A life of prayer is essential to developing a relationship with God, and you are invited to use the Advent booklets that are provided for use at home. Joining in the rosary before Mass during Advent, or the “Rejoice” Advent group on Monday mornings, may also open up some meditative space in your life during what is usually a very hectic season. And a prayer service for lighting the Advent Wreath is included on a bulletin insert this week for use at home.
On the Saturdays of December, we are welcoming many of our younger members to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. We thank their parents who have helped prepare them for this sacrament, and we pray that these children may learn (especially through our example) to share the mercy and forgiveness they receive from God generously with others through the events of daily life.
The flags decorating our narthex have been donated over the years by parishioners to remember their country of origin. A form in this bulletin invites you to have your country represented in time for our celebration of Epiphany in January. On that form, you can also offer your services as a lector or cantor in a language other than English on that weekend. Please also plan to participate in our first Epiphany “Dinner Around the World” that weekend as we sample cuisines from the various cultures in our parish.
Students are reminded to download an application form from the parish website if you plan to submit a Drexel Essay Contest entry by the January deadline. A $1000 college scholarship and a $500 high school scholarship (also applicable to college expenses) are awarded each year to two of our parishioners based on these essays about our patron Saint Katharine Drexel.
Thanks to all those who voted in our Pastoral Council elections over the last several weeks. Thanks also to all those who ran, and congratulations to the winners whose photos are included on a bulletin insert.
