Second Sunday of Advent

News and Notes:  Don’t forget the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday, December 8.  Masses will be celebrated at 7AM at SMG; and 9AM and 7PM at OLA.  As is the custom in most parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston, an Offertory Collection will be taken up at all these Holyday Masses.  Join us for the second annual Christmas Concert featuring Jim Dennis and the music ministry of our parishes.  It will take place next Sunday afternoon, December 14 at OLA Church beginning at 2PM.  The concert will honor Sr. Josephine Harty OSF, who celebrated her Golden Jubilee as a member of the Franciscan Order earlier this summer.  Sr. Josephine has taught third grade students at OLA for more than thirty years and has been a generous servant of our parish as well.  The proceeds from the concert will be used for tuition assistance for OLA students who qualify for such aid.  Now that the Increased Offertory Appeal brochures haven been mailed out and pulpit talks have been delivered in both parishes, we ask that all of our parishioners at SMG and OLA return their completed Commitment Envelope (or OAP Renewal Form at SMG) as soon as possible.  You can do this either by placing the Commitment Envelope in the collection basket at Mass or by mailing it to the respective parish.  If you did not receive a mailing, there are additional Increased Offertory materials at the entrances of the churches.  You can also go to our Collaborative website to exercise your Christian stewardship by registering as an Online donor.  Advent blessings to all of you in the week ahead!