Monday, Dec. 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation. We will have Masses on Monday at 6:15, 8:15, 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. Please note that the 8:15 Mass will be a full-school Mass with a large crowd and limited seating. Another option: If you have already attended a Sunday Mass, you may count the Sunday evening 5 p.m. Mass for the holy day obligation. The Sunday evening Mass will not have the readings or prayers or music of the holy day, but for those who have already attended another Sunday Mass, it will count for the obligation for the holy day. We have an obligation for two Masses…. either a Sunday Mass plus Monday, or a Sunday Mass plus Sunday evening.
Putting aside the legalities and practicalities, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a beautiful celebration. Mary, who was conceived without sin and lived a life without sin, is the role model for us and also our greatest intercessor in heaven. Mary, under the title of the Immaculate Conception, is the patroness of our nation and of our diocese. We gather every year on this day to ask for her prayers.
Advent is a perfect season for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The best preparation for Christmas has nothing to do with shopping, decorating or baking. We should all make a good confession and get our lives in order. I would encourage you not to wait until the last minute when lines are long and weather can be questionable. St. Vincent has their evening penance service this week, Wed., Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. St. Jude and St. John, New Haven both have services next Tuesday, Dec. 16. Our St. Charles service will be on Wed., Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.
We welcome Bishop Rhoades next weekend for Confirmation. The Mass will be Saturday evening, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m. This is an important day in the lives of our teens; they will make a solemn commitment to live their faith and they will be given gifts of the Holy Spirit in that Sacrament. Since the Confirmation Mass is on a Saturday evening, it will count for the Sunday Mass obligation.
For those planning ahead, Christmas Masses will follow our traditional schedule: 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve; 12:00 Midnight; and 9:00 and 11:00 on Christmas morning. Please invite neighbors and friends. We would love to have an overflowing church for each Mass.
