The Presentation of the Lord

News and Notes:

The Blessing of Throats... Monday, February 3 is the Feast of St. Blaise, a day in which the Church offers the Blessing of Throats. According to the Ordo of the Catholic Church, priests have the option of praying this blessing over the whole assembly in place of the concluding blessing at Masses this weekend.  If you wish to have you throat blessed individually, you can come to the daily Mass on Monday morning 2/3 at 9AM at OLA. 

World Day of the Sick... To anticipate the celebration of World Day of the Sick (the actual date is February 11), the priests will offer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick after the 4PM Saturday Masses at both parishes next weekend (February 8), during the 10AM Sunday Mass at St. Maria’s, and after the 7AM and 11AM Sunday Masses at Our Lady’s (February 9). 

Inspiring Hope Update... Here is an update on our Inspiring Hope Campaign:  As of January 7, 143 OLA parish families had pledged $808,420, which is 67% of their goal; and 75 SMG families had pledged $717,121, which is 80% of their goal.  Many thanks to all our donors thus far!  Since we will not be undertaking a Catholic Appeal Campaign in 2020, I am asking all our parish families that have not yet made a pledge, payable over a 5 year period, to consider making a pledge to our Inspiring Hope Campaign, to help us build a solid financial future by providing money for Endowment and Maintenance Funds. 

Blessings to all of you in the week ahead!