I hope that you and your families had a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving! In the midst of such a crazy year, we still have much to give thanks to Almighty God for. I am thankful for the gift of life and faith and the gift of family and good friends. Faith (God), Family, and Friends got me through this year of pandemic, transition of Bishops, and disarray. Leaning on those three helped me remain steadfast through those rough waters. I am so grateful for them!
I also give thanks to Almighty God for YOU, the marvelous people of St. James! Seeing you and your families carry on and adjust your lives through this pandemic has been encouraging! The way the School, the students, the faculty, the families, the parents responded to all the curveballs thrown their way astounds me! Your faith edifies me! You are a gift to me and my heart is filled with gratitude to God for you!
Dispensation
Bishop Parkes has issued the following directive concerning the Dispensation from the Obligation to attend Sunday Mass:
Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, November 29, 2020 [today], the dispensation from Sunday mass attendance is granted only for the following:
- Those who belong to vulnerable populations due to age or health
- Caregivers and those who live with those in vulnerable populations
- Those who are sick or experiencing symptoms
- Those who suffer from extreme uneasiness or anxiety from being in any public place during this time of pandemic
I look forward to seeing more people in church! We have done a good job of keeping everyone who has attended mass healthy and safe since we opened back up for public masses 6 months ago. We will continue to abide by the guidelines in place and remind people to do their part to contribute to the well-being of their brothers and sisters. The whole letter from the Bishop will be posted on our website.
Happy New Year!
It is hard to believe that Christmas is only four weeks and five days away! Today, the 1st Sunday of Advent, marks the beginning of a new Church year! What will be your Spiritual New Year’s Resolutions? Reading more Scripture? Going to daily mass twice or three times during the week along with Sunday Mass? Say a rosary or a decade of the rosary each day? Please let me know, I would love to speak with you about it!
Many blessings upon you and your family this Advent season!
~ Fr. Daniel Firmin
1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT