My dear friends,
A blessed Rejoicing Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday - as we celebrate that Christmas is almost here!
Once again last night IHM sponsored Handel's Messiah in a sing-along concert fashion featuring the Modus Operandi Orchestra (MOO) under the direction of Maestro Justin Bischof. It was a spectacular evening with amazing soloists and a chorus. It was a bigger turnout than last year and I am grateful to our IHM Music Director, Dr. Laurie Adamo, for playing the harpsichord and the organ, and bringing this Manhattan level experience back to IHM - What a beautiful preparation for Christmas!
A special thank you to our concert's sponsors: Ocean First Bank and Bennett's Funeral Home, as well as other anonymous donors. We are still accepting sponsorship to underwrite the costs. Thank you for your generosity!
Yesterday and today will be filled with pre-Christmas activity - the IHM's School Annual Christmas Fair was yesterday (thank you to Mei Riccardulli and the Home School Association Board and parents in conjunction with Mrs. Keelin for countless hours of set-up, running and taking down everything. What an amazing experience and tradition for our students!
This morning we are expecting a full house at Breakfast with Santa in the lower church!
Monday is a special day in Advent throughout all the parishes of the Archdiocese of New York (Westchester, Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster and Sullivan Counties). It is Reconciliation Monday. Parishes are to provide the Sacrament of Confession from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Fr. Thumma and I here at IHM will offer this Sacrament of Mercy on Monday from 2-3:30pm and 7-9pm since our Religious Education Program will be having two Christmas Pageants in between. This is a graced-filled time to come here or to another parish to prepare your hearts and souls for Jesus at Christmas. In particular, if you have missed Mass for a less than serious reason, such as health, it is good to Confess so to receive the Eucharist in a state of grace and with the peace and joy of the Lord.
Ever misplaced something? Left it at church? IHM's Lost and Found is located in the old baptistry (off the ramp entrance on the Carman Road side of the church).
Items of greater value? Ask at the rectory or a priest.
As I mentioned in the Pastor's flocknote of yesterday, after acquiring the basic elements of a bigger Nativity Scene for last Christmas, IHM was able to obtain the full set with shepherds, the Magi and entourage. Except for the Baby Jesus, it is all up in the church for viewing; perhaps some may wish to memorialize a figure or a group. Please call our parish business manager, Liz Reyes, at the rectory during the week for specific offerings (914-723-0276).
Please see how me may assists our parish Library, looking for help so that we may get things up and running.
Should anyone wishes to be an altar server (grades 4-12), please leave your child's inquiry at the rectory (914-723-0276), and Mr. Ian Mendoza will follow up.
The generosity of IHM's Giving Tree is making its way to those in need. A big thank you to Dotty and Dennis Meehan and their fellow volunteers who have been carrying the donated items to the lower church and then sorting and bagging the items before they get picked up. It is a labor of love and it will bring joy to so many for Christmas!
Thank you!
At all Masses next week, the Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 21/22), we will bless any figures of the Baby Jesus you may bring before you place Him in the Manger and Nativity Scenes at your homes on Christmas. Please make a note to bring them to Mass next weekend!
This Sunday, Msgr. Sweeney will celebrate the 5:30pm Saturday Vigil and the 7:30am and 10:30am Masses. Fr. Thumma will offer the 9:00am and the 12:00 noon Masses. The Nicholson's will be offering Coffee and Donuts after the 9am Sunday Mass this weekend. There will also be Cocoa and Carols at this time!
A joyful Sunday to you!
Saturday (12/14)
8:30-10:30am Breakfast with Santa (Lower Church - details below)
Sunday (12/15)
High School of Religion (HSOR) visits retired Religious Sisters
for "Singing with the Sisters" Christmas Caroling.
Monday (12/16)
Advent Reconciliation in the Archdiocese (2-4pm & 6-8pm) - for IHM 2-3:30pm
and 7-9pm)
IHM Eucharistic Exposition from 7:15-1:30pm due to Confessions and Pageants
Religious Education Christmas Pageants
Wednesday (12/18)
HSOR regular Wednesday meeting at 7:30pm, lower church
Thursday (12/19)
IHM School Christmas Pageants
Tuesday (12/24 - Christmas Eve)
2pm Sensory Friendly Prayer Service