Fr. Mike's Message - 11/28/2021

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Holiday! This time of year can help us to be more cognizant of the many blessings we have been given. I know at the top of my list is my gratitude for our Parish Family and for our great community of Washington. Thank you for helping to make St. Francis Borgia a wonderful parish and for what you do for our area. We are indeed blessed.  And let us give thanks to God for blessing us in so many ways.

Today we begin our Advent Season and a new liturgical year. During Advent we have an opportunity to prepare for the birth of Jesus. Let’s take advantage of this time for prayer, Sunday worship, and celebrating the Sacraments in order to be more aware of the Lord’s presence to us and in us,  and so we can bring Jesus to others by our words and deeds.

Next Sunday evening there will be an Advent gathering for women, Advent by Candlelight, in Jesuit Hall. Please see the notice in this bulletin and sign up for what promises to be a spiritually enriching evening. On Thursday, December 9th, we will have a gathering for men, Advent by Neon Light, as an opportunity for men in our parish to gather together. More info about this gathering is also in this bulletin.

This Thursday evening we will celebrate First Reconciliation for our 2nd grade students in School and PSR. Please say a prayer for them as they prepare to receive for the first time the forgiveness of God through this Sacrament.

This Advent can be a good time for us to also make a good confession. Fr. Tony and I will be available for Confessions on Tuesday mornings after the 7:00 a.m. Mass and after the 6:30 p.m. Mass. We also have confessions available on Saturdays after the 8:00 a.m. Mass and from 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Additionally, you are welcome to set up an appointment with one of us outside of these times if needed.

As is tradition here at SFB, we have our Advent Giving Tree again this Advent and invite you to participate. Take an ornament, purchase a gift, and return it to Jesuit Hall before Dec. 12th. These gifts will help to make Christmas a joyful time for some neighbors in our community who can use some assistance.

Don’t miss next Sunday’s Holiday Breakfast & Bazaar sponsored by our very own SFB Ladies’ Sodality.  Delicious breakfast, including homemade cinnamon rolls will be served!  Along with that you can shop for baked goods, embroidered items, get more information about Divine Mercy signs, and there will be a quilt stand there.  And everybody’s favorite couple, Mr. & Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance from 9:00 - 11:00 to take lists and be photographed with our guests.  Breakfast will be served from 7:30 - 11:00 a.m.  It all takes place in our Grade School Cafeteria.