Charlestown Catholic Collaborative
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Blessing of the Creche
On Saturday Dec. 6th after the 4 pm at St Francis de Sales bring a figure from your own Nativity set to be blessed!
Cocoa will be served.
ADVENT MONDAYS
Join us for Advent Mondays at 46 Winthrop Street at 7PM.
December 1, 8, 15 and 22
DEC. 8—THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF MARY
A Holy day of obligation
Masses 9 AM at St. Mary Church
6 PM at St Francis de Sales Church
Regularly scheduled Mass times
The 8am Daily Mass is offered Monday through Friday at St. Catherine of Siena Chapel.
Finding the syoj in the Imperfections of the Season
Although the hustle and bustle of the season just arrived, for many of us it started back in July when Hobby Lobby began display ing all their Christmas crafts and décor. Each year going into this busy time, I feel behind before the season even begins! As we were reminded in Fr. John’s homily last weekend, Christmas begins on December 25th, even though I know many who tear down the tree the day after.
We all search to find that perfect tree and then to deck the
halls exactly right, with perfect matching plaid ribbons and bountiful greens adorning each door. As of late I have been working on some Christmas installations in local window boxes and home décor. It brings me such peace and joy to spread holiday cheer not just through the musical arts but the crafting ones as well.
As I fill each window box, I spend a great deal of time stepping back and looking to be sure everything is placed just right making sure sure the pine roping cascades just so or making sure the pinecone picks and bows are placed and fluffed in the perfect spots. However, what happens when we try so hard to make things perfect that we lose the joy of this short-lived, beautiful season?
Last weekend both St. Francis de Sales and St. Mary’s displayed beautiful banners with a candle and the themes of the four weeks of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. At St. Mary’s the order was off, and Fr. John asked if I could fix it. So, I trucked up to the loft to switch them. On a side note, hanging over the loft’s edge looking at the banner upside down—and being dyslexic—while trying to fix the mistake was not the greatest plan. I’m sure all of you have noticed, especially when the numbers on the hymn board are in the wrong order or backwards. That would be me.
As Fr. John raised his arm, gesturing to the parishioners to look up at the beautiful banners during his homily, everyone turned around to see the correct order for each week, but the banner displaying Joy was tacked up backwards, reading “yoj.” It was in that moment that I was bombarded with text messages about the banners. Needless to say, I fixed the mix-up afterward and had a good chuckle.
While reflecting on this funny story, we can all take a lesson from this mishap. We must find the joys in the imperfections of the season. It’s not about the décor, the freshly prepared food for guests, or making sure the star is perfectly straight on the tree. The reason for the season is to await the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. It’s about the sacrifices Mary and Joseph made for the love of their child, and for us to achieve everlasting life.
As we head full throttle into the season, let us all remember why we celebrate this time of year. And when our to-do lists grow so long and mistakes are made because we are pulled in so many directions, remember to find the joy in the imperfections of the season.
Happy Advent to all, and to all a good night!
John Volpe
THIS SUNDAY, December 7 at 3 pm
The Annual Christmas Concert With the Beatrice Mastersingers
St. Francis de Sales Church,
313 Bunker Hill St.
Click image for
St. Francis Carillon Schedule
St. Francis de Sales
313 Bunker Hill Street
617 242-0147
Led by the Holy Spirit, the Parish Family of Saint Francis de Sales seeks to know and celebrate Jesus through Mass, Prayer, Sacrament and Service.
Saint Francis de Sales Church is the oldest consecrated church in New England, the oldest in the city of Boston in continuous service, and the fourth oldest in America, built in 1859, on the top of Bunker Hill. Saint Francis is known affectionately as the Firefighter’s church – The statue of St. Florian, patron saint, is located in the bell yard next to the church.
St. Mary Church,
55 Warren St.
Collaborative Center
and
Eucharistic Center
46 Winthrop Street
617 242-4664
Our Mission is to make active disciples of Jesus Christ by creating a welcoming community rich in spirituality and by moving people to share their God-given talents in the service of others and the care of creation. We are an intentionally inclusive Roman Catholic parish that welcomes all those who make up our diverse community in a way that reflects God’s love. Nourished by the Gospel and the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, we strive to build a vibrant parish that strengthens our faith and elevates our worship.
The Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary Lamp at St. Francis de Sales church is lit for
Agnes O’Neil
The Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary Lamp at St. Mary church is lit for
Sarah Farmer-Williams
Suspice – Take Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. Thou hast given all to me. To Thee, O lord, I return it. All is Thine, dispose of it wholly according to Thy will.
Give me Thy love and Thy grace, for this is sufficient for me.
– Ignatius Loyola