December 10, 2017

December 6, 2017

Dear Parishioners,

The Advent season lets us prepare for the feast of Christmas. During Advent, we light the candles on the Advent wreath in the sanctuary. The evergreen wreath reminds us of the eternal love of God, who has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of hope- hope for the future, hope for God's coming kingdom. The four candles represent the period of waiting as we approach Christmas. The light reminds us of Jesus, the Light of the World. This weekend's gospel features John the Baptist. John was the cousin of Jesus. He prepared the way for Our Lord to begin his public ministry. What better person to introduce us to Jesus than his family member! John's followers were eventually given over to Jesus. As we go through this holy season, may God bless you and your families with peace and love.

Congratulations to Derek and Lauren Davis on the occasion of their son, Marshall Benjamin's Baptism. Marshall is their first child, and we pray that he will always know the love of his family, friends, and this faith community.

The Regional Penance Service will be this Wednesday, December 13th at 6:30 p.m. at St. Margaret's. We will have several priests available for the Sacrament of Penance. Prepare for Christmas by asking for God's forgiveness! Also, I will be available for individual confessions on Monday, Dec. 18 from 4 p.m.- 5 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. until 6 p.m., or by appointment.

Bishop Cunningham has written a Pastoral Letter called “Enriching the Church, The Role of the Family in the Life of the Church of Syracuse and Beyond.” The pastoral letter is available online at Year of the Family https://syracusediocese.org/year-of-the-family#

Expecting a child in the near future? Please call me at the church office to schedule a pre-baptismal appointment. Your child can be baptized during a weekend Mass or after the Mass.

Reminder to please sign up for Altar Serving to help us with our Christmas Masses.

Many thanks. God Bless You, Fr. Paul J. Alciati