FATHER JIM'S JOTS - Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday - December 17, 2023

December 17, 2023

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Certain Sundays throughout the liturgical year have taken their names from the first word in Latin of the entrance antiphon.  This Sunday's antiphon is "rejoice in the Lord always."  Gaudete (meaning 'rejoice' in Latin) Sunday is a joyous celebration.  Although it takes place during the usually penitential period of Advent, Gaudete Sunday serves as a mid-point break to rejoice in the nearness of Jesus's return.

Thank you to everyone who attended the retreat on Care of Creation and Reconciliation yesterday.  Thank you to Sr. Anns for her wonderful coordination and preparation of the retreat.  Following Pope Francis' letter, Laudate Si, it is important that we learn how we can better care for God's creation and our common home.

Please note, because the Fourth Sunday in Advent and Christmas Eve are on the same Sunday, we have a different Mass schedule for the next two weeks.  Our complete Christmas Schedule can be found in the highlighted yellow box in this bulletin as well as on our website and phone answering machine on extension 3.  Below the Christmas Schedule, you can find information on how to send and receive Christmas cards to and from parishioners as well as how to make a donation for our Christmas flowers if you are interested.

Thank you to everyone for helping with this year's Angel Tree!  We were able to provide gifts for many children and families of our parish and local community.

As many of you know, Mary's and Patrick's wedding is this Friday at 12 p.m.  It will be a big celebration and I hope to see many of you there!  Congratulations to Mary and Patrick on this wonderous occasion!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

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