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This Sunday, the Church celebrates Gaudete Sunday. The Church declares with one voice Rejoice! When you come to Mass this weekend, you will see the priest and the Deacon wearing a liturgical rose-colored vestment. While Advent is a season of joyful anticipation for the coming of our Lord, we pause today to reflect on the second coming of Christ and how this is an especially joyful time for us as Catholics.
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In Sunday's Gospel, we find John the Baptist who was in prison and heard many great things about Jesus. He sent one of his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the one who is to come or should we look for another. Jesus answers by listing some of the signs he performed; the lame walk, the deaf hear, the lepers are cleansed, the dead are raised and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. After this, Jesus answers the disciple; “blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” This is an important quote.
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St. Augustine says “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Christ.” We are made in the image and likeness of God; therefore, each person has an inherent worth and dignity. In addition to this, our values are placed on our hearts by God. We call this Natural law. St. Thomas Aquinas holds that Natural law is to do good and avoid evil. Reason reveals to us that there are particular truths that are good such as self- preservation, marriage and family, and the desire to know God.
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We are made to know God, and to love Him in this life and be happy with Him in the next. However, we are constantly confronted with views contrary to the faith and even formed by secular media. This influences our thoughts and sometimes our actions. Living the Gospel requires us to live contrary to worldly influences. During the season of Advent, may we take the time to reflect on ways we are not living or thinking in line with the Christ and His Church. What areas do we need to Change? Blessed are those who take no offense at God. If we find ourselves taking offense at the Church, we are the ones who need to change not God. We place our hope and our trust in God who is good, who loves us, and helps us to joyfully await His coming with joy. May this season be a time of peace and joyful reflection of Christ and His Church.
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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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