Third Sunday of Advent

News and Notes:

Prepare the Way of the Lord in your Heart... In this Advent season of waiting for the birthday of our Savior, and anticipating his final coming in glory to judge the living and the dead, the words of Isaiah the prophet, which were echoed by John the Baptist, come alive: “prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”   If you have not gone to confession recently and experienced the merciful, renewing grace of our Savior, I encourage you to do so before Christmas.  If you have forgotten what to say once you are in the Reconciliation Room, follow Fr. Tony’s advice and just say three words to the priest: “Father, help me.”  If you are worried about remembering the act of contrition, there are a number of formulas listed in the Church’s official Rite of Penance that we can recite, including a very short, simple one I often use with children (and adults): “Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”  We celebrate the Sacrament of Penance every Saturday in both churches from 3PM-3:45PM; and in preparation for Christmas, Fr. Tony and I will hear confessions this Monday evening, December 16 from 6:30-7:30PM or until all confessions have been completed.  If you are looking for some pre-Christmas joy during these hectic days, try the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and let the Lord’s grace give you a spiritual lift! 

Inspiring Hope Pledges Still Welcome... If you have not yet returned your pledge form with your financial commitment to the Inspiring Hope Campaign, please do so as soon as possible.  You can either place it in the Collection Basket or mail it to the Collaborative Office at 17 Grove St.  Your pledge that can be paid over a 3-5 year period will help our parishes pay their capital expenses and fund our mission for years to come.

The Mass Schedule for Christmas:
Tuesday, December 24: 4PM Masses in the OLA Church and School Hall
                                     4PM Masses in the SMG Church and Church Hall
Wednesday, December 25: 9AM Mass at OLA
                                         10AM Mass at SMG
                                         11AM Mass at OLA

The Christmas Collection... The one and only collection at all Masses on Christmas Eve and Day is for the Clergy Funds to support the health care and retirement needs of the priests of the Archdiocese of Boston.  Fr. Tony and I thank you for your steadfast support of us and our fellow priests.  Also, if you wish to make a Christmas donation to your parish, please make that intention clearly known on an envelope or in the memo line of a check. 

Blessings to all of you in the Advent days ahead!