Advent is December 3 to December 24, 2023

Take time to reflect on how you will use the upcoming weeks to prepare your heart for Christmas.

Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas. The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas.  

From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions.  Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world. Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.
(USCCB)

"It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope."
– Pope Benedict XVI

Resources: 
To help you fully enter in to the season visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website Click here.

Looking for Fun and Free Advent Activities for the whole family? Check out the Holy Heros Advent Adventure. To view the Flyer Click here.  This is Flocknotes based, you can sign up online at stpauldamascus.flocknote.com.

Join the Journey - Rejoice! An Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture. To view the Flyer Click here. This is Flocknotes based, you can sign up online at stpauldamascus.flocknote.com.

Christmas donations:
We appreciate your continued support of our parish! Christmas donations can be made via VANCO, our safe and secure online giving program. For online giving, Click here or text 885-907-4262, enter an amount in the message box then send, you will receive a reply text with a link to complete your transaction. Online donations can be one time or repeat transactions. There are also Flower Donation envelopes in the Narthex, if you wish to contribute to decorating our church you may drop your envelope in the collection basket or at the rectory.

Mark your calendar -

Every Saturday
There will be an opportunity for Reconciliation in Church from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

Saturday, December 2, 2023
Kick off Advent by making an Advent Wreath for your home at St. Paul’s Advent Wreath Workshop Saturday, December 2 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Parish Center. There is a $30 Family fee for one wreath and pizza dinner. Registration forms are on the Religious Education table in the Church Narthex. Space is limited, sign up early!

Monday, December 4, 2023
There will be an opportunity for Reconciliation in Church from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Friday, December 8, 2023
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Holy Day of Obligation. There will be a Rosary Led by the Knights of Columbus at 8:30 AM in Church.  Mass will be held at 9:00 AM and 7:30 PM in the Church. We honor Mary because God favored her with a special grace (at the moment of her conception), and her decision to cooperate with it has blessed humankind.

Sunday, December 10, 2023
Breakfast with Santa! Sponsored by the Saint Paul Men’s Club at the Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, December 10 from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the Parish Center. Adults $8, Kids $4, Family Max of $25.

Friday, December 15, 2023
You are invited to Saint Paul Christmas Pageant at 7:30 PM in Church to watch the story of the first Christmas. "Let the children come unto me, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Monday, December 18, 2023
There will be an opportunity for Reconciliation in Church from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

PLEASE NOTE: 
The fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve are both December 24, 2023.
Parishioners are required to attend both the Masses (for example, you may attend the Saturday Vigil at 5:00 PM for the Fourth Sunday of Advent and a Christmas Eve Mass on Sunday evening, attend both in one day, or attend the Fourth Sunday of Advent on Sunday morning then Christmas Day Mass).

Christmas Mass Schedule -

Sunday, December 24, 2023 - Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve
The Fourth Sunday of Advent will be celebrated at the Saturday Vigil Mass (December 23 at 5:00 PM) and Sunday, December 24 at the 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM Masses.
Christmas Eve Mass will be celebrated Sunday, December 24 at 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

Monday, December 25, 2023 – Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Day)
Christmas Day Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM.


On behalf of all Saint Paul clergy and staff, know that our prayers go with you in this sacred season.