First Sunday of Advent

News and Notes:  Thanks to the Our Lady of the Assumption representatives of our Collaborative Pastoral Council for their work in hosting the Town Hall style meeting in the OLA Church Hall on November 15.  Led by Len Morrison, the Vice-Chair of the Council, the OLA team gave an outstanding presentation of the Collaborative Pastoral Plan for the next three years and how we all can help it happen.  At the end of the meeting, I asked the participants to write down their answer to the following question:  “Why do I choose to be Catholic and practice my faith in OLA (or SMG) parish?” and then to share their response with one person (family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker, anyone) in the coming week.  I invite all members of our Collaborative to do the same as a simple exercise in sharing the good news (evangelization).  If you would like to send me your response to this question in writing or through email, please do so and I might even publish it in a future column!

Bring your little ones to “Breakfast with Santa (St. Nicholas)” next Saturday, December 5 from 10AM-12Noon in the St. Maria Goretti Church Hall. Please consider a generous pledge to our current Development Campaign in both parishes.  We need a boost in both our Offertory to pay for our ordinary operating expenses and in our Savings accounts to pay for much needed deferred maintenance projects and emergency needs. I am happy to answer any questions you may have about this Campaign.  Blessings to all of you in the week ahead!