st mary outside

Looking Ahead at St Mary (Nov 20 – Nov 27)

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Beloved in Christ,

In addition to Metropolitan Saba’s weekly teaching, this week I am including another publication from the Archdiocese discussing how the Archdiocese serves our parishes. I hope you find the interview with Fr Thomas Zain of the Department of Liturgics to be useful. I will begin sharing all of these with you as well, whenever they are sent out.

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: Nov 13 – 20, 2023

This Week: The Advent Fast begins on Wednesday, November 15, and runs through the Divine Liturgy for Christmas.      

  • Mon, Nov 20 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ The Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple
  • Wed, Nov 22 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis Supplication Service
  • Thurs, Nov 23 – Fri, Nov 24: HAPPY THANKSGIVING (Office Closed)
  • Sat, Nov 25 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Nov 25 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Nov 26 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Nov 26 – NO CHURCH SCHOOL
  • Sun, Nov 26 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Other Notes

(1) COLLECTION FOR JERUSALEM: From Sunday, November 12, through Sunday, December 3, we will be taking a collection for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem to help them fund relief efforts in Gaza and the surrounding region. This collection is being taken throughout every Archdiocese in the Antiochian Patriarchate, as was decided at the most recent Holy Synod meeting. If you would like to make a contribution, you can put cash in the designated tray or you may write a check to St Mary, earmarked: Jerusalem.

(2) ADVENT FAST/SERVICES: The Advent Fast, which helps us prepare for the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas), began on Wednesday, November 15. During the Advent Fast we refrain from meat, dairy, fish, and wine. However, on Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun during this fast, fish and wine are allowed. We will also celebrate the Advent Paraklesis supplication service each Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm during this fasting season.

(3) PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS: All voting members of our parish should have received in the mail ballots for this year’s Parish Council election. Please note that all ballots will be counted immediately following Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 26, so be sure to turn your ballot in by placing it in the designated box in the foyer or mailing it to the office before that date.

(4) BELLES CHRISTMAS PARTY: See the linked flyer for details regarding the Belles Christmas Party on Monday, December 11, including the contest for most festive Christmas attire, which I expect to win!

(5) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence teaches us about the spirit of the Nativity Fast. He also shares an interview about the Department of Liturgics.

(6) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(7) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Aaron