The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas. (USCCB)
Christmas Season Mass Schedule
December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Wednesday, December 8th
  • 8:00 a.m.  — Mater Christi Church
  • 8:30 a.m.  — St. Mary Church
  • 7:00 p.m.  — St. Mary Church
December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mananitas
Sunday, December 12th
(Regular Sunday Mass Schedule at both worship sites)
December 16-24: Las Posadas
More information to follow.
December 18: Simbang Gabi
Saturday, December 18th
  • 7:00 p.m.  — Mater Christi Church
December 24: Christmas Eve
Friday, December 24th
(Regular Morning Mass at Mater Christi and St. Mary)
  • 3:00 p.m.  — St. Mary Church
  • 3:00 p.m.  — St. Mary Parish Center Children’s Christmas Pageant
  • 4:00-4:30 p.m.  — Drive-thru Communion
  • 4:00 p.m.  — Mater Christi Church (Livestream)
  • 5:00 p.m.  — St. Mary Church
  • 10:00 p.m.  — St. Mary Church (Livestream)
  • 12:00 Midnight — Mater Christi Church
December 25: Christmas Day
Saturday, December 25th
  • 8:00 a.m.  — Mater Christi Church
  • 9:30 a.m.  — Mater Christi Church
  • 10:00 a.m.  — St. Mary Church
  • 11:00 a.m.  — Mater Christi Church
  • 11:00-11:30 a.m.  — Drive-thru Communion
  • 12:00 Noon  — St. Mary Church

(No 4:00 p.m. anticipated Mass at St. Mary and no 5:00 p.m. anticipated Mass at Mater Christi)
December 26: Feast of The Holy Family
Sunday, December 26th
  • 8:00 a.m.  — Mater Christi Church
  • 8:00 a.m.  — St. Mary Church
  • 9:30 a.m.  — Mater Christi Church
  • 10:00 a.m.  — St. Mary Church
  • 11:00 a.m.  — Mater Christi Church
  • 11:00-11:30 a.m.  — Drive-thru Communion

(No 5:00 p.m.  Mass at St. Mary Church)
December 31 & January 1: Mary, Mother of God
Friday, December 31st
(Regular Morning Mass at Mater Christi and St. Mary)
Saturday, January 1st
  • 9:00 a.m.  — Mater Christi Church
  • 10:00 a.m.  — St. Mary Church
  • 11:00-11:30 a.m.  — Drive-thru Communion


(No 4:00 p.m. anticipated Mass at St. Mary and no 5:00 p.m. anticipated Mass at Mater Christi)
January 2: Epiphany
Sunday, January 2nd
  • 8:00 a.m.  — Mater Christi Church
  • 8:00 a.m.  — St. Mary Church
  • 9:30 a.m.  — Mater Christi Church
  • 10:00 a.m.  — St. Mary Church (Livestream)
  • 11:00 a.m.  — Mater Christi Church
  • 11:00-11:30 a.m.  — Drive-thru Communion
  • 5:00 p.m.  — St. Mary Church
Advent Sacrament of Reconciliation
Christmas lights seem to be going up earlier this year. It appears we are eager to dispel the darkness as we await the birth of the Light of the World.

We have been given a gift that graces us to dispel other darkness’s—in our hearts, in our lives. Pope Francis wrote, “The Lord never tires of forgiveness. Let us ask for the grace not to tire of asking forgiveness because he never tires of forgiving.”

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated on three Monday evenings during Advent:

December 6th,  13th and 20th
6:00–6:45 p.m.
at both Mater Christi Church and St. Mary Church

An online video to help us prepare for confession can be viewed here.

Come to the Light!
Advent Events
December 7th:  An Evening of Formation & Reflection for Liturgical Ministers and All Interested Parishioners
Picture
Todd Williamson, Director of the Archdiocesan Office for Divine Worship
All Liturgical Ministers and parishioners are invited to join us on Tuesday, December 7th from 7:00–9:00 p.m. in the St. Mary Oak Room (lower level) for an evening of formation and reflection on the Advent season. Our presenter will be Mr. Todd Williamson, Director of the Archdiocesan Office for Divine Worship, who will engage us with his wisdom and insights in, "Advent: Ministering and Living With Joyful Expectation." With the start of Advent, St. Paul VI, along with the whole Church, begins a brand new Liturgical year. This will be the first full liturgical cycle as a new parish! The great Season of Advent, the Church believes, gives some guidance and hope for us at the start of this new Year, in this new parish: Ministering and living with "Joyful Expectation!" What does it mean for you as liturgical ministers, who are responsible for serving the liturgy in this parish, to fulfull your calling with joyful expectation? How does one do that today...now...at this moment in time? What qualities does one need to serve the liturgy and one another with joyful expectation? The Advent season and its theology and spirituality, its liturgy, and readins will be our backdrop for this evening of relfection for liturgical ministers.
Advent Resources