THE GREATEST GIFT
Pope Francis presents a very timely question, “How can we respond to those who say that there is no need to go to Mass, not even on Sundays, because what is important is to live well and to love our neighbors?”
“It is true that the quality of the Christian life is measured by the capacity to love, as Jesus says in the Gospels. But how can we practice the Gospel without drawing the necessary strength to do it, one Sunday after another, from the inexhaustible spring of the Holy Eucharist?”
Our Holy Father points out that participating in Sunday does fulfill the Third Commandment and the law of the Church. But even more importantly, we Catholics need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the Grace of Jesus, with His living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice the Great Commandment, “You shall love the Lord Your God…..and Your Neighbor as yourself” and be credible witnesses. Holy Communion is where we find our strength for daily life. Without the Eucharist we are “condemned to be dominated by the fatigue of everyday life.” “Often consumed by worries and fears, Sunday Mass is where Christ gives us the strength to live each day with courage and hope.”
“At Sunday Mass we rest from the busyness and work of the week, which teaches us to place our trust in the Father, not in earthly things," the Pope said. The Prayer from the Roman Missal addresses God, saying: “You do not need our praise, but for a gift of your love you call us to give you thanks; our hymns of blessing do not increase your greatness, but they obtain for us the Grace that Saves Us!”
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S MASSES
Friday, December 24th, CHRISTMAS EVE
5:00 and 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 25th, CHRISTMAS DAY
7:00. 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
(There will be no 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday, December 25th.)
Saturday, January 1st, NEW YEARS DAY
7:00 and 10:00 a.m.
(There will be no 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday January 1st.)
NOTE: January 1st, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is NOT
a Holy Day of Obligation.