"Perfect your work in me, O Lord. Your voice is joy to me, ringing out above a flood of joys . " ~St. Augustine
This Sunday we celebrate Gaudete Sunday (Latin for “rejoice”) in which the readings for Mass express the joy of expectation at the coming of Christ, who brings the gift of salvation and eternal life for all people. In a culture which has greatly secularized the celebration of His coming, it is all too easy to give in to distractions which can rob us from experiencing the joy of His great mercy and love. Reflection for the coming week: What are the distractions, large or small, that keep me from rejoicing always? What actions can I take to free myself from these distractions to more readily receive the joy that the Lord offers this season and always?
Worship...

Here's what's happening in addition to our regular weekly Mass schedule :
  • Sunday, December 17th, 9:30am Mass - our grade 8 Religious Education students "host" Mass by serving as readers and greeters.
  • This weekend we celebrate Gaudete Sunday and will be blessing the crèche outside the church after the 4pm, 8am, and 9:30am Masses. Families are encouraged to bring the Christ child figure from their own nativity set to be blessed at the same time!!
Take a break from the holiday rush and refocus by joining us on Sunday at 2pm in the church for singing of traditional Christmas carols followed by a tasty treat of hot chocolate and cookies in the parish center. Have a favorite cookie? Bring it along to share with others.
Share...

Help bring joy to others this season by participating in one of our parish projects:

Angel Tree - gifts for the Angel Tree are due back THIS Sunday, December 17th. Please bring wrapped gifts back to the tree with the tag firmly attached and bring gift cards to the parish office.

Silent Night Project - there are just a few more days left to join our Religious Education program in supporting the clients of Bread and Roses, Lazarus House, and the Pregnancy Care Center. Please bring any of the following to the parish center by Tuesday: cuddly toys, baby bottles, baby blankets, baby sleepwear, bath towels, children's slippers and toiletry items including body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Keep Christ in Christmas - the Knights of Columbus will be selling "Keep Christ in Christmas" magnets after all Masses this weekend for a suggested donation of $5.

For complete information about parish events please read our weekly bulletin
or visit our website at  www.staugustineparish.org

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