Dear Parishioners,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all of you for your faithful participation in our 40 hours Devotion this year. As your Pastor I am very proud of how we came together as a community to celebrate our Lord in the Blessed Sacramento. During these days I witnesses your faith growing and I pray that it continues to do so. I would like to give a special thanks to those who gave much of their time to help decorate the church with flowers, and organize the dinner in the social hall, without you wonderful people this event would not have been a success. Today is the First Sunday of Advent, and the Gospel for this Sunday according to Mathew 24:37-44 compels us to be alert and ready for the coming of the Lord during the whole time of Advent. As the Lord came in history and will come at the end of time, so he comes to us anew with the celebration of his Birth at Christmas. As Christians, we have the duty to prepare for this Birth and not simply to anticipate it. Let us resolve that this Advent will be a time of focused prayer in preparation for the Nativity. Pray with the prophet Isaiah, who prepared Israel for the Savior; pray with Mary who bore the Savior in her womb. Prepare with a good sacramental Confession, our  advent penance service is on Sunday December 04 more Priest are coming to help in our confessions please come to receive the sacrament of grace and love of God. Advent passes so quickly, so we must stay awake! We must prepare well! The December 8th Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of the United States of America, is always a Holy Day of Obligation, I encourage you to participate in Mass, here in our church will be two Masses 9: 00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. and ask the heavenly aid of Mary, our Mother, for our country, peace in our world and our families. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you!

Please remember to contribute to the 2022 Diocesan Annual Campaign! We have less than two months left to raise the amount of $9,231 to meet our goal. We thank those who have already contributed and encourage those who have not yet done so to please support our parish, if you do not help it will affect our Church financially. Therefore, we ask you to support us, you can find the envelopes at the entrance of the Church. Thank you so very much for supporting our Church. God Bless you all always

Father Jose Elias

 

DIOCESAN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN 2022

The 2022 Diocesan Annual Campaign, One Faith, One Family, has begun. Because of the generosity of the faithful throughout the

Diocese of Harrisburg, our 2021 effort was remarkable with 72 parishes reaching and exceeding their goals. The many ministries and programs which received funding are humble by the interest in and support of their efforts. From Evangelization efforts, to the many social service programs offered by Catholic Charities, to ongoing education and formation for our seminarians, clergy and ordained deacons, to support for Catholic education, your gift does make a difference. Please prayerfully consider your gift this year to ensure that the mission of the Church is   fulfilled. Our in pew collection begins the weekend of March 5/6. Your gift, no matter the size, truly makes a difference. To learn more about the Diocesan Annual Campaign, please visit https://www.hbgdiocese.org/diocesan-annual-campaign/

Thank you to all our parishioners and visitors for your goodness and generosity to Saint Benedict the Abbot Parish.

God bless you!

Father Jose Elias