Looking Ahead at St Mary (December 20 – December 26)

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: December 20 – 26, 2021

This Week: We observe the Nativity Fast through December 24; following Christmas Liturgy, no fasting through January 4.

Mon, Dec 20 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis
Fri, Dec 24 at 8:00 am – Royal Hours & Typika of Christmas
Fri, Dec 24 at 4:50 pm – Festal Matins of Christmas
Fri, Dec 24 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy of Christmas
Sat, Dec 25 – No Confessions; No Vespers
Sun, Dec 26 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Dec 26 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Other Notes

(1) NO FASTING FOLLOWING CHRISTMAS: Following our celebration of the Nativity of our Lord, Jesus Christ, on Friday, December 24, there is no fasting through Tuesday, January 5, in celebration of the Christmas season.

(2) CHRISTMAS FLOWERS: Each year for Christmas we beautify the church with flowers. If you would like to donate money towards the purchase of those flowers, please see the flyer. You may submit with that payment a list of people to be remembered at an upcoming service.

(3) CHURCH HALL OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS: Once again this year the Church Hall is open for people to celebrate after Divine Liturgy on Friday evening, December 24. The parish is not 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) BISHOP BASIL ENDOWMENT FUND: Please see this link regarding information on the Bishop Basil Endowment Fund and the collection we take each year in December/January for his name day. Note that individual donations need to be made payable to St. Mary and earmarked “Bishop Basil Endowment” so we can send one check at the end of the collection from our parish. All donations must be received in the office or by the treasurer by Thursday, January 20. Thank you for your generosity in honoring our beloved Bishop Basil while supporting missions projects.

(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