Looking Ahead at St Mary (November 22 – 29)

Beloved in Christ,

Please find the Minutes from the 2021 Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 7 here. These Minutes need to be officially approved at our 2022 Annual Meeting, but we are distributing them now while the meeting is still fresh in people’s minds, and so that those who were unable to attend are aware of what transpired. If you have any requested changes to the minutes, please let me know.

In addition, find the Minutes of the October PC Meeting. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or PC Chair, TC Wallace (tcswede75@gmail.com).

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

THIS WEEK: November 22 – 29, 2021

This Week: We observe the Nativity Fast through December 24.     

• Mon, Nov 22 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis Service
• Wed, Nov 24 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ Thanksgiving
• Thurs, Nov 25 & Fri, Nov 26: Office Closed – HAPPY THANKSGIVING
• Sat, Nov 27 at 4:30 pm – Confession
• Sat, Nov 27 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
• Sun, Nov 28 at 9:00 am – Matins
• Sun, Nov 28 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
• Mon, Nov 29 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ St Andrew the Apostle

Other Notes

(1) ADVENT FAST: The Advent/Christmas Fast begins on November 15. During this season we will celebrate the Advent Paraklesis (Supplication) Service several times. During the Advent Fast, we abstain from meat & dairy products. However, fish, wine and oil are allowed on all days of the week except Mon/Wed/Fri.

(2) FAMILY PROMISE VOLUNTEERING NEEDED: We will be supporting Gracepoint Church (9035 W Central Ave), who will be hosting families for Family Promise, November 21-28. There is a need for significant support as the congregation there is small and it is Thanksgiving week. If you have any questions or need help signing up, please contact Vicki Jones. 650-0658 or vawj55@gmail.com. THANKS for your continued support of this important ministry. Please follow the link provided to sign up to volunteer>

(3) HMT NATIVITY PROJECT BEGINS: The Humanitarian Ministry Team will be sponsoring a Nativity Project to benefit the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County. They will be collecting items from the Center’s wish list for the children in program. The Advocacy Center is the first place for children who are victims of abuse and before they are placed into a new home. The Agency also offers multiple services including medical, investigatory, mental health and advocacy for the children. The collection begins Sunday, Nov 21, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 12. See the linked flyer for details.

(4) ST MARY CHRISTMAS CARD: As announced at our Annual Meeting, to celebrate our 90^th anniversary, one project we are undertaking is to support the non-profit organization, Wichita’s Littlest Heroes. The first fundraising effort is the St Mary Christmas Card. You can see details about how to order here>

(5) BELLES CHRISTMAS PARTY: The Belles Christmas Party will be Monday, December 6, at 6:00 pm at the home of Donna & Robbie Namee. Please see the linked invite below, inviting all women of our parish to attend. learn more>

(6) CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: We are happy to announce our annual Christmas Program will be back again this year. Details can be found here. The Program & Potluck are scheduled for Sunday, December 12, beginning at 5:00 pm.

(7) 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/.

(8) 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