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

11/22/25

Dear friends,

  Today is the Feast of Christ the King, so that means that next Sunday will be the First Sunday of Advent.

   But this week of course, we celebrate Thanksgiving.  Our Thanksgiving Day mass will be at 9 a.m. on Thursday. (There will not be a morning mass on Friday the 28th.)  Blessings on your Thanksgiving celebrations.

   Next Sunday, November 30, will also mark the beginning of our Giving Tree Activities.  There is much information in the bulletin and donation drop offs will begin next weekend.  Donations will be accepted in the parish office building garage  Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 12:30 and Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m.  Do check the bulletin for suggested donations.  Sorting will be from December 15 to 17 and deliveries will be on December 20.  There are so many needs to help with--and our St. Clare's Giving Tree has been a beloved Christmas time activity for decades.

        Red Cross Blood Drive is coming on Thursday, December 4 in the parish hall: 2:15--7 p.m.

  There are many Advent activities on their way:

        Book Groups, using the book Illuminate, will meet Wednesday mornings 9-10:30 and  Thursdays 9:30-11a.m., parish office.

        Advent Festival will be this coming Sunday, Nov. 30. Co-chairpersons are needed; please contact Kim.

        Giving Tuesday collection is between now and Tuesday, December 2, for the physical needs of our  church buildings.

        Cocoa with Santa: Saturday December. 6 from 9:30 to noon; parish hall.

        An Advent Retreat Online will be offered via Zoom by Fr. Jim Galluzzo on Saturday Dec. 6 from 9:30 to noon. "Honoring the Sacredness of Our Soul."  You can register by email. See bulletin for more information.

        St. Clare Christmas Bazaar will be in the parish hall Dec. 6--4 to 7 p.m. and Dec. 7th-- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

        An Advent Morning of Reflection and Retreat: In the Steps of St. Joseph will be  in the parish hall 8:30 a.m. Saturday, December 13. Presented by Tanya Rybarczyk; suggested donation $10. See bulletin.

         Youth Ministry Christmas Celebration will be December 13, 6-8:30 p.m.  Those attending must sign up online beforehand.

  Other information:

St. Vincent de Paul needs peanut butter, canned chili, tuna fish, tuna and  hamburger helper, pancake mix and pancake syrup.

Retrouvaille is a weekend program "for couples struggling in their marriages".  There will be one offered on Jan. 30 to Feb.1 in Canby. See bulletin.

     This past Thursday  we had our Dinner Talk #2 and Dr. David Villegas gave a presentation titled, "Come Holy Spirit", in keeping with our parish theme for this year.  He provided much interesting information about references to and teachings about the Holy Spirit from saints and scholars since Old Testament times.  Below is my favorite "Come Holy Spirit" prayer, from the little "Prayers for all Occasions" book that I picked up at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the immaculate Conception in Washington DC many years ago.

Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart with Your holy gifts.

Let my weakness be penetrated with your strength this very day that I may fulfill all the duties of my state conscientiously, that I may do what is right and just.

Let my charity be such as to offend no one, and hurt no one's feelings, so generous as to pardon sincerely any wrong done to me.

Assist me, O Holy Spirit, in all my trials of life:enlighten me in my ignorance, advise me in my doubts, strengthen me in my weakness, help me in all my needs, protect me in temptation and console me in afflictions.

Graciously hear me, O Holy Spirit, and pour your light into my heart, my soul, and my mind.

Assist me to live a holy life and to grow in goodness and grace.  Amen.

May God bless your Thanksgiving time,

Sheila Cullen