FATHER'S TWO CENTS WORTH

Well, here we are into the second week of Advent.  And it seems that the time gets away from us faster than ever.  I begin hearing PSR student’s confessions today for the next three Sundays, between masses.  Pray for these students, and for all who will come forward to receive the Sacrament of Penance this season.  Our indifference to this special sacrament of God’s forgiveness is giving a poor example to our children and all around us.  It is saying that we can do what we want to do, and do not have to answer to God for these sins of ours.  Plan for your own reception of penance this Advent Season.

Many thanks to all who came to help decorate church last Sunday.  Thanks also to the adults who came and gave leadership to all of the young persons.  We will finish the decorating on Sunday, December 20^th.  In the meantime, we celebrate Advent—waiting for the coming of Christ at Christmas.

Tuesday of this week is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION for the universal church.  This means attendance at mass for all Catholics.  No excuses!  To not attend mass means we have chosen to commit a mortal sin, unless there is a dire reason.  Masses will be on Tuesday at 6:30 and 8:00 A.M., and at 7:30 P.M.

As usual, at Christmas time, we think of others.  The Angel Tree is in front of church with names and items needed by needy persons.  I am sure you see similar requests on TV and in the papers.  Our Angel Tree listing comes from our St. Vincent de Paul Society’s listing of persons who they help, and who would need help during this time of the year.

I also remind you of your Christmas gift to your parish—Holy Childhood!  As nice as things might seem to be, we are still challenged each week and each month to pay the bills and make ends meet.  Like you, we have seen increases in expenses, in utilities, and keeping up the parish plant.  Many expect the parish and its facilities to be there whenever they want to use them.  But the restrooms, the cleaning beyond your area of use, the heating and utilities, are all on-going expenses.  This is why we ask all of you to help take care of our parish, as you would want for your own home.

We have many secretarial chairs that have been used in our school and in our parish meeting room, that are available for sale--$1.00 each.  They have become available now because someone of the parish was able to obtain replacements (used, but better than we had), for the parish.  They are swivel chairs with casters, and are in relatively good condition.  Contact the rectory if you can use any.

Again, you are reminded to pray for the sick and recovering persons of our parish, and of the church as a whole.  Pray also for our military troops who are deployed, and for their families who are separated from their loved ones.  We pray for an end to situations that bring about such hardship to those involved.  We pray for our leaders that they can make the right decisions that will benefit all of our people.  We pray also for the conversion of those who are so wrapped up in themselves, and who have the attitude of “what is in it for me”?  May the generosity of God move them to be as generous.

REMINDER: The first pews are reserved for the elderly and handicapped!

HCCCW CHRISTMAS PARTY will on December 13th, after the 10:30 am Mass. It will $8 to be dropped in the collection box attention Ruth Forsyth. Don't forget your White Elephant Gift!

GIFT CARDS: The holidays are approaching fast. No need to run from store to store to purchase gift cards, you can get them through HCS. We have gift cards for many local and national retail stores and restaurants. Stop by the school office during the day or the gathering space after any mass. To ensure Christmas delivery, please place your order by December 8^th.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS: Now is the time to send your request for Christmas Flower memorials for your deceased loved ones. For $10, you can list one or two individual names or one list one or two family names. The Holy Childhood Counsel of Catholic Women (HCCCW) is sponsoring this program. The money is used for the purchasing of the Christmas flowers and any other items needed for the altar. For your convenience, there is a Christmas flower envelope in your church envelope box, or use a white envelope and address it to "HCCCW". Make sure you list who the memorial is for and the donor's name on it. Donations are needed by December 22nd, to insure your loved ones names are included on the list displayed at all entrances of the church. For more information, please contact Pat Bowker at 566-7089.

We need to go to the Lord first, continually and last.

When we are sad, He is our consolation.

When we have no joy, He brings us hope.

When we are weak, He is our strength.

When we are frightened, He is our courage.

 He heals us when we need to be healed,

and fills us with all that we need, when we go to Him.

 He will not impose His will upon us.

We decide, ourselves, whether or not to be open to the Lord

and to all the incredible gifts He gives.

                  Visit our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesdays following the 8 AM Mass until 7 PM

or on Saturdays from 9-10 AM.