for either parish. I know some of you may be away from email for Thanksgiving week so if you could be attentive to taking the survey soon after you get back, that would be helpful.
Free Advent books
Advent begins on November 29th. We are giving to each parishioner a free Advent booklet called “Rejoice! Advent Meditations with the Holy Family.” The book contains short daily meditations and pages for journaling. Each meditation is seen through the eyes of Mary and Joseph as they await the birth of Jesus. The books are still available for pickup at both churches and are available to each family member who wants one.
Advent bags for PSR families of ICC
We have Advent bags in the back of church for the members of our PSR families. Please be sure to pick yours up so that you may prepare for the Advent season. Names are listed on each bag.
ICC giving tree
St. Vincent de Paul Society will be having a giving tree again this year for Christmas. A tree will be set up with cards from which you may select. The card will list a boy or girl and something they need. You purchase the gift, wrap it and return it. Please be sure to sign your name on the sign-up sheet that is posted so we know who has picked up the names.
Bat exclusion complete at ICC
The work for the sealing up of the attics at the ICC buildings is done so hopefully no more bats in the belfry! That work cost $25,000 but the anonymous, generous gentleman who also donated $20,000 to our BAA has also paid for that work. He is a non-parishioner but used to live in Kenton, so he is fond of the parish and wants to make sure it keeps going. Please offer your prayers for him as he is and has been a wonderful benefactor of the parish.
Jackie’s letter
I’m sure you all remember that Fr. Ferguson used to put out a letter from his cat, Jackie. It used to be a hit for the kids so I’ve asked Fr. Ferguson if he could send me the letter which he now writes for the kids at St. Andrew parish in Upper Arlington (Columbus). That letter is attached.
Repeated info:
Advent Intergenerational Faith Formation at OLL
If you have interest in learning more about Advent, deepening your faith, and doing fun, faith-building activities to prepare your homes and your hearts for the Christmas season, there will be Advent take-home packets available on the weekend of November 28th & 29th.
We're asking that each family/individual interested signs up by November 23rd and contributes $10 to offset materials/printing costs for the parish. You’ll be contacted by email about how to pick up your packet. A sign-up sheet is in the narthex; fees may be paid via the collection basket – label your offering ‘Advent Program.
Men of the parishes
For the men of the parishes, there is a free online series to help Catholic men fulfill the heroic mission to engage in the spiritual combat to become great men, great fathers and great leaders who build Christ’s Holy Catholic Church. The next series is Saturday, Nov. 21st. Sign up at heroicmen.com .
Attached is the worship aid, the bulletins, and Jackie the Cat’s letter.
Happy Thanksgiving!
The live-stream of the Mass will take place this weekend at OLL at 11am.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, pray for us!
God bless!
Fr. Ed
