Prayers Of The Faithful – December 20

For Pope Francis who reminds us to pray each day for one another and for the Church.
We pray to the Lord.

For our Bishop, Christian, beginning his second year leading our Diocese, and giving us reason to be hopeful in difficult times.
We pray to the Lord.

For the revision of proposed legislation that expands assisted suicide and punishes parents for carrying out their duty.
We pray to the Lord.

For the safety of those who will travel this week and for the many more who are unable to travel to family and loved ones.
We pray to the Lord.

For all of you and many more who have generously provided for needy families this Christmas and for each person who will benefit from this kindness.
We pray to the Lord.

For our relatives and friends who are ill and for each person burdened by physical or mental illness and for caregivers.
We pray to the Lord.

For those who have died: Michael Raj, Donald Taylor, Michael Maloughney, Bill Baker, Nelson Walsh, that God will welcome them into the fullness of heavenly joy.
We pray to the Lord.

Introduction – Prayers Of The Faithful

Our Bishop, Christian Riesbeck, has sent out his most welcome Christmas letter to us and all the people of the Diocese. He, too, has experienced all of the limitations imposed on us by the pandemic. His thoughts and concerns are directed towards the rest of us and he offers a message that is hopeful and forward looking. He is especially mindful of people who have been away from their parishes or from the church for awhile and encourages us to be especially kind and welcoming to them.

In the gospel today, Mary receives the most wonderful news from God. She is to bring God’s Son into the world. He asks her to cooperate with Him in His plan for salvation. In that moment she is isolated, socially distant from family and friends. Only an angelic messenger is there to confirm this invitation from God. This faithful daughter of Israel responds completely and freely. She might not have known or understood all the details or the cost but she responded with an overwhelming YES!

This Christmas offers a chance to make Jesus present in the lives of those who are distant from Him. With our Bishop we look to Mary to teach us how to say YES!

Christmas Masses

We still have a few openings for our Christmas Masses at 3 pm on Christmas Eve, and at 10 am on Christmas morning. Please fill out the form at the link below to indicate your preference.

Please note that Filling out the form is not a guarantee that you will be able to attend your preferred Mass. A change in COVID levels could mean a decrease in the number of people allowed in the church, so we will not be sending out invitations to Masses until early next week.

Christmas Mass Preference Form