Sunday, December 4, 2016

Bulletin for the Week of December 4, 2016 and the Pastor's Corner

PASTOR’S CORNER:

Today we celebrate the Second Sunday in Advent as we continue to prepare and anticipate the coming of our Lord at Christmas, which is the "The Mystery of the Incarnation." We also look to the future, remembering the Second Coming of Jesus, and renew our efforts to be vigilant, as we do not know "the hour or the day."

In our Gospel reading today, John the Baptist heralds the coming of the Lord, exhorting us to prepare the way for Him by repentance and the forgiveness of sins. If we allow God to forgive our sins and to heal the wounds our sins have caused us, then there is "more room" to receive fully the Spirit of Jesus. We remember God's twofold Mercy, that is, the forgiveness of our sins and the gift of His Grace to overcome future sins.  Obviously, Sacramental Confession is highly recommended during Advent, and we will continue to have not only our regularly scheduled times for Confession, but also an additional time each Wednesday evening from 6:30pm until 8pm. I hope you are able to do a thorough examination of conscience and to receive the fullness of God's Mercy in the Sacramental Graces given in Confession during Advent.

Thursday, December 8 - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - Holy Day of Obligation
This Thursday, December 8, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.  It celebrates the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Mother, preparing her to carry Jesus’ human nature in her womb.  It is a holy day of obligation, which means that we are obliged to attend Mass that day just as if it was a Sunday.  Masses for The Immaculate Conception will be Wednesday evening with the vigil Mass at 5:30pm, and then Tuesday at 8:40am (Opelousas Catholic School Mass) and 12:05pm. Please note that because of the Opelousas City Christmas Parade, there will no 5:30pm Mass on Thursday evening.  If you need to attend Mass on Thursday evening, Our Lady of Mercy will have an evening Mass at 5:15pm.

Centennial Campaign Commitment Weekend!
As mentioned over the last few weeks, this is Commitment Weekend for our Centennial Campaign. The campaign has gone very well, and I cannot express in words how much I appreciate the generosity and kindness of those who have pledged and donated to the campaign.  At Masses this weekend, we will have our "in pew" commitments for those who have not yet had an opportunity to give to the campaign.  My belief and practice is that every person who walks through the doors of our church is cherished and loved in the same way, regardless of how our society outside our church community may see or label.  God has the same love for all, and we should imitate and practice that same love.  Any gift that is given is important both for our church community and for the person. Our strength as a community is in the number of people who are willing to participate and doing what they can without worrying what they cannot.  My hope is that we are able to remember these things as we each make our gift to the campaign.  Thanks again!

Reminder - Giving to those in Need during the holiday season
Finally, a reminder that boxes are out for collection of food, clothes and toys for those in need. Your generosity, whether by way of material goods or a monetary donation, is very much appreciated!

Fr. Brady



The bulletin for the week of December 04, 2016 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page SaintLandryCatholicChurch.

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