Join us for Mass tonight at 6:30 pm or tomorrow morning at 8:15 am for the Immaculate Conception


Tomorrow we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which references Mary's conception in her mother's womb without the stain of Original Sin:

An essential part of God's plan for the mother of his Son was that she be conceived free from Original Sin. "Through the centuries the Church became ever more aware that Mary, "full of grace" through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception" (CCC, no. 491). In anticipation that she was to bear the Son of God, Mary was preserved from the time of her conception from Original Sin. We call this the Immaculate Conception. No sin would touch her, so that she would be a fitting and worthy vessel of the Son of God.

The Immaculate Conception does not refer to the virginal conception and birth of Christ, but rather to Mary's being conceived without inheriting Original Sin. In the course of time, the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception became more precisely enunciated, as its truth-long supported by the universal popular devotion of the faithful-was better understood by deepening theological inquiry. In 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed this dogma infallibly: that is, in his role as supreme teacher of the Church, he declared that this doctrine is divinely revealed and must be accepted with faith by the entire Church. (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, 142-143)

The bishops commended the United States to the patronage of Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception in 1846. (Hence the name of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.) December 8th became a nationwide holy day in 1885. (Essential Guide to Seasons and Saints, 120)

If you'd like to know more about the Immaculate Conception, CLICK HERE.

Have a Blessed Advent
 
 
Important Upcoming Dates!

Thursday, December 7th - Nativity Night from 7:30 pm - 9 pm
Friday December 8th - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day)
Thursday, December 14th - Nativity Night from 7:30 pm - 9 pm
Tuesday, December 19th - Nativity Night from 7:30 pm - 9 pm
Monday, December 18th - Parish Christmas Concert at 7:00 pm

 
Nativity Nights
Join the St. Josaphat Parish Community from 7:30 pm - 9 pm on Thurs 12/07, Thurs 12/14 and Tues 12/19 for Nativity Nights!

Nativity Nights are a way to direct our thoughts and intentions this Advent season towards the coming of Christ. Stop by any time to worship and receive the Sacrament.
Future Business Leaders Collection
Hats, gloves and scarves will be collected in the back of church from Nov. 26th - Dec 10th. 
Christmas Trees Available
Stop by the St. Josaphat Community Park to buy your Christmas Tree, Wreath and Roping.

Weekdays: 11 am - 8 pm
Weekends: 9 am - 8 pm
Giving Tree
The Giving Tree is here! Choose a tag from the tree at the back of the church to provide Christmas cheer to someone in need. All gifts are due at the rectory by Friday, December 15th.
Unity Gala Sponsorships
LAST CALL to buy your Sponsorship to the Unity Gala! Deadline Extended! All Sponsorships MUST be committed by Monday November 20 to be listed in the invitation. Our goal this year is 85 Sponsorships!

Official Call for Auction Items
Do you have a vacation home you can lend us? Sports or theatre tickets? Restaurant gift cards? We'll take them!

 Contact katymurrayshc@gmail.com or fill out the online donation form on our parish website.