Second Sunday of Advent

News and Notes:  Now that the Increased Offertory Appeal brochures have been mailed out, stewardship homilies have been delivered in both parishes, and Commitment Weekend has taken place, we ask that parishioners at SMG and OLA who have not yet returned their completed Commitment Form do so as soon as possible.  You can either place the Commitment Form in the collection basket at Mass or mail it to the Collaborative Office Building at 17 Grove, Lynnfield.  You can also go to our Collaborative website to exercise your Catholic stewardship by registering as an online donor in your respective parish.  Please know that your pledge will help your parish budget its income and expenses in the coming year.  Many thanks to Maryanne Rooney-Hegan, Beverly Merritt and Rich Mazzola, our Development Committee leaders, all other members of this Committee, and all the volunteers that have served this important Campaign in any way…and special thanks to all parishioners that have already pledged a portion of their treasure to support the mission of our Collaborative!

Thanks to Donna Hegan for organizing and emceeing the moving Opioid Candlelight Vigil Ecumenical Prayer Service on November 19 at SMG Church. The service featured three speakers who gave witness talks that addressed this drug epidemic from their own personal experience, beautiful music by Jayson Cote and Grace Ferri, and a candle lighting ritual coupled with an offering of prayer intentions for all those affected by the disease of addiction, including those who have lost their lives.  Thanks also to the clergy from Lynnfield, Wakefield and Peabody who participated in this service.   Additional thanks to Angela Siraco and Russ Cartolaro from OLA for hosting the reception afterwards.

Don’t forget our Advent charity: “250 beds for 250 children before Christmas.” Each bed costs $250.  We will take up a children’s offertory collection at the 9 and 11AM Masses at OLA and at the 10AM Mass at SMG for this cause, but everyone is welcome to contribute.  To provide beds for homeless children in our area, you can make your check out to your respective parish with “250 beds for 250 children” in the memo line.  Thanks to Diane Jenkins (OLA) and Bethany Kilroy and Jamie Bossi (SMG) for their leadership role in organizing our Advent Giving Tree program that will provide Christmas gifts for many families served by Catholic Charities.

Advent blessings to all of you in the week ahead!