Pastor’s Corner — December 1st, 2024
Pope’s New Encyclical On the Sacred Heart
Some of you might be aware that Pope Francis released a new Encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Oct 24th named Dilixit Nos (He loved us). One author calls it a “modern spiritual masterpiece.” While I haven’t had the opportunity to read it, those who I know who have read it speak highly of it. If you don’t have time to read the whole text, Word on Fire did a great summary of the encyclical here.
Advent and Sacrifice
Since Advent is a special season of preparation for Jesus’ coming, I want to suggest that each of us make a little sacrifice to prepare for his coming. One might choose to go to daily Mass once a week. Another might choose to read the meditation in the Magnificat Advent Companion booklet (they are available at the entrances of the Church). Another might choose to give up something small as a reminder that Jesus who is to come is the deepest fulfillment of our desires.
Christmas Mass Times and Only Three Advent Penance Services in the Deanery
Hopefully everyone received our postcard with the Christmas Mass times on it. They are also available on our website.
The priests of the Deanery have also decided to host only one Penance Service per parish grouping:
1. Western Livingston: St Agnes and St Joseph
a. Wednesday, December 11th at 7:00pm at St Joe’s (five priests)
2. Northeast Livingston Grouping: St Augustine, St John the Baptist, St Mary Magdalen
a. Thursday, December 19th at 7:00pm at St John the Baptist (six priests)
3. South Livingston/NE Washtenaw: Holy Spirit, St Mary, St Patrick, Old St Patrick
a. Saturday, December 21st at 10:00am at St Patrick’s (eight priests)
Of course, anyone in the deanery can go to any of the services. If you haven’t gone to confession in some time, please consider going to one of these services or a regularly scheduled time.
Are You Investing for the Future?
Next weekend marks the near end of our parish’s participation in the Stewardship for Saints and Scholars campaign. The campaign is an invitation, not an expectation. But those who are giving are investing in the future of the Church. Special thanks to everyone who has so generously pledged to the campaign! Please remember to turn your pledge cards in to the front office in the next week or so.
During all Masses next weekend, we will invite those who have not yet had an opportunity to participate in the campaign, to join our success. We ask anyone who has yet to make a campaign commitment to consider, pray, and contribute during next week’s commitment weekend. Every gift makes a difference!
Your servant in the Lord,
Fr. Mathias