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Today, we find ourselves in the fourth week of Advent. In this week’s Gospel, we see how the birth of Jesus came about. The angel of the Lord instructs Joseph in a dream to not be afraid to take Mary into his home, because it was through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived. He was instructed in this dream to name this child Jesus.
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I am sure that there are a variety of ways that you go about naming a child. When I meet people, I am sometimes fascinated with what their names mean, and I wonder if they strive to live out the character traits the name describes. My parents named me David. There were times that my dad would sit me on his knee and tell me the significance of the name David. He would go into the story of how King David was the smallest child and went on to stone Goliath, thus saving Israel. I liked this story, it filled me with dreams of one day charging into battle with a few stones of my own. It quickly became my favorite bible story for much of my childhood. Years later, I was horrified when my older brother told me the story about how King David had an affair with Bathsheba. King David was not perfect but an integral part of the great history of Israel. Jesus was descended from the line of Jesse, who was King David’s father. In the fullness of time, Jesus was born.
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In today’s Gospel, the name chosen is Jesus. What is in a name? A lot. The name Jesus is given by a heavenly command to Joseph and not by random chance. In Matthew, more emphasis is placed on the significance of the name as opposed to the actual birth event itself. When meditating on the significance of Jesus, we understand He came to save us. By taking on our flesh, He conquers the sins of the world. As we prepare to welcome Him this Christmas day, may we take these last few days of Advent to fully prepare our hearts for His coming. Take some quiet time this week, pause, pray, meditate and give thanks.
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May you know the fullness of joy and Christ’s peace this Christmas and God bless you!
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Adopt-A-Family will be returning to Holy Family, and as in years past, gifts will be purchased and distributed; Holy Family has adopted 5 families. Posters with the families' requests can be found in the parish hall. Please consider participating in this very important community event. Also, if you have any gently used clothing or household items that you would be able to donate, please drop off in the parish center by December 11, 2022. Thank you in advance for your anticipated support.
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Mark your calendar to lend a hand with decorating the church for Christmas. Volunteers are needed on December 18th, right after the 10:30 mass, to set up the manger and the Christmas trees and to place the poinsettias. Come see how the church is beautifully transformed by our parishioners!
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There will be no Tuesday prayer group until after the Holidays.
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Watch or listen to Fr. Aufiero in videos and audio in our new website section Fr. Aufiero Media!
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2022 Christmas Schedule
Saturday, December 24, 2022
Vigil Solemnity of Christmas
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- 4:00 p.m. Mass
- Mass During the Night at 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 25, 2022
Solemnity of Christmas
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Support Holy Family
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when you shop at Amazon with Amazon Smile!
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Click the image below to set Holy Family as your charity!
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