The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has stated that this year’s celebration of the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary IS NOT A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION. Therefore, Holy Masses for this feast, which has been transferred to Monday, December 9th, will be celebrated in the morning at 6:30 and 8 o’clock only!

The 6:30 morning Mass during the season of Advent will be the RORATE MASS in honor of the Mother of God and Ever Virgin Mary. This Mass dates from the Middle Ages in Europe when the faithful gather before dawn to celebrate Holy Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin who welcomed the Christ Child into her life and into our world. A single candle is lighted before the image of Our Lady at the altar dedicated to her during this Mass,

The final opportunity to go to confession prior to Christmas will be on Wednesday evening, December 18th at 7 o’clock. Eight priests will be available for the sacrament of penance so that our hearts may be ready to receive our Lord in the celebration of His Nativity.

A wonderful program of Christmas music will be presented in our church on Friday evening, December 13th at 7 o’clock. Please invite your family and friends to enjoy the beautiful sounds which will fill our parish church, the house of Cecilia, Patron Saint of music!

Bishop Serratelli is inviting you to the annual diocesan Christmas concert which will be held on Sunday, December 8th in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist located on Main and Grand Streets in Paterson. The concert begins at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Free indoor parking is provided at the County Garage located adjacent to the cathedral.

The Knights of Columbus Councils 514 and 3359 invite you to join the bus trip to the 47th March for Life in Washington, DC on Friday, January 24th. The bus will depart at 6 a.m. from the Gardner Field Park and Ride in Denville. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 5:15 a.m. in Saint Mary Church in Denville prior to departure. There is no charge for the bus, but please bring $10 to cover the DC METRO cost and a tip for the bus driver. Please contact Deacon Jim Rizos at 973.627.2595 or [email protected] to reserve your place. If you are unable to join the march, please keep the cause for life in your prayers.