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December 3, 2021

Vicar’s Corner

+JMJ+
Dear Friends,
The Year of the Eucharist has begun! I can't help but think ... how many people in our pews, in pews all over the diocese, wonder: "what's the big deal?" Bishop Byrne pointed out some startling numbers in his letter - which is available for anyone to take home and read - that only 18% of the Catholic population of Western Mass attend Mass regularly. Of those, only 30% actually believe in Christ's true presence in the Eucharist ... This is what makes it a big deal!

This is not about changing demographics, it's not about our young people moving out of the area, its not even about the effect of covid on our church numbers ... this is about the central teaching of our faith - that Jesus Christ is truly present Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity under the form of bread and wine. Everything about Catholicism hinges on this one, singular reality. This is our faith. And it ought to be the principal reason as to why we attend Mass on Sunday.

There are, of course, other elements and teachings of our faith that are important and necessary, but the Eucharist, the very fact that our God makes Himself known and present to us on the altar, that He feeds and nourishes our faith, is the reason why we can do anything in His name, in the name of our common faith. He gives us the fuel to be humble, to act with integrity and virtue, to lift up those who are suffering, to assist the needy - love comes to us on our altar and love moves us to become that which we consume...

As we continue during this season of Advent, may we take some time to examine the state of our faith, the state of our souls. Lets ask the Lord to give us an adult faith, one that appreciates this great Gift, this awesome Mystery — that doesn't just believe it, but lives it as well.

This is why the Eucharist is a big deal — without Him we are nothing.
God bless you,
Fr. Jon
011 - Immaculate Conception - edited - 1200

Highlight Our Faith

Journeying Through the Places of Advent (12:41)

Parish News

Adopt-A-Family: A second collection will be taken up the weekend of December 4-5, 2021 to support the Franklin County Adopt-A-Family program (only monetary donations are being accepted this year).
Cookie Sale: Please consider baking and donate to our annual Christmas Cookie Sale - to be held the weekend of December 18-19, 2021. Please call the office for more information and to sign up.
Pope St. John Paul II Parish Center: With the arrival of the seniors, our parish center is getting a lot more use than in years past. This is a wonderful thing! Our beautiful space is available! If you would like to book an event, please call the office.
Advent Confessions: December 19, 2021 from 2pm-3pm in the church. Several priests will be available to hear confessions. There is no service. Other times for confession are Saturdays at 3pm, Wednesdays at 5pm or by appointment.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Wednesdays 12pm-6pm concluding with Benediction at 6pm.
Land of Peace: A non-profit organization that sells handcrafted olive wood made by crafters in Israel. This organization supports the people of Israel who have no other means of income. Currently their goal is to establish a hospital in Bethlehem. Members of Land of Peace will be visiting our parish this weekend (December 4-5) to sell their articles.
Holy Day of Obligation: Wednesday December 8th is a Holy Day of Obligation, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - all Catholics are required to attend Mass this day. Masses are at 8am, 12:05pm and 6:30pm
Confessions are offered on Wednesdays at 5pm; Saturdays at 3pm and by appointment.
Christmas Mass Schedule:
  • Friday December 24th: 8am (regular weekday); 4pm and 10pm (both at Holy Family)
  • Saturday December 25th: 9am (St. Mark's); 9:30am (Holy Family)
    THERE IS NO 4PM MASS DECEMBER 25TH
  • Friday December 31st: 5pm (Holy Family); Jan 1st: 9am (Holy Family)
There is a new Coffee with FJ episode this week - however, it is delayed.
Watch for an update!

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