Parish News

Good News of Great Joy

The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” — Luke 2:10-11

During the four weeks of Advent, we will prepare to receive the Gospel message of our Savior’s birth.

“Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. — Luke 2:15-16

As we celebrate the feasts of Christmas Time, we will hasten to receive our Lord in our hearts.

When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. — Luke 2:17-18

Throughout both seasons, we will discover how to preach the good news in our own time and place.

Masses on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation

First Sunday of Advent: November 30 (5 p.m.) & December 1 (9 & 11 a.m.)

Second Sunday of Advent: December 7 (5 p.m.) & 8 (9 & 11 a.m.)

• The OLL Advent Retreat will follow the 11 a.m. Mass on December 8. RSVP by December 1!

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: December 9, 12 & 6:30 p.m., 8:45 a.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic School

• This IS a holy day of obligation this year, despite what you might see on some calendars that were printed before a recent clarification from the Vatican!

Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday): December 14 (5 p.m.) & 15 (9 & 11 a.m.)

Fourth Sunday of Advent: December 21 (5 p.m.) & 22 (9 & 11 a.m.)

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas): December 24 (5 & 10 p.m. with 30-minute preludes) & 25 (10 a.m.)

Feast of the Holy Family (Sunday): December 28 (5 p.m.) & 29 (9 & 11 a.m.)

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God: December 31 (6:30 p.m.) & January 1 (9 a.m.)

The Epiphany of the Lord (Sunday): January 4 (5 p.m.) & 5 (9 & 11 a.m.)

The Baptism of the Lord (Sunday): January 11 (5 p.m.) & 12 (9 & 11 a.m.)

Eucharistic Adoration

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a way to meditate on and give thanks for the good news of Christ’s coming into the world. Drop by the chapel during regular hours or come on Thursdays (3-9 p.m.) and first Fridays (9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.) when the Eucharist is exposed for Adoration.

Confession & Penance

Part of the good news is our Savior’s great mercy and willingness to forgive our sins when we repent. Fr. Michael is making extra time to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the week before Christmas:

• Tuesday, December 17, after 12 p.m. Mass
• Wednesday, December 18, 6 p.m.
• Thursday, December 19, 6 p.m.
• Friday, December 20, after the 9 a.m. Mass
• Saturday, December 21, 9 a.m.
• Confession is cancelled on Christmas Day

Advent is a season of sober, prayerful preparation. Fasting and other forms of penance aid us as we repent and humble ourselves before God. Think about ways you can make sacrifices during this season. Find suggestions from LANE.

Ways to Evangelize, Serve, and Give

• Invite a friend or family member to Mass or a parish event. 
• Share your faith with someone you know.
• Learn more about the Walk With One initiative from the National Eucharistic Revival.
• Attend the OLL Advent Retreat on December 8, which will have a service component. Don’t forget to RSVP by December 1!
• Consider donating gifts for Catholic Charities West Michigan’s Client Christmas Store. Each year, the store allows clients to shop for their children’s (age 0–17 years) Christmas gifts. Please bring unwrapped gifts between November 30 and December 8.
• Sign up for a parish ministry. 
• Participate in a parish guild or group. 
• Volunteer with a local organization, especially one of our mission partners. 
• Give to your parish or a Catholic charity.