From the Pastor’s Desk by Fr. Terry Kerner,
This year Christmas comes exceptionally fast! As a parish we have displayed our usual generosity as we try to reach out to folks who can use a little help. Our Giving Tree was emptied of gift requests for the children of Nativity parish in Detroit, St. Vincent de Paul and All Saints soup kitchen. As is every weekend throughout the year, the food collection for the St. Maria Goretti Pantry is laden with food items for families having difficulties.
We have a generous and giving parish and this is always noticeable at Christmas. Last Saturday we celebrated a Polish Mass and dinner. We want to thank our organist Kevin Jakubowicz for leading us at the liturgy. And our generous gratitude to Diane and Chuck and their helpers for making the dinner of the evening so enjoyable.
Many folks make their annual offertory contribution at Christmas time because it is not subject to the Archdiocesan tax. Visitors and non-parishioners are certainly encouraged to contribute as well by using the offering boxes around the church and gathering space. Thank you to all for your support of St. Kateri!
Between now and Christmas will no doubt be busy for everyone. Our parish staff will spend the next two weeks decorating inside and out. This Monday evening the students in the Family Faith Formation program will be personally designing greeting cards for our ninety-year-old parishioners. The children’s Christmas well wishes for our fifty- eight 90-year-olds will be placed with the poinsettia to be delivered to our seasoned parishioners. Meanwhile the Confirmation students will be “awakening” the over 60 Santa Bears who have rested in their undisclosed location since last Christmas. (Look for the picture of the 2023 class of bears in the weeks ahead.)
Our annual Advent Communal Penance will be celebrated this coming Saturday at 11 am. Might be a good way to prepare for the sacredness of the coming feasts. Because Christmas Eve falls on the afternoon of the Fourth Sunday of Advent it might be good to post the mass schedule found in today’s bulletin.
May your Advent be holy, happy and healthy!
