As we continue to experience restrictions due to the Covid virus, it is important that we keep connected to each other and to our parish preparations for the celebration of the Nativity. During Advent, Fr. Nicholas will offer Vespers many evenings at 6PM; the readings and antiphons are helpful for preparing our hearts. Saturday Vespers and the Sunday Mass will be live-streamed for watching at home but also in the parish hall when there are more than the allowed twelve people in attendance in the chapel. At Masses, Communion will be brought upstairs for those people. In addition, we will have Mass on Thursday, December 3 (Eve of St. Barbara), on Monday, December 7 (Eve of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary) and Thursday, December 17.
On Christmas Eve, both Fr. Nicholas and Fr. Raphael will be available for confession beginning at 8:30PM (or by appointment at other times). At 9:45, there will be a time for Christmas music for choir and organ, and carol-singing by the congregation. The first Mass of Christmas will be celebrated at 10PM. (Unfortunately, we will not be able to have our usual wonderful feast afterward.) On Christmas Day, Mass will be celebrated at 10AM (with Matins at 9:30). Please let Fr. Nicholas know which of these services you wish to attend.
Even though many people are weary of “zoom” work, meetings, and church services, this technology has allowed us to have virtual “coffee hours,” to see those we don’t see in church and to have conversations. There will be zoom coffee hours on December 13 and 27. Zoom Sunday School classes are being offered for the children.
Read the full December Newsletter here.