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Father Ralph A. Bove Pastor





Letter from the Diocese


The Knights of Columbus would like you to join them in reciting the Rosary and The Chaplet of Divine Mercy at St. Paul’s Church on the first Wednesday of every month from 6—7 pm. Let’s pray for healing for our friends, family and the world.

Mass on Thanksgiving Day alternates each year ©LPi between the Churches. This year, Mass will be celebrated at 9 AM at St. Paul’s Church.

Choir rehearsal correction: Practice continues at ST. BART’s throughout October on Wednesdays at 4 PM. November’s practices will be at St. Paul on Wednesdays at 4 PM.

THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated on... Monday, December 16th: at St. Bartholomew from 4—5 pm; at St. Paul from 6—7 pm; at St. Theresa’s, New Berlin from 4—7 pm; and at Immaculate Conception in Greene from 3—6 pm Tuesday, December 17th: at St. Malachy’s, Sherburne from 4—7 pm The lights of Catholic churches throughout the Diocese of Syracuse will be on from 4—7 pm on Monday, December 16th for anyone wishing to go to confession.

December 15, 2024 3rd Sunday of Advent On a bright Spring morning, a passerby once saw St. Francis of Assisi hoeing a row of beans and asked him, “What would you be doing right now if you knew this was the last day of your earthly life?” The Saint responded, “I’d keep hoeing this row of beans.” Preparing for this world to end — whether by our death or by Jesus’ glorious coming — invites us to live not in the past or the present, but deeply in the present moment. This same point is on display in the simple advice given by the wild and eccentric John the Baptist. He speaks of the one who is to come who will baptize “with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). Despite the bizarre awesomeness of this announcement, he tells his listeners to engage in the present moment with simple acts of justice and love as their prepara- tion for Jesus’ coming, sharing their clothes and food, eliminating greedy and underhanded practices, being content with their wages. It’s so undramatic. But how many actually did it? We don’t know. How many of us will commit ourselves to these types of humble and demanding practices in our lives? That’s what we should be doing now in our present moment, not worrying about the future. Advent challenge: Name one way you are doing the bare minimum towards others in your daily life. Or name something you are doing because you are not content with your financial situation. Pray: “Jesus, if it is your will, help me to stop doing these things this week. Help me prepare for your coming.” Then make the appropriate changes. — Father John Muir ©LPi

A sign-up sheet for Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors at Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve is on the counter in the all-purpose room. Please sign up if you can help. Thank you!

St. Lucy |Feast Day December 13 A name that means “light,” St. Lucy (283 – 304) is the patron saint of those blind or suffering with eye trouble. Not much is known about her life, except that she was determined to remain a virgin and thus refused marriage. History tells the story of a frustrated suitor who eventually accused St. Lucy of being a Christian (at crime at the time), and she was executed in Syracuse, Sicily, in the year 304. Today, we celebrate a number of traditions that incorpo- rate symbolic meaning of St. Lucy as the “bearer” of light in the darkness of winter. This is particularly seen in Scandinavian countries, with their long dark winters. There, a young girl dressed in a white dress and a red sash (as the symbol of martyrdom) carries palms and wears a crown or wreath of candles on her head. In Denmark, Norway and Sweden, girls dressed as Lucy carry rolls and cookies in procession as songs are sung. ©LPi

 

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