Our Christmas Novena begins on Wednesday, December 16th, and concludes on Christmas Eve. The Novena starts each evening at 6:30 pm (6:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19th and 20th). We will have special Novena prayers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and will finish at 7:00 pm. Confessions will be heard in the church many evenings of the Novena, beginning at 6:30 pm. Christmas Novena envelopes are available at the church entrance, just fill one out with the names of the loved ones whom you wish to include in the prayer intentions of our Novena, return it to the parish by December 16th, and we will place their names upon the altar for our nine days of Benediction and prayer.
Every year, the parish prepares a special Christmas card that we make available for you to send to your family and friends. This year’s card is quite beautiful and includes your loved ones in our nine days of Christmas Novena prayers. These cards are available after all the weekend Masses and at the parish office.
Outstanding Food Drive
Our November food drive and turkey raffle were outstanding this year. With the leadership of second grade and all other grades doing their part, our school collected over 1400 cans and boxes of food for local residents in need. This is about 600 items more that our usual collection, an increase of 75%. In addition, the turkey raffle raised $135.36 in cash that will be donated to a local food bank. Thank you to everyone who donated this year. Our school did well with this “Prayer of Giving” and I appreciate how selfless our families were this year in helping those less fortunate. Congratulations to the turkey raffle winners: Mary Padilla, Ezekiel Ritchey, and Jennifer Sanchez.
2nd Year CONFIRMATION
2° año de Confirmación
December 20th Mass & Class 11am-2pm
December 27th NO CLASS
December 30th Flag Football Day 1-3pm
January 3rd NO CLASS
January 10th Mass & Class 11am-2pm
The other weekend, Fr. Hilton read us part of the Manhattan Declaration, a document that was drafted by the following three Christians:
Auction Financial Recap
This year’s auction received many, many compliments. The food from Famous Dave’s Barbecue was excellent and there was a lot of fun and excitement at the bidding tables. Many patrons made a point to let us know how much they enjoyed themselves. We appreciate the support of the school and parish families who attended and those who made donations. With everyone’s help and support our school raised over $30,000. We are very happy for the success of this year’s auction during these difficult economic times. This is a breakdown of finances from this year’s auction:
2nd Year CONFIRMATION
2° año de Confirmación
December 12th Service Project (51-102) 9am-12noon
*December 13th Mass & Class 11am-2pm *Saint Report is due
Most of us have something that belonged to one of our ancestors: a photo, a Rosary, a desk, a piece of jewelry, some embroidery work, you name it. We treasure it, because it reminds us of someone who came before us, and because usually, if it has stood the test of time, it is beautiful. Unfortunately, it is not always so with things that belong to our parents; after all, we grew up with the “thing,” and sometimes we are tired of looking at it, wanting something new.
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is Tuesday, December 8th, and is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics. On this special day we rejoice that the Blessed Virgin was born without any trace of sin to be the Mother of Jesus and of redeemed humanity. The schedule of Masses is:
Tuesday, December 8: 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm (Spanish)
Come and experience the beautiful Mexican tradition of singing the Las Mañanitas to our Lady of Guadalupe followed by a special Mass in honor of he Blessed Mother offered in Spanish, on Saturday, Dec. 12th. Las Manñanitas will begin at 7:45am with the Holy Mass at 8:00 am. All parishioners are invited to this beautiful celebration in honor of our Most Blessed Mother, the Empress of the Americas.
