“When you turn back to him with all your heart, to do what is right before him, then he will turn back to you and no longer hide his face from you.” (Tobit 13.)
My brothers and sisters in Christ, recently while walking my dog, I noticed my recently planted Chinese maple bush. It should blossom into a bright orange-red color much like the burning bush of Moses. After a few nights of frost, I became anxious that maybe the new planting might die from the cold. This week however, new shoots sprouted from the root … much like the “Jesse Tree”. During Advent we are taught never to lose hope.
As we plan many events this season, set time aside for Reconciliation with the Lord. Letting go of past sins and grudges allows us freedom to love again. Since Christmas falls upon the weekend, we will NOT have confessions Christmas Eve which falls on Saturday. The prior Monday Dec. 19th, I do plan to hear confessions 11AM-1 PM & 5-7PM, along with the Saturdays of Advent or by appointment. There are also confessions each Sunday night at St. Patrick’s church in Newport at 7 PM after evening prayer. No excuse waiting to last minute, everyone time is precious.
Due to increasing illnesses of various modes, I want to re-iterate a simple acknowledgment of peace at Mass by turning and acknowledging your neighbor. Please avoid, hand- shakes, hugs and embraces. Also, we no longer collect Sunday’s offertory to God by “passing the basket”. In order to stay healthy, all visitors, envelope, and cash donations are placed in the new collection boxes at the Church’s entrances. While the weekly in person collection has decreased, I hope not to have to return to passing the basket.
Have a prayerful and healthy Advent Season.
-- Fr. Donald
Holy Day Masses:
Wednesday, December 7th: OLF 7:00pm
Thursday, December 8th: OLF 8:30am
Thursday, December 8th IC: 6pm
DECEMBER 8TH FEAST DAY POT-LUCK DINNER AFTER THE 6:00 MASS AT IC!
All are invited to attend the Mass and Potluck at Immaculate Conception. Please call Loretta at 603-735-5790 to let her know if you will bring a main course or dessert to share and how many will be attending with you. There will also be a sign-up sheet at this weekend's Masses.
Be sure to check out our bulletin!
There is so much information about our parish and Universal Church there.
Have you checked out our website and the parish calendar lately?
Click the links above and take some time to explore!
We also have a handy children's bulletin below to print at home and bring to Mass.
Other Advent Resources:
Advent and Christmas for all ages from Formed.org
Jesse Tree Live!
The entire parish is invited for our "Jesse Tree Live!" presentation on Sunday December 18th at 9:45am before the 10:30am Mass at Our Lady of Fatima.
What do you get when you have a new faith formation coordinator, new curriculum, some props, costumes and trust in the Holy Spirit? A spontaneous review of salvation history and first-person glance into our new family faith formation model.
Please SAVE THE DATE, your presence will be greatly appreciated.
FAITH FORMATION
December: The Annunciation, Immaculate Conception and Incarnation
First Reconciliation Session December 4 at 11:30 am (LMR)
Parent Meeting, Sunday, December 4 at 11:30am (Church)
First Reconciliation Session December 11 at 9:30am
Community Session is Sunday, December 18 at 9:00am
Jesse Tree Live in the church at 9:45am for all.
SACRAMENTAL FORMATION
Did you know that when the Manchester Diocese moved to Restored Order of the Sacraments, we also shifted our mindset about "service hours"? Instead of projects and logs, Bishop Libasci has requested that we instill the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy into our candidates' hearts and lives. This Advent season, we can all look for ways to prepare and offer gifts to the Body of Christ on Christmas Morning. Everyone is encouraged to write down their "Birthday Gifts for Jesus" and place them in the basket provided at Christmas Masses.
Women's Christmas Lunch
December 9 at Millstone @ 74 Main
This luncheon is open to all women of the parish. Please call Rosmary Silberberg or Caroline Scully for menu and more details.
Rosemary Silverberg
603-526-7940
603-526-7940
Included are collections counted in offertory envelopes, e-giving and loose currency. The reporting enables parishioners to better understand our financial status. Online giving is an easy way to support our parish. We offer online giving directly from our website.
P.S. I've enjoyed reading the notes about what we are thankful for in parish life. Here is another quick get-to-know-you poll. Feel free to suggest questions!
Would you rather...
Pray in silence
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Pray in song
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Pray in _______ (fill in the blank with your comment)
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