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

12/5/25

Dear friends,

Here we are: 2nd Sunday in Advent. And the busy times roll on through this week:

Monday, December 8, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Masses will be at 8:30 a.m., noon, and 7 p.m.

Friday, December 12, is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe  8:30 a.m. mass.

Our Giving Tree activities:

Drop off Donations: Sunday mornings:  Dec 7 and Dec 14: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  At the parish office garage door.  Tuesday evenings: Dec 9 and Dec 16: 7-9 p.m.  (Turkey and ham donations are still needed.)

Delivery Day: Saturday morning: Dec. 20: 9-noon  (Delivery drivers needed. Sign up is mandatory. See bulletin.)

Saturday, December 13: 8:30-noon  "In the Steps of St. Joseph: An Advent morning of reflection and retreat" ; Presenter: Tanya Rybarczyk--parish hall ($10 donation.)

Christmas Eve Nativity Scene: Volunteers needed. See bulletin for more information about children's participation and preparations. For Christmas Eve Family Mass--4 p.m. on December 24.

Fr. Jim Galluzzo's Toiletry Project is ready to deliver the 2275 bags that were assembled. (Great work!) They will go to 12 homeless centers and shelters. Many thanks to all who contibuted items and labor.

St. Vincent de Paul needs: lentils, white, brown and jasmine rice, canned ravioli, spaghetti, and Spaghetti-Os. tuna, jellies, and jams

This week's prayer: from  Advent and Christmas with Thomas Merton:

God of light, be the hope of our suffering.  Keep us from the darkness of sin and greed; keep us from the mindless quest for superiority and success, from the depravity of hatred and anger.  Astonish us with your mercy and love so that we may never forget your faithful compassion. Let us use this time of waiting to recover our bearings and refrain from afflicting anyone with our own sins, no matter how insignificant they may seem to be. Amen.  

Blessings on your coming week, on our Advent watching and waiting.

(And blessings on our longtime friend, former pastor Fr. Don Durand on his birthday on Sunday Dec. 7.)

Sheila Cullen