Keeping Our Hopes High

12-04-2020Weekly Flocknote MessageFr. James Aboyi, V.C.

The Scripture readings during Mass this weekend are timely; they invite us to raise our heads above the tide and keep our hopes high as we await the coming of the Lord. With the news of the increasing rate of new cases of Coronavirus also comes the increasing hope that vaccines will be available soon. I understand there are mixed feelings about the vaccines. While some are hopeful that it will help, others are concerned about the ethical standard of the vaccines. I urge everyone to resist the temptation of spreading any unfounded rumors concerning the vaccines until we have clear evidence about their nature. For now, we have every reason to hope that the vaccines will help control the spread of the virus.

A Quick Rundown Through the Month of December

We have three key liturgical celebrations coming up within the month of December: The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8; the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12; and Christmas, December 25. We acknowledge the importance of publicizing Mass schedules in advance to help parishioners plan. However, given the current circumstances, we have been careful about confirming Mass schedules more than a week or two ahead at a time. Here is a quick rundown of our projected schedules through the month of December:

December 4

We will begin our new weekly Friday confessions today, December 4, from 5-6pm. The Friday confessions will continue throughout the year (5-6pm) in addition to our regular Saturday confessions from 3:30-4:30pm. Please remember to observe basic safety procedures by wearing a face mask and maintaining a safe physical distance while inside the Church and confessional. We will keep the confessional door open for airflow and play background music to enhance privacy during confession. Please Note! Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is on the first Friday of every month from 9am to 7pm. We ask you to respect the Blessed Sacrament by genuflecting when you enter the Church.

December 8

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, is a Holy Day of Obligation. We will offer Masses at 9am, 12 noon and 6:30pm. Please remember, the Bishop’s dispensation from Mass attendance still holds for those who are not able to attend Mass in person. You are invited to follow the livestream Mass at 9am and 6:30pm on our parish YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNxWJ4wvmIMJlu9kN3A9l-g)

December 12

This year the Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be in Spanish. The Mass will be offered at 9am and followed by a Rosary outdoors by the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Mass will be livestreamed on our parish YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNxWJ4wvmIMJlu9kN3A9l-g ).

Christmas Mass Schedule

We anticipate to offer Christmas Eve Masses at 4pm, 6pm, 8pm and 10pm. Masses on Christmas Day will be at 9am and 11am. Please watch for a Christmas Mass attendance survey going out the week of December 13th. Your feedback to the survey is important as it will help us better prepare and plan for these typically well-attended Masses. Additional Mass times may be considered, depending on the needs of our community.

Scam Alert

It was brought to my attention that some parishioners are receiving emails and text messages claiming to be from Fr. Wilfred or me and requesting for favors. Please be warned that these are phishing scams. Please delete such messages immediately and notify the parish office. Fr. Wilfred and I would never send an email or text, or even a phone call, asking for a personal favor from you. When it rings warning bells or when in doubt, always carefully check the email address and photo profile of the sender before you respond. Please, never ever send a gift card, money or any requested gift to anyone claiming to be Fr. Wilfred or me, no matter how urgent it appears. It is important that you call the parish office to notify us even after you delete the message or especially if you fall victim to them. Unfortunately, we have no way to restrict or stop these fraudulent emails or texts. I pray these criminals will repent of their crimes before they face their last judgment of God.

Advent and Christmas Resources

As we enter the season of Advent, preparing our hearts for the coming of the Lord and a Christmas season may look and feel very different from most years. Our Diocese has provided you with an Advent resource: "O Come Divine Messiah, An Advent and Christmas Resource for Families" to help draw people of all ages closer to Christ. Whether your family is made up of one person or 20, we invite you to pray and reflect on the coming of Christ. Click here.

Recurso de Adviento y Navidad para familias

Have a wonderful weekend and Remain Blessed.

Fr. James Aboyi, VC
Pastor

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