What a weekend it is here at Immaculate Conception and St. Jude! You may be reading this column shortly after the blessing and lighting of our outdoor Creche, where young children and families gathered together in prayer and song – with some cookies and cocoa -- in order to recall and celebrate the real reason for this holy season.
Perhaps you are reading this Saturday evening as you await the start of the 175th Anniversary celebration of our parish, remembering the many family members and friends who filled both our pews and our cherished, never-forgotten school; the priests who celebrated our sacraments and family milestones; the many times we gathered as a community of faith to celebrate life, love and joy, and to comfort each other in times of loss and sadness.
For some of you, this bulletin came your way at St. Jude’s on Sunday morning, where the lighting of the Advent wreath gently steered the minds and hearts of all who attended Mass into a momentary quiet space of contemplation and hopefulness despite the daily stresses, we all face in the midst of preparing for Christmas.
And maybe, this bulletin might be picked-up by a visitor who has come to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, drawn to us by our parish namesake on the feast day or out of sheer convenience due to Mass time offerings. Either way, know that you are most welcome to join us. Your presence makes us a more complete community united in love for Christ, and we hope you find us to be a home on your spiritual journey.
Thank you for being a part of what makes our parish community so special, in both the big moments of celebration and the normal, often-unseen organizational and planning meetings that make everything happen. Your presence here makes us who we are called to be as Church; may we continue to keep inviting others to become a part of this family we cherish, whom God has brought together in worship and fellowship.
May Our Lady, under the title of her Immaculate Conception, and St. Jude continue to intercede for us. May we turn to them for inspiration as start year 176 as a parish family – living the day-to-day mission of Gospel ministry. There’s still a lot of holy work to be done, together …