The season of Advent begins at the Vigil Mass on Saturday, November 26th. During this holy time, we are first asked to prepare for Christ’s coming in glory at the end of time. The second part of Advent, beginning on December 18, turns our attention to Jesus’ birth. We are asked to find holiness in waiting. Just like our Blessed Mother waited for her child to be born, we joyfully wait for the return of Jesus in glory. Some traditional ways for you to celebrate Advent:
ADVENT WREATH – A circle of evergreens with 4 candles. A new candle is lit each Sunday, the light grows, reminding us that Christ the Light is coming closer to us. There is a wreath in the sanctuary for our parish family, and each family is encouraged to have one at home.
ADVENT CALENDAR AND JESSE TREE – These are projects that you can do at home, either making one or buying one.
ADORATION – We have Adoration on Wednesdays at 11:00 before the 12:10 Mass and on Fridays from 8:30 am to 9:30 am following the 8:00 Mass. We also have Adoration in the chapel on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please call the rectory for available times.
ADVENT PRAYER BOOKS – The Parish makes available The Word Among Us with daily reflections and prayers. Pick one up by the front and back doors.
CONFESSION – Confessions are heard on Fridays from 8:30 am to 9:30 am and on Saturdays from 3:00 to 3:45.
PENANCE SERVICE – Our Penance Service will be held on Sunday, December 11 from 1:00 to 3:00. There will be several priests available.
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION – We celebrate how God prepared Mary to be the mother of Jesus by the singular grace of sparing her from original sin. This is a Holy Day of Obligation. The Mass schedule is Wednesday, December 7 at 5:00pm and Thursday December 8 at 12:10.
CHRISTMAS The Season of Christmas begins at the Vigil Mass on Saturday, December 24 and ends on Sunday, January 8, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This is a joyful season with wonderful celebrations.
CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES – (Saturday) The schedule for Masses is 4:00 pm (with Christmas Pageant) and 7:00 pm.
CHRISTMAS DAY MASS –(Sunday) The Mass is at 10:00 & 11:30 am.
SOLEMENITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD – This feast honors Mary’s role in salvation history. The Vigil Mass is at 4:00 on Saturday and 10:00 on Sunday.
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD – The visit of the Magi is an important part of the Christmas Season. You can bless your home by using a piece of chalk to write 20+C+M+B+23 on the frame of your door. The three letters are the first letter of the three names given to the Magi.
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD – The end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Ordinary Time, is the celebration of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River and the beginning of His public ministry.
On this Christmas season, St. Augustine parish wish to bless all our parishioners and visitors this great gift of God's willingness to enter a relationship with His people by the birth of His Son. Merry Christmas to all!