" True Man, true God; God and Man, the whole Christ. This is the Catholic faith. " ~St. Augustine
In this Sunday’s Mass readings we encounter John the Baptist, as we do each year in Advent, preaching repentance in the desert as the means by which we prepare ourselves to receive Christ. Repentance is much more than just feeling guilty about our sins, it implies a total change of spiritual direction. In addition to asking forgiveness for the sins we have committed, we must also forgive those who have offended us and this is, quite often, the more difficult of the two. In our preparations for Christmas, let us allow Jesus to be reborn in our lives, radiating his presence all around us so that those we encounter can recognize His presence by our sharing love, unconditional forgiveness, a merciful heart and spirit of humble service. In preparation for Mass, here are some questions for reflection: Where do I need forgiveness and healing in my life? Where do I need to grant forgiveness to another?
Worship...

Here's what's happening in addition to our regular weekly Mass schedule :
  • Sunday, December 10th at 1pm - Teen Mass (all are welcome!)
  • Next Sunday, December 17th, 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!!
Family Christmas Choir - join us this Thursday, December 14th 5-6pm in St Augustine Church for a practice and then sing with us at the 4pm Mass on Christmas Eve at the Collins Center! The only requirements are that you like to wear red or green and enjoy singing Christmas carols! For more information email Cynthia Arsenault . Can't make rehearsal but want to join us at Mass? Send an email, we will work something out.
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 next 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 - join our Religious Education program in supporting the clients of Bread and Roses, Lazarus House, and the Pregnancy Care Center by bringing any of the following to the parish center before December 19th: cuddly toys, baby bottles, baby blankets, baby sleepwear, bath towels, children's slippers and toiletry items including body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

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

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