st mary outside

Looking Ahead at St Mary (Dec 4 – 11)

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Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: Dec 4 – 11, 2023
This Week: The Advent Fast began on Wednesday, November 15, and runs through the Divine Liturgy for Christmas.      

  • Wed, Dec 6 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ St Nicholas
  • Sat, Dec 9 at 4:00 pm – Men’s Prayer Group
  • Sat, Dec 9 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Dec 9 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Dec 10 – Choir/Chanter Appreciation Sunday
  • Sun, Dec 10 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Dec 10 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Dec 10 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Mon, Dec 11 at 6:00 pm – Belles Christmas Party (see linked flyer)

Other Notes
(1) 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!
(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) CHURCH HALL OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS: Once again this year the Church Hall will be open for people to celebrate after Divine Liturgy on Sunday evening, December 24. The parish will not be providing any food or beverage, but people are welcome to bring their own. As always, please be sure not to drink and drive and to shut the lights off if you are the last person to leave. Please also ensure the doors are locked behind you and you pick up any mess that you make.
(4) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence teaches us about St Saba the Sanctified (his patron saint, commemorated on December 5). read more >
(5) 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/.

(6) 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