St. Elizabeth's First 11:30 a.m. Mass is a Success! Feast of the Holy Family, 12.29.2019 ~ Photos by Janet Stern

~ Photos by Janet Stern

St. Elizabeth's Christmas Pageant, 12.24.2019 ~ Photos by Liz Wiznerowicz

~ Photos by Liz Wiznerowicz

Christmas Eve at St. Elizabeth Church - 12.24.2019 ~ Photos by Janet Stern

One of our St. E's children places Baby Jesus in the manger during Mass.

~ Photos by Janet Stern

Fr. Jim's Jots - 4th Sunday of Advent - 12.22.2019

Fr. Jim's Jots

Happy Advent!

The greatest gift at Christmas is the family and friends we share and the faith that enriches and blesses our lives.  As Catholic Christians, Christmas is the Incarnation; the Word made flesh, Christ dwells among us!

Every day I see the presence of Christ in the many parishioners of Saint Elizabeth, who help bring Christ into our world.  Those who help the Social Justice Ministry; to help bring justice and peace into our world.  Our Social Ministry, those who help with food baskets, rent assistance and utilities, to help those less fortunate than ourselves.  Those who help our Liturgical Ministries to read scripture, those who bring Eucharist to the sick, our Altar Servers, Hospitality Ministers/Ushers and those who help with repairs and maintenance of our buildings.

Our many volunteers whose time, talent, treasure and ministry are indeed a blessing and a gift throughout the year.  Without your help and efforts and generosity, we could not grow and do the many services and ministries we celebrate.

A special volunteer's dinner will take place at Sam Miller's, hosted by our parishioner, Ken Wall, for ALL volunteers in our parish on Monday, December 30th at 6:30 p.m.  If you would like to attend this special dinner to thank our many volunteers, please call the parish office.  All volunteers are invited!!!

"At Christmas time we are reminded again of the miracle of God's ultimate gift of Jesus.  Our volunteers reflect his love and care in a wonderful way, through your faithful service year round!"

Christmas Blessings,

Fr. Jim

St. Elizabeth Christmas Bingo! Fun, Food, Fellowship! 12.20.19 ~ Photos by Janet Stern

~ Photos by Janet Stern

Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday! - Lighting the Advent Wreath ~ Photos by EJCooley

~ Photos by EJCooley

Fr. Jim's Jots - 3rd Sunday of Advent - 12.15.2019

Fr. Jim's Jots

Happy Advent!

Today, we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday.  On this special Third Sunday of Advent, we rejoice, for the Lord is near.  Today, we light our 3rd candle on the Advent Wreath, the pink one.  The vestments that the Priest and Deacon wear are also pink or rose to remind us that the Lord is near.  Have we prayerfully prepared to celebrate Christmas and what changes do I need to do to be ready to welcome our Lord?

You're invited to a special Christmas Bingo/lunch this Friday, December 20th ($5) with Christmas Bingo.  All are invited to wear your "ugly Christmas sweater" or "tacky ornament" on your head.  It should be fun.  A special prize will be given to the "best ugly sweater".

Our young people are preparing for our Christmas Eve play.  We are pleased to have so many involved this year.  The play on Christmas Eve starts at 5 p.m. with Mass following at 6 p.m.  There will be Christmas Carols also, so please plan on arriving early.  Christmas Day Mass is 9 a.m.

If you are interested in donating Christmas flowers In Memory Of or In Honor Of a loved one, please see the handout in today's bulletin.  Return it to EJC or Janet Stern asap or no later than Sunday, December 22nd.

Gaudete Blessings,

Fr. Jim

~ Image Source: St. Mary's Community

George Strother, Saint Elizabeth Web Communications Tech , portrays Santa Claus at the ARTS function! 12.2019 - Photos by EJCooley

George Strother at the ARTS function

George Strother as Santa Claus

Photos by EJCooley

Fr. Jim's Jots - 2nd Sunday of Advent, 12.8.19

Fr. Jim's Jots

Happy Advent!

Today is December 8th, and we as a church are celebrating the Second Sunday of Advent.  Tomorrow, December 9th, at 6 p.m., we will celebrate the feast day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with this Holy Day Mass, now moved to Monday, December 9th, because of Sunday.  Please plan on attending.

We, as a Catholic Church, have a privilege to have an intimate relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.  When Mary stated, "let thy will be done," she is known as the first of all disciples in being open and following the will of God and being the mother of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During the stillness of Advent, we invite you to take the opportunity to participate and attend Mass, Monday, December 9th at 6 p.m. "Holy Mother of God, pray for us that we may be worthy of the promises of heaven."

As a people of faith, we are called to honor our parents, our mothers and our fathers.  Tuesday, December 10th, I will travel to visit my mother in Naples, Florida, who lives in an assisted-living facility.  I will take her to numerous doctors' appointments for the three days while I'm there and I'm privileged to be able to celebrate a special Christmas Mass, because she is unable to go to church and I'll attend a special Christmas party at her assisted-living facility.

Thank you for your kindness and support; may each and every one of us, love and be attentive to our mothers, whether she be in heaven or on earth.

During this special season of Advent, we are called to pause and give thanks for our blessings.

Advent Blessings,

Fr. Jim Arsenault

Image Source: webstock review

2nd Sunday of Advent - 12.8.2019 - Lighting the Advent Wreath at St. E's ~ Photos by EJCooley

Fr. Jim offers a prayer as our RCIA candidates light the Advent candles!

~ Photos by EJCooley

December Birthdays at St. Elizabeth Church ~ Information by EJCooley

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2019

Arlene Beamon

Stefan Bogdanovic, Sharon Drennan

Kathleen Bogin

Christyna Ford

Rita Hatchett

Sr. Elena Henderson

Cole Hollier

R'chell Jones, Katherine Lamb

Lula Lamb

Buzzy Lawler

Sarah Longfield

Laila Miller

Justine Mugisha Karemera

Frances Pope

Burton Robinson

Kiyoko Timmons

Mieya Timmons

Eva Wiznerowicz

~ Image Source: Clipart Library

Fr. Jim's Jots

Happy Advent!

Today we usher in the season of Advent; "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel".  May we wait for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with much prayer, participating in the sacred mysteries of Christ's church, participating in Mass and celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Thank you to all who participated and helped with November 23rd Reconciliation, wreath-making and luncheon.  What a wonderful kick off for this season of stillness, peace and the blessings of Christ among us.

There is a special booklet entitled, "The Word Among Us" and other materials available in the back of church.  Please help yourself and hope this Advent will be a time of prayer and meditation.

Please notice the new drinking fountain, with a special dispenser to use for bottled water.  I hope that we will continue to work and make every effort possible to be "green friendly" and to help care for our common home.  If you have ideas from your home or work place, on how we can continue to be aware of creating a green family church, please let us know.

Reminder: our 11:30 a.m. Mass will start the week after Christmas on Sunday, December 29, 2019.

It was good to be in Michigan last week, to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends.  May the Lord bless us this season and surround us with love.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim Arsenault

~ Image Source: Saint Andrew Catholic Church