Thank you to all our volunteers and to all who supported our annual Christmas Bazaar. Thanks to those who organized the event, cooked or staffed the kitchen, manned the many tables, or helped to keep Nelson Hall looking spiffy. Thanks to the Mission Youth Group and the Knights of Columbus for assisting throughout the weekend. Special thanks to Santa and Mrs. Claus for helping to make the spirit bright.
This weekend we welcome Mr. Alexander Cunningham from the Pre-Theology Program at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Mr. Cunnigham will speak at all our Masses on behalf of the annual St. Charles Seminary Appeal. St. Charles Seminary, in existence since 1832, recently relocated to a new campus in Lower Gwynedd. Most Reverend Keith J. Chylinski, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, and Rector of the Seminary, addressed the relocation and the appeal:
“Formation at St. Charles goes beyond academic study; it is a deliberate and loving process that nurtures the whole person, encompassing spiritual, human, pastoral, and intellectual growth. Our programs are designed to form future priests, deacons, and lay leaders who will be missionary disciples, carrying forward the light of Christ to a world in need.”
“As we settle into our new home, I invite you to consider making a gift to this year’s Seminary Appeal. Your generosity directly impacts the lives of our seminarians and students, providing them with the resources they need for their journey – spiritual guidance, theological education, pastoral experience, and the support of a vibrant community.”
“We extend a heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional support. Your generosity has a profound and lasting impact. Please know that you and your loved ones will be remembered in our daily Masses and supplications.”
Information about the St. Charles Seminary Appeal can be found at stcharlesseminaryappeal.org. Seminary posters as well as informational envelopes are located at the entrances to both of our churches. Thank you for your generosity.
Our annual Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated this Thursday morning, 28 November at 8:30 at Our Lady of Peace. Blessings for you and yours as you gather this Thanksgiving to celebrate the abundant blessings that God continually showers upon us. The following is a Thanksgiving Prayer from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Lord, we thank you for the goodness of our people and for the spirit of justice that fills this nation. We thank you for the beauty and fullness of the land and the challenge of the cities.
We thank you for our work and our rest, for one another, and for our homes. We thank you, Lord: accept our thanksgiving on this day. We pray and give thanks through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Advent begins next Sunday, 1 December. The liturgical Mass cycle changes to the Year C readings with the Sunday Mass readings coming from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke.
The Giving Trees with ornaments offering suggested gift donations have been placed at both of our Churches. Thank you for your great assistance to the missionaries, to the Upper Darby social ministry program, to the Notre Dame de Lourdes Stockings for Soldiers Campaign, and for the many generous ways that you provide for all the less fortunate. The Giving Tree collection donations at Our Lady of Peace will benefit St. John’s Hospice, and the donations at Notre Dame de Lourdes will benefit Delco social ministry programs. Please return your donations no later than Wednesday, 11 December. Thank you for your generous support.