Our SIS ministry began in 2004, as we led Emmaus Retreats for the women of St. Clare.

12/20/25

Dear friends,

With this week being the 4th Sunday of Advent, we know that Christmas is very near-- on Thursday in fact.  

That means that our Christmas Mass Schedule begins Wednesday evening, so, as follows:

Christmas Eve:  Wednesday, December 24:

4 p.m. family mass with Children's Choir.

6 p.m. (Carols at 5:30 p.m.) Joyful Noise

10 p.m. (Carols at 9:30 p.m.) St.Clare Choir

Christmas Day:  Thursday, December 25:    

10 a.m. mass (Carols at 9:30 a.m.) St. Clare Choir

(There will be no daily mass on Friday the 26th)

Coming Activities:

Exodus 90--A 90-Day Spiritual Journey for Men Begins Monday, January 5--See bulletin for registration information

Brothers in Spirit--Monthly Men's Faith Formation Group begins Sat., Jan 10--9-11 a.m. downstairs in Parish office.

Youth Group Skating Outing--January 10, 5-9 p.m. (Register by December 31)

Sisters in the Spirit--Monthly Women's Group meeting will meet on Saturday, January 17, Parish office downstairs meeting room. (9:30-11 a.m.)

St. Clare School Open House: Sunday, January 25, 12-2 p.m.

Thank you for your participation in the Giving Tree activity. We were able to supply Christmas treats and support for almost 100 families.

Our Red Cross Blood Drive was very successful--we surpassed our goal by nearly 50%!  February Blood Drive: on February 26. Noon-2p.m.

Other opportunities:

"Retrouvaille: A lifeline for Married Couples"--weekend of January 30-February 1; see bulletin.

Italian Dinner--Save the Date: Saturday, February 7. Hosted by Confirmation Candidates and their sponsors.

Summertime Camp Howard registration is now open.  More information in bulletin.

St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry can always use: peanut butter and jelly, pancake mix and syrup, canned tuna and chicken, dried pasta and sauce, hot and cold cereals, and canned soup, fruit, and vegetables.  

I read an interesting piece in this month's Commonweal by a woman, Stephanie Saldana,  who lives in Bethehem: her husband is a Syriac Catholic priest of a parish in Bethlehem, so she knows well the Christian community there. They have many difficulties because the past two years of warfare have nearly destroyed the tourist industry, which is the major source of employment for the Christian population.  Let's pray for peace, support, and rebuilding of this Christian group and that this Christmas will be celebrated in Bethlehem with joy and hope.

This prayer is from St. John XXlll:  

Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into our hearts the peace for which we sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give us.  Reveal to us also your beauty, holiness, and purity.  Awaken in our hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness.  Join us all together in your love, and give us your heavenly peace. Amen.

    Blessings on your family and your Christmas celebrations. And let us send special prayers for families and individuals for whom there are complications and difficulties at this time of year.  May the peace of Christmas have special meaning and healing power in their lives.

Sheila Cullen