Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

We wish all of our parishioners a very Happy New Year! As we begin a New Year, the church asks us to pray and reflect. Join us for Mass on New Year's Eve at 5:30 p.m. or on New Year's Day at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. 
Note - Church Office Hours
Monday, Dec 30 - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec 31 - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan 1 - Closed

Funeral Mass - Vincent M. Brown, Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Vincent Brown on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

Masses of Christmas

Holy Mass will be offered on Christmas Eve at 4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and at Midnight.
Masses on Christmas Day are at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and at 12:00 noon.
We wish you a very Blessed and Merry Christmas!

Church Office schedule
Monday - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday - Closed
Thursday - Closed (Feast of St. Stephen)

Funeral Mass - Grace Marie Arkenbout

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Grace Arkenbout (age 2) on Monday, December 23 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her mom and dad, her grandparents, and her relatives.

Reconciliation Monday

On Monday, December 16, all parishes in the Archdiocese of New York will open their doors for a continuous offering of the Sacrament of Reconciliation from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Come and prepare the way of the Lord in your heart! Come and experience the mercy of God!

Advent Third Sunday - Christmas Tree

Strange thing – you cut down a tree – bring it inside the house – hang stuff on it – put lights on it.

Jesus life connected to trees – carpenter – manger – boat – cross

Evergreen – stays green all winter – sign of life in death

Martin Luther – walking through woods – starlight through trees – put candles on tree – not popular with fire department – Thomas Edison took care of that.

Angel or star on top

Angel – Glory to God in the highest

Star – Star of Bethlehem

JPII first to bring tree to Vatican – with beautiful Nativity in St. Peter’s Square.

 Few years back, Pope Benedict invited to Gubbio to bless a huge Christmas tree.

Made three wishes:

1)    Many look at the bottom of the tree where the presents are – what did I get for Christmas? His 1^st wish – look up – toward heaven – toward God.  Baptist said: he must increase, I must decrease – I am not worthy to untie his sandals.

2)    Trees give off light – the light was shining upon the shepherds – we too need that light to show us the path when it is dark, when we are afraid or worried. 2^nd wish – see that the baby, born in Bethlehem, is the Light of the World.  Baptist said: Look, the Lamb of God!

3)    Tree is made of many lights, not just one light. 3^rd wish that we would not be selfish but would become lights for others – just as JB was a light.  Words written on Newtown bus : Be nice to each other. It’s really all that matters word s by Principal who gave her life.

 Blessing of the Christmas Tree

 God of all creation, we praise you for our Christmas trees which bring beauty and memories and the promise of life to our homes.

May your blessings be upon all who gather around our trees, all who keep the Christmas festival by its lights.

We wait for the coming of Christ, the days of everlasting justice and peace. You are our God, living and reigning, forever and ever, Amen.

Saturday Cancellations

On Saturday, December 14, due to the storm, all parish programs and activities are cancelled. First Penance is cancelled. Religious Ed Classes are cancelled. Basketball is cancelled. The church office is closed.
Only church liturgies will be held as scheduled: 9:00 a.m. Mass, the 9:45 am Funeral Mass for Christine Black, Confessions at 3:30 pm and Mass for the 3rd Sunday of Advent at 5:00 p.m. However, we urge you to take precautions and suggest that you consider coming to Mass on Sunday instead.