November 24, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
Advent is here — a season of longing, waiting, and hope. As we prepare for Christmas, I am reminded of Mary’s simple fiat: her trusting “Let it be done …” in Luke 1:38. She didn’t know all that lay ahead; she simply said “yes.”
One of our beloved hymns, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” captures that same longing. “Emmanuel” means “God with us” — and the hymn echoes our deep desire for God to come into our lives, our world, even where we may not yet see the way clearly.
Mary’s yes made room for the Incarnation. In the same way, our yes—offered in faith amid the unknown—leads us nearer to Christ as we make room in our hearts for Him.

This Advent, I invite you to consider the following:

• Take a few moments each day this season to be still and listen. Let “Emmanuel” dwell in your heart.
• Ask yourself: Where is God inviting me to say “yes?” It might be in prayer, in service, in forgiveness, in letting go.
• Share that yes with someone — a friend, a family member, perhaps someone you trust in prayer — and ask them to accompany you.
  
  

When many of us say “yes,” the Body of Christ is strengthened. Together, our yeses become a chorus of hope — a living witness to Emmanuel among us.

May this Advent draw us into deeper stillness, bolder trust, and more generous hearts. May Mary’s humble yes inspire ours. And as we sing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” may we truly prepare room for God’s presence in our lives, our homes, and our parish.

With love and prayer,
Fr. Bell

Advent Season 2025

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Wednesday, December 3
Advent Evening of Encounter
​7:00 to 8:30 pm · Church
Begin Advent by slowing down and connecting with your Savior through meditative prayer led by Catholic therapist Donna Drennen. Learn how to allow Him to guide and sustain you through the busy season. Prayer concludes with the opportunity for Confession.

​Sunday, December 7
Gingerbread Family Event
1:00 pm · Media Community Center
​We invite all families to join us for a sweet and festive gingerbread house decorating event with a special visit from Santa himself! Registration is required. Stay tuned to the bulletin for more info coming soon!

Monday, December 8
Immaculate Conception
Mass at 8:00 am, 12:05 pm and 7:00 pm
This holy day of obligation honors Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was conceived without original sin through God's unique grace, in preparation for her role.

Saturday, December 20
Longer Confession Times
3:00 to 4:30 pm
(Last Confessions Before Christmas)
As we prepare our homes for Christmas, let us also prepare our hearts—for healing, renewal, and the joy of Christ’s birth.
Our regular Confession schedule will continue every Saturday in Advent from 3:30–4:30 pm, with an extended time on Saturday, December 20, from 3:00–4:30 pm - our last Confessions before Christmas.
Receive the gift of grace and the peace of knowing you are loved and forgiven.

Monday, December 22
Parish Caroling Event
5:30 to 7:30 pm · Brick Building
​Everyone is invited to spread Christmas cheer by singing carols to our homebound parish members. We will meet at the Brick Building, where hot cocoa and treats will be served afterward. All families are welcome!

Tuesday, December 23
Adoration Chapel Closes
​The Adoration Chapel closes at 8:00 pm and reopens on January 5, 2026 at 8:30 am.

December 24
Christmas Eve Mass
4:00 and 7:00 pm

December 25
Christmas Day Mass
7:00, 8:00, 10:00 am and 12:00 noon

December 31
Solemnity of Mary Vigil Mass
5:00 pm

January 1, 2026
Solemnity of Mary
8:00 and 10:00 am

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Advent Pray25 on HallowHallow’s Advent prayer challenge, Pray 25, begins on Monday, Dec. 1.
Each year, Pray25 invites folks to take a step back from the chaos of the holiday season and take a step close to God.
And to find the peace that only He provides.
The waitlist is now open. Make the courageous decision to allow God into your life and discover a love that satisfies more than anything this world has to offer
Join Pray25 and pray with Hallow this Advent!

Join Hallow for Free! hallow.com/communities/4966/

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