THIS COMING WEEK

The Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20, 2015

• SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:45
• SOLEMN MASS with SERVICE AT THE PREPARATION OF THE CHRISTMAS CRECHE:  11:00
• SUNDAY'S APPOINTED MASS READINGS: Micha 5:2-5a; Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-55. 

SPECIAL ADVENT and CHRISTMAS OPPORTUNITIES

• STUDENTS OF OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL will lead us through a brief Service at the Preparation of the Christmas Crèche immediately upon the conclusion of Sunday’s Mass of Advent IV.   Students read Lessons pertaining to various aspects of the story of the birth of Christ; then they place the appropriate figure(s) into the crèche as the congregation sings carols. Then, on Christmas Eve, at the early, child-friendly Mass (5:30), the children return to place the final figure into the crèche scene:  the baby Jesus.  These are wonderful times to invite friends with young children. 
• ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: Following Coffee our this Sunday, December 20, ACE presents a pre-Messiah Sing talk: “Reconsidering Handel’s Messiah”, delivered by Dr. Rufus Hallmark and Vince Peterson.
• MESSIAH SING this Sunday!– December 20, 7:00 p.m.  Our last fund-raising event of the year is our annual Sing-it-Yourself Messiah.  All parishioners are encouraged to help make this event not only a joyous preparation for Christmas, but also a successful fund-raiser to help us meet budget demands for our Outreach Programs.  There are many ways by which you can help: buy tickets for yourself, your friends, and for your family (great pre-Christmas gifts).  And come sing!  If you will be unable to attend, please consider donating tickets or sponsoring one of the (paid) instrumentalists.   You can sign up during Coffee Hour.  Tickets in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2433109 or at the door.
• PRE-CHRISTMAS CONFESSION by appointment with a priest.
• CHRISTMAS EVE:  An early, child-friendly mass will be said at 5:30 for families with very young children.  Carols at 10:45 p.m., Solemn Mass of Christmas Midnight begins at 11:00 p.m.
• CHRISTMAS DAY MORN:  A quiet, said mass is offered at 9:00 a.m. on Christmas Morning.