Third Sunday of Advent

News and Notes:  A priest will be available to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Monday evening, December 18 between 6:30 and 7:30PM in the Reconciliation Room of both parishes.  Come and experience the grace of the Lord’s forgiveness…a great way to prepare spiritually for the feast of Christ’s birth.

Looking Ahead to Christmas and New Year’s Day

A note to St. Maria Goretti Parishioners:  this Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24 there will be two 4PM Masses: one in the Church and one in the Hall. I will celebrate the Mass upstairs; and Fr. Bill Bucciferro will celebrate the Mass downstairs.  Obviously, there will be no 5PM Mass at SMG next Sunday.  Fr. Tony will celebrate the 4PM Mass in OLA Church on Christmas Eve, and as usual, there will be a second 4PM Mass on Christmas Eve in the OLA School Cafeteria with Fr. Farrell presiding.  So if you wish to attend Mass at 4PM on 12/24 in our Collaborative, there are several options. 

The one and only collection at all Christmas Eve and Day Masses will benefit the Clergy Funds, to support the retirement, medical and financial needs of the priests of the Archdiocese.  If you wish to make a Christmas or end of the year donation to your home parish, please mark this intention clearly on an envelope or in the memo line of your check, and place it in the collection basket in the next few weeks, or send it to OLA (17 Grove Street) or SMG (112 Chestnut Street) Lynnfield, MA 01940.  This year, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God on Monday, January 1 is not a Holy Day of Obligation.  But join us for 9AM Mass at OLA on New Year’s Day and get your 2018 off to a good start.  Advent blessings to all of you in the week ahead!