Dear faithful people of Saint Peter’s Church:
On December 23, the Fourth Sunday in Advent, we join the ‘first responders’ to Christ’s presence among us, uniting our songs with those of Mary, Mother of God; her kinswoman Elizabeth, and Elizabeth’s son John (soon to be called John the Baptist) who leaps for joy at the presence of Jesus among them. At each mass, the imminence of our celebration of Christmas is evident in the readings and Gospel we hear and the prayers and hymns we sing. There is no forum this Sunday or next Sunday (December 30) but there is brunch both days. The schedule for Christmas liturgies is below.
Our 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Masses on December 30 will not include a sermon but will include several Christmas-related readings and carols for all to enjoy and sing. 1:30 p.m. Misa and 6:00 p.m. Jazz Vespers will be celebrated as usual.
Looking ahead
Sunday, January 6 is the Day of the Epiphany of our Lord, the principal Latinx celebration of Christ’s Nativity. Our schedule that day looks like this:
- 9:00 a.m. English Mass of the Epiphany
- 10:00 a.m. Forum: A conversation on the form and meaning of Pastoral Care led by Pastor Derr
- 11:00 a.m. Mass/misa of the Epiphany celebrating the arrival of the Magi
- 12:30 p.m. Celebratory Brunch with special activities for children including the arrival of the Magi.*
- No 1:30 p.m. Misa
- 6:00 p.m. Jazz Mass of the Epiphany
*”Brunch” this day is very much a children’s party a quite noisy! This might be a good day to plan to have your Sunday brunch elsewhere.
January liturgies and events worth noting:
- Wednesday, January 9, 6:00 p.m. Bilingual Mass followed by striking of the Greens party
- Friday, January 11: VOICES OF SAINT PETER’S at 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, January 11: 11:00 a.m. Ordination of John Keogh to the Ministry of Word and Sacraments
- Wednesday, January 16, 6:00 p.m. Mass for Peace; 7:00 p.m. Living the Questions Study (3 weeks).
- Friday, January 18, TBA; Memorial for Nancy Purnell
- Saturday, January 26: 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. CONFIRMATION INSTRUCTION #1
The Church will be closed on Tuesday, December 26 and on Monday, December 31 and Tuesday, January 1. Carole and I will be away from December 25 through December 30.
There will be no CHURCH LIFE email next week.
We can now all confidently pray this Advent prayer for the Fourth Sunday of Advent:
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Take away the hindrance of our sins and make us ready for the celebration of your birth, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen
Peace and Courage!
