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E-Newsletter for
December 15, 2024
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Message from Fr. John Chrysostom Tibakunirwa, Pastor
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Today is Rejoice Sunday and we are encouraged to ask the spirit of joy that our salvation is not only close at hand but is faithfully present. that for which we wait this Advent is our deeper reception of this gift, wrapped in flesh for us and all.
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In today's Second Reading, we hear Paul encouraging his community to a peace that surpasses our understanding, because the Lord is near. We can rejoice, because Jesus has fulfilled the promise of God to come, see and lovingly conquer and not sending us off without guidance.
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Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the People. These words end today's Gospel. John has been telling the crowds of the coming of their Savior. He himself is only the advance man, not the main person whose coming he foretells. The coming will bring about order and justice. The crowds, including tax collectors and soldiers, ask John what the coming would expect of them. John is very specific in his replies. Simply they are to act with justice and charity. Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. Whoever has food should do likewise. To his hearers, these do not sound like good news. He reminds them that the One Who is coming is similar to a gatherer of grain and who has a fan, which by blowing separates the good healthy grain from the throwaway chaff. By doing the deeds of love and justice, John's hearers are promised to be gathered into God's barn.
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News & Events
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Please watch here for news and events, and join our events for good Catholic community!
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Christmas Mass Schedule
- Christmas Eve (Tuesday, Dec. 24th)
- 5:30p.m. (English)
- 7:00p.m. (Spanish)
- Christmas Day (Wednesday, Dec. 25th)
- 8:30a.m. (English)
- 10:30a.m. (English)
- 12:00 noon (Spanish)
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Advent Penance Service
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All are invited to our church for an Advent Penance Service on Thursday, December 19th at 5:30p.m. Confessions will be heard in both English and Spanish.
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Remembering the Homebound At Christmastime
We have a list of parishioners who are homebound, and if you are interested in either sending them a note or card, calling them to chat, or visiting (with or without a gift**), their names and addresses are on the Giving Tree on the altar. You have until January 7th (a.k.a. known as “Little Christmas” – The Epiphany) to reach out.
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**Candies are always popular, or some hand cream, or pens, stamps, note cards, and the like. Perhaps a call prior to a visit would be best, to ensure what you are thinking of bringing will work best and to confirm the person will be home for your visit.
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Sunday Rosary
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Beginning December 1st, the Rosary will be said at church each Sunday morning at 10:00a.m.
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Religious Education
- Sunday morning CCD (Faith Formation) programs are on-going at the Social Center. First graders are being welcomed for Pre-First Communion classes, and those children who had their First Communion are welcome to continue their religious education.
- We are also registering adults who need their sacraments.
- There will be a Retreat for all Confirmation Students at the church on Sunday, December 8th, from 3:00-6:00p.m. with Fr. Yerick Mendez
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If you have any questions, please contact Sr. Caritina at 733-5823, ext. 130, or at 413-777-5115.
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Bible Study
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Please join us December 18th in the church Cry Room after the 8:15a.m. Mass as we discuss the Nativity.
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Blue Army
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On the first Saturday of every month, the Blue Army group follows the 8:15a.m. Mass with a rosary, meditation on the mysteries and confession until approximately 10:30a.m. Everyone is invited to stay after Mass to take part.
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Decorating the Church for Christmas
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...will take place on Saturday, December 21st, right after the 8:15a.m. Mass. Please come join us if you can!!
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Youth Mass Celebration: Feast of the Holy Innocents
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Join us on Sunday, December 29th, at 10:30 a.m., for a special Youth Mass in honor of the Feast of the Holy Innocents. Let us come together in faith and prayer as we remember the innocent children who gave their lives for Christ. Then on to an afternoon of Fun & Games! The celebration continues with exciting youth games and fun activities in the afternoon. Don’t miss out on a day of spiritual growth and joyful fellowship!
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Eucharistic Adoration Time Change
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With the daylight hours decreasing, the new time is 1-4p.m (still on Tuesdays). The Chaplet will still be prayed at 3p.m. and the Rosary at 3:30p.m. followed by Benediction.
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From the Diocese of Springfield, Office of the Vicar General
Dear friends, we have all witnessed the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. For so many whose lives were impacted, there is a long road ahead. It is at moments like this that we are called upon to look beyond our community to help those in need.
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Thank you in advance for your compassionate response.
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Junior Legion of Mary
The Junior Legion of Mary is coming to Holy Name in October! The only requirements are being under 18 and wanting to grow with God.
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