Once again we are approaching a very rich and busy time in our parish
community. We have many wonderful celebrations and events.

This weekend we welcome back Fr. Jack MacCarthy and Deacon Luis Sanchez from Peru. Some of you did not know they were gone! Fr. Jack had some tasks to complete and meetings to attend, and Deacon Luis was able to accompany him on the journeys which are long and difficult. The two of them participated in a memorial for deceased Norbertines who served in Peru, including Fr. Sebastian Schalk, who ministered in Lima for many years.

You have been hearing the invitation to families who need help at Christmas this year. Our “Giving Tree” will be placed in the Gathering Space with ornaments that indicate a gift for which a child has a need and for which the family will be grateful. If you cannot buy a gift, we will have a box in which to place donations for the gifts, food and supplies that we give to the families.

In addition to the “Giving Tree,” the Sanctuary Society has an Advent raffle at this time each year. It is a nice opportunity to win a prize and support the organization in their efforts to support the parish’s worship needs. All of the women of the parish are members of the Sanctuary Society and have the opportunity to assist in the activities.

As always, we will have Advent reflection books available for a nominal cost. These books offer reflections for each day of Advent in order to enter into the beauty and peace of this winter season.

Thanksgiving Day is late this year on November 28th. We will have two Masses that day: at 7:15 a.m. in English and a bi-lingual Mass at 9:00 a.m. The donations at the collection that day will be for our Food Pantry We will also have baskets in front of the altar for non-perishable food donations.

The church’s liturgical year ends with the Solemnity of Christ the King on November 23/24. That weekend will be the final one at which Fr. Brendan McKeough, O. Praem., will be assisting us. At 97 years old and with the end of the liturgical year, he has decided to retire from this beloved ministry. He shared a message of gratitude with me about how he valued the opportunity to celebrate Mass here at St. Willebrord for the last 15 years. We will have a simple reception for him after the 12:30 p.m. Mass in the Parish Hall on November 24.

THANK YOU, FR. BRENDAN!

Peace, Fr. Andy