Many times we already find ourselves running behind and trying to stay on top of the season’s preparations, especially the Christmas celebrations with loved ones (what to wear, what make and bake, what to gift, when to celebrate, oh my!).

But what happens when that time is lost by days or even a whole week? Then we find ourselves in a predicament and the stresses that we already normally have become exponentially greater! This season of Advent is going to be a short one as Christmas Eve begins on the same evening that we enter into the fourth week of Advent.

As I reflect on this, how fitting it is that the shortness of this season fits well with the message of the Gospel to remain vigilant, to stay awake, for we do not know when the master of the house will return, and when he does return, will he find us prepared to welcome him back?

Every year the length of Advent can be longer or shorter… and in the midst of that, do we find ourselves ever prepared enough? And if the answer is no, then no matter how much time we are given, what is it that truly causes us not to be prepared? Are we too focused on the material goods, the goods in this world, that they have become a stumbling block for me to have the time I need to prepare my family and I for Christmas… for my Lord’s return?

How can I simplify the things that I “want” to do this year, in this last week before Christmas, to truly help my loved ones and myself prepare my home and heart to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, and ultimately, his return? Gift giving is always an exciting time for little and big kids, but maybe instead of getting more material goods for each other, can we give each other more intentional experiences or encounters with one another… with Jesus?

Maybe plan to take a moment to pray and share a moment of blessing with each other, then wrap it up in a big thank you to Jesus, as a family, as a gift for Jesus and one another this Christmas. Keep it simple and beautiful.

Gaudete! Rejoice! For our Lord, Jesus, is drawing ever nearer!

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Mary, Mother of the Church, help us prepare our homes and hearts for your son’s return!

-Fr Peter

This year, we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent on December 24, followed by the joyous occasion of Christmas on Monday, December 25. In light of this, we wanted to remind you to join us for the celebration of the Fourth Sunday of Advent either at 5:00pm on Saturday, December 23, or the 9:30am Mass on Sunday, December 24, in addition to one of our Christmas Masses, which are noted below. We look forward to seeing you twice next weekend! 

Our last rehearsal is this Sunday morning, Dec 17, at 8:30am. Also, remember to meet at 3pm sharp on Sunday Dec 24.

Only one rehearsal left: Thurs, Dec 21 from 6:30– 8:30pm. Remember we will be singing for Christmas Eve Mass on December 24 (and the Carols concert beforehand) and on Christmas Day morning Mass on December 25. With any music questions, please contact our Director of Music, Donna, via text message at 408- 406-6240 or by email at dstoering@gmail.com.

Come to Pacem in Terris for a transformative Advent retreat. Allow God’s love to heal, nourish and transform your life. Find rest in body, mind and spirit in this hermitage sanctuary. No schedules or daily distractions. Pacem in Terris offers guests an environment of silence to pray and enter into an intimate union with God. Open year-round. Gift certificates available. Contact: 763.444.6408.

Coffee Sunday will be this Sunday, December 17! Be sure to stop by for coffee, donuts, and fellowship.

This weekend, December 16 & 17, the 55 Club will be hosting their annual bake sale! After the 5:00pm Mass on Saturday, they’ll be selling goodies in the Kennard St entrance, and on Sunday, they’ll be set up in Kenney Hall along with Coffee Sunday.

Please consider baking some items for our 55 Club Bake Sale! Donated bake sale items can be brought to the Kennard St Entrance on Sat, Dec 16 after 3:30pm, or to Kenney Hall on Sun, Dec 17 after 8am.

Sign up for the next 55 Club Luncheon! It will take place Tuesday, December 19 at Blessed Sacrament at 12:30 pm. The meal will be Ham, cheesy Au gratin potatoes, vegetables, and a roll with butter. For dessert, we’ll have Christmas cookies. Our entertainment will be the 3M Mellow Fellow singers. Call Teri Garrity to register at 651-303-2145.

Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join us on Wednesday, December 20 from 7-8pm in the Church for an inspiring candlelit service to prepare our hearts for the birth of the Christ Child. This simple and beautiful service, in which readings from sacred scripture alternate with sung meditations, illuminates a season of joyful expectation. This service will feature Donna Stoering, renowned concert pianist and our parish music director; concert violist, Erin Nolan; tenor Chidi Ohammah; and our Choir and lectors. A light reception will follow in the church Narthex. With questions, contact mail@presentationofmary.org.

The Respect Life Committee is sponsoring a baby drive for Options for Women East Life Care Center. From December 2 through January 7, we will collect baby items for moms in need and their infants newborn to size 2T. We prefer that all donations be new, but we do accept gently-used clothing. Items can be placed in the creche in the Kennard Street entrance. You may also call the office if you need to drop items off outside of church times.

Our Christmas Break begins for students on Thursday, December 21, and lasts until January 2. The teachers will have a Staff Development day on the 21st, so the student’s last day before break is December 20. We wish everyone a very blessed Christmas and we’ll see you again on January 3rd!

The boys' basketball season has begun! Check out the schedule here for the days to come cheer on our Panthers: https://stpaulcaa.org/basketball-boys.

Great Scott! The 2024 Presentation of Mary Catholic School Gala is coming back to Presentation on Saturday, April 13, 2024! We need you to take action now, so you don’t get left behind! 

April may feel a long way off, but the planning and preparations for our Panther Pride Gala are well underway already! Please make sure you've read all of the information on the Gala web page to understand all the ways you can Raise Your Hand to ensure the success of our biggest fundraiser! Donate a theme basket, wine, beer, or spirits, become a sponsor, get a Gala t-shirt, or even join the planning committee! If you have any questions, contact the school office at 651-777-5877.

Donate Items to the Panther Pride Gala! We are collecting items for our silent and live auctions. Put together a fun theme basket or donate tickets to a fun event. Do you have a special skill such as cooking or woodworking? Donate a cooking lesson or a few hours of carpentry assistance! Get together with some friends and donate a hosted dinner party! The options are limited only to your imagination! Questions? Contact Gala Chair, Linda Charnowski, at lprazak@presentationofmary.org.

The Kindergarten Class of 2024-2025 is invited to come experience a half day of Kindergarten with Mrs. Bertini on the morning of January 24th, 2024 from 9-11am. Parents are welcome to stay and visit in the Mary Room. Please check in for the day at the Front Office of School. RSVP must be completed by January 19th, and can be done by visiting https://forms.gle/b3c4UQ2PTQh7xAr87.

Save the date to help us kick of Catholic Schools Week by coming to the All-School Open House on Sunday, January 28th. We’ll begin the day with Mass at 9:30, followed by a pancake breakfast in Kenney Hall (cash or check only), and then the school will be open until 12:30pm for you to tour the school and complete fun activities and/or browse through the Scholastic Book Fair to pick up your favorite titles. RSVP for this fun event at https://forms.gle/FTySvNKyUS9Lp3Yf8.

Do you know someone in need of prayers? Contact Kay at the Parish Office at 651-842-6022 so they can be added to our Prayer Line.

You can also contact her if you are interested in joining the Prayer Line!

Protection of Youth: All employees, and volunteers who interact with minors, are required to complete and maintain safe environment credentials (E3) through the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. To ensure successful completion of these requirements or if you have any questions regarding our safe environment practices or would like more information on what is needed to volunteer, please contact our Safe Environment Coordinator: Kay Mottaz @ 651-842-6022 or email kmottaz@presentationofmary.org.

To learn more about reporting suspected abuse, please also visit: www.safe-environment.archspm.org/report-abuse/Report.