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December 19, 2021Dear Parishioners,
In our search for Christmas decorations Fr. Stephen Battey, pastor of St. John Paul II parish who also lives at St. Teresa rectory, and I discovered the parish archives in the rectory. We found so many interesting pieces of parish history. I hope to scan and catalogue the documents and photos when I get a chance. One practical discovery was a wooden book stand, which you may have noticed on the altar at Mass in recent weeks. I can only speculate as to how old it is, but I imagine that many Masses and many of the priests at St. Teresa used it. No matter its age it is still a good book stand, and I can see the text of the missal a bit better!
A very big thank you to Mr. Cole DeSantis for his Advent Lecture Series. He taught us about the prophecies of Isaiah, the meaning of the Incarnation, and the “O Antiphons.” I hope to bring in other speakers to the parish at various times in the year to present on topics such as the liturgy.
Another thank you to our parish Knights of Columbus Council and to those who donated to their Operation ROVAC (Remembering Our Veterans at Christmas). The breakfast and donation drive were a huge success. We had eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, and pastries as well entertainment in the form of the Knights singing Christmas songs. I for one was able to have breakfast multiple times on Sunday between the Masses (without breaking the fast of course).
Our First Communion class received their First Confession last Saturday as well. Thank you to Mrs. Susan Levesque, and our First Grade teachers Mrs. Jacqueline Allard and Ms. Kendra Adams for preparing the children so well. A thank you as well to the parents for their part in preparing their children to receive this wonderful sacrament. Confession is an indispensable part of the spiritual life because it restores our union with Christ and enables our full participation in the Mass. These children show us the importance of the Sacrament.
Christmas is now very close. Our time of waiting in Advent comes to an end. This year we celebrate Christmas on a Saturday and so the Mass schedule for the weekend has been modified. You can find that schedule here in the bulletin as well as posted on our Facebook page. I hope that everyone has a blessed and safe Christmas!
God bless,
Fr. Barrow
