Christmas Dinner this Sunday

Quick addition to our Christmas Dinner this Sunday:

Meet in the Church, the New Church, at 7:15 pm on Sunday Evening.  We will all attend a Baptism -- I know that for most of us attending a Baptism is generally a rushed and dynamic moment as one of our siblings or cousins is anxious (perhaps even a bit fussy) and another young and tiny relative is receiving the Sacrament. 

Well, as we anticipate the Feast of the Birth of Lord we will pause and pray, reflect, upon this wonderful sacrament of "birth" into new life.  And then... Of course... a wonderful meal!

See you in the Church at 7:15 pm on Sunday, December 22nd!

Fr. Wilke

Schedule for January 2014

Well, folks here it is... mark your calenders!

Sunday, January 5, 2014:  Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord: No Youth Group, enjoy the Magi’s Day of Christmas with your family!

Sunday, January 12, 2014: Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: 7:15-8:30 pm, meet in the Former Church; Prayer Service and Rosary… Snacks and fellowship afterwards

Sunday, January, 19, 2014: Youth Group Meeting 7:15-8:30 pm in  the Former Church; Encounter Program: for grades 6-8, and Small Group: grades 9-12.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014: March for Life, Washington D.C.: All High School Youth invited to attend as a group, grades 6-8 must attend with their parents.  More details to come!

Sunday, January, 26, 2014: Youth Group Meeting 7:15-8:30 pm in  the Former Church; T3: The Teen Timeline for grades 9-12, and Small Group: grades 6-8.

December Weather Update!

December Schedule Adjustments ... do to weather and such:

Sunday December 15th: Youth Group Meeting from 7:15-8:30, Former Church -- Encounter Program for grades 6 – 8 and small group for grades 9 – 12th.

Friday December 20th:  Christmas Magic “A Festival of Lights” at Rocky Ridge State Park or some other Christmas Lights in Hershey…we will leave at 6 pm in front of the Rectory. 

Sunday December 22nd:  Youth Group Christmas Party at 7:15-8:30, Former Church. 

  

Sunday December 29th:  FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY…NO YOUTH GROUP MEETING.

A Thoughtful Reflection on our Pope and Time Magazine...

Folks,

I am sharing this little video reflection by Fr. Robert Barron on Time Magazine's award to name Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, "Person of the Year" for 2013. 

Pope Francis at his Inaugural Mass

Fr. Barron is a very thoughtful priest who loves the Truth and the Church and, most importantly, he is man who loves the Lord with all his heart, all his soul, all his mind, and all his strength, and his neighbor as himself.

Fr. Robert Barron of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries

I hope Fr. Barron's reflection is helpful to you, a bit of insight into Pope Francis beyond the "nonsense" of some of what is said about Our Holy Father these days in the media.

May God continue to bless you abundantly,

Fr. W

Two Marian Celebrations in the Same Week!!!

 Happy Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!

Today we celebrate the great appearance of Our Lady to Saint Juan Diego – today is a wonderful feast day, beginning of a great Evangelization and Conversion for millions, and the gift of a mystical image painted by the hand of God!

If you don’t know the story, look here for a nice summary and other information.

Here’s a great page on the truth about the Image of Our Lady… this is a great interactive page on the "Secrets" of the Image

Have a blessed Feast Day of Our Lady!

Fr. W

A Marian Snow Delay!

On this wonderful Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary let us pause for a moment and reflect upon the greatness of this celebration:

In 1854, Pope Pius IX solemnly proclaimed: 

“The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.”

The Most Blessed Virgin Mary's "yes" to the Archangel Gabriel at the Annunciation brought to fulfillment the singular grace and privilege of her Immaculate Conception.  May each one of us, through the intercession of the Mother of God, always say "yes" to God's plan in our life -- may we accept the great life of holiness that God has planned for us and become the saint that God desires us to become! 

For our continued mediation, take a look at Pope Francis' prayer: “Enkindle in all of us a renewed desire for holiness: may our words glow with the splendor of truth, may our works resound with the song of charity, may purity and chastity live in our bodies and in our hearts, may our lives express the presence of all the beauty of the gospel.” 

May you each have a safe and blessed Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God! 

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Fr. Wilke

No Youth Group Tonight

Ice Tonight = No Youth Group Tonight.

Be safe and stay home.

Fr. W

Rain! Rain! Go away!

Okay, team... here's some sad news -- its going to be raining and downright miserable this Friday Night for planned our adventure to York to see Christmas Magic at Rocky Ridge Park... 

Here's the thing: Christmas Lights deserve an evening with hint of snow on the horizon or at least a clear, crisp night for full illuminating effect - trust me, I have seen lots of lights.  The rain is practically unjust.

So we are POSTPONING Friday's Trip to Christmas Magic for 2 weeks (to Friday, December 20th). More details as we get closer.

If the weather is less than good that night, we will definitely go to see the lights in Hershey and have a great time!  I know this is our second adjustment to the schedule... but never fear - Sunday is still our regular meeting with Encounter and small group for our High School friends.

Take good care,

Fr. W