Advent Sunday

December 2, 2007 – Advent I – St Bibiana, VM
Today is Advent Sunday, the beginning of a new liturgical year and the opening of the holy season of penance and preparation for our Lord’s Birth. The Lighting of the Advent Wreath is at 7:20 AM and the Advent Procession and Blessing of the Advent Wreath takes place before the 9:00 AM High Mass. The Blessing of Religious Articles is available following all Masses. The Second Collection is for Our Seminary and Mission Support. St. Nicholas is visiting our children after all Masses this morning in Helfta Hall. The beautiful Advent Vespers are sung at 4:45 PM with Benediction.

Alter Christus
The “little church” is in the vestibule this morning. The ushers are collecting alms for the Alter Christus Confraternity to support priests who might not otherwise receive help. Please be generous.

Advent
It’s not too late to visit our Gift Shop to get ready for this season of getting ready. Advent Wreaths, as well as good spiritual reading are available. Be sure to prepare an Advent Wreath (three purple and one pink candle) for your family dining table or shrine. Consider saying the Sunday Collect each Saturday evening when you light a new candle.

Bake Sale & Raffle
It’s only two more weeks before Sunday, December 16th, and our St. Gertrude the Great Craft, Bake Sale, and Raffle. How are your projects coming? Whether your talent is crafting, baking, or shopping, you can find a way to help spread some cheer and enjoy this parish event. We are looking for new toys for the children’s raffle. Raffle tickets will be sold again today following all Masses. All crafts and raffle prizes must be delivered to Helfta Hall sometime today. Baked goods may be delivered on Saturday, December 15th, for Sunday, December 16th.

THIS WEEK:

Vigil of the Immaculate Conception
First Friday / All Night Adoration

Friday, December 7th, is the vigil before the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a day of fast and complete abstinence. Everyone over 21 and under 59 years of age is bound to observe the fast. Every Catholic over 7 years of age is bound to observe abstinence. On days of fast only one full meal is allowed. Eating between meals is not permitted. Beverages including milk and fruit juices may be taken. On days of complete abstinence, meat and soup or gravy made from meat are not permitted. Therefore, on the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception you are allowed only one full meatless meal. It is also First Friday and All Night Adoration, with the Opening of the Immaculate Conception Novena. The Intention for the All Night Adoration is: In Honor of Mary Immaculate, for This Church and the Whole Church. ADORATION CONTINUES ALL NIGHT

Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Holy Day of Obligation

Saturday, December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Holy Day of Obligation. All are bound to assist at Mass under the pain of mortal sin.

Poinsettia Memorial
We are welcoming contributions to defray the cost of the Christmas flowers. We typically use between 100 – 120 plants to decorate the church. If you wish to make your donation in memory of a loved one, please fill out the special Poinsettia Offering envelope available in the vestibule and pews. To have your loved one included in the special Christmas memorial program, please turn in your envelope no later than December 19th.

Christmas Mass Novena
Remember your loved ones in our Christmas Novena of Masses which begin Christmas Day – the perfect gift! Envelopes may be found in the vestibule and the Gift Shop. Fill them out and return them to the Church Office or the collection basket. Envelopes must be turned in no later than December 19th.

Congratulations
Our prayers and best wishes to William and Elizabeth Wanke, whose daughter, Katherine Marie, was baptized last Saturday, November 24th.

In Your Charity…
Please pray for those who are sick from near and far: John Kolb, (FL), Althea LeBlanc, (now in a nursing home), Jean Bischel’s nephew, Martin Dimino, and Jose Pedro Garcia and several of his children, faithful from El Paso, TX, and please pray as well for several special intentions.

Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Second Sunday of the Month. The Legion of Decency Pledge will take place at all Masses.

Set your missal: December 9th. Second Sunday in Advent. with the commemoration of Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception. Pref: Trinity. Early Advent Vespers & Benediction at 1:10 PM.

Upcoming Events
December 16th: St. Gertrude the Great Craft, Bake Sale and Raffle.
January 4th: Opening of 40 Hours Devotion