What’s Going On: 17 Dec 2023

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

Confessions (December 23rd, 2023)

• Confessions will be heard in the church starting at 10am.

Christmas Eve (December 24th, 2023)

• Sunday Mass at 9:00am
• Jesse Tree Live (Youth Christmas Pageant) at 5:00pm
• Christmas Eve Mass at 6:00pm

Christmas Day (December 25th, 2023)

• Christmas Day Mass at 9:00am

New Years Eve (December 31st, 2023)

• Sunday Mass (Feast of the Holy Family) at 9:00am
• Feast of Mary, Mother of God/Mass for Peace at 5:00pm
• Potluck to follow 5:00pm Mass

Christmas Eve and the Fourth Sunday of Advent are on the same Sunday this year. The obligation for the Fourth Sunday of Advent may be fulfilled by attending the morning Mass on Sunday or the Christmas Eve Vigil Mass. (A Mass obligation does not depend on which readings and prayers are used.) The Christmas obligation may be fulfilled by attending an evening Mass on Christmas Eve or a Mass on Christmas Day. For those attending two Masses in a single day, Holy Communion may be received twice.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS

If you are interested in making a donation towards our Christmas flowers that are placed around the altar, please send your donation to the Parish Office. If you would like to make your donation in memory or honor of someone, please contact Eva at the Parish Office at [email protected].

CHRISTMAS LETTERS

You are welcome to send parishioners Christmas letters using the boxes in the back of the church by the statue of Blessed Mother. They are organized alphabetically by last name. Please leave your Christmas letters in the boxes and pick up any that are addressed to you or your family. Merry Christmas!

END OF YEAR GIVING

Last week our annual Christmas Ask Letter was sent out. I ask that you consider giving a donation, as this is our biggest annual fundraiser. You can give one time or monthly online: https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-20000526?tab=home

JUST FAITH PROGRAM

Concerned about Climate Change? St Elizabeth will be offering a virtual program using Zoom. JustFaith. Sacred Air: Climate & Energy is an eight-session small group program that explores the impact of the climate crisis on God’s creation and God’s people. As participants learn and dialogue about tough topics such as air pollution and greenhouse gases. Prayer and spiritual practices guide participants in noticing the breath of God that flows through them, granting them the life and energy to address the climate crisis with passion and resilience.

When: Sundays, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.beginning January 14th and ending March 3rd. Zoom links will be provided Cost: $45 (scholarship assistance is available)

Interested: Contact co-facilitators Anne Gibbons ([email protected]) or Cathy Woodson [email protected] by Dec 20, 2023

JESUS AND THE EUCHARIST STUDY

Join us on Zoom for Session 3: Jesus and the Eucharistic- Am I saved? Salvation is a gift from God through Jesus Christ that requires our “yes.”Wednesday, 6 pm-7:30 pm, December 20, 2023. Contact the office to register. Zoom link and handouts will be emailed to you on the Sunday prior to the Wednesday class.

JUSTICE COMMITTEE

Black history is every day, not just February. The justice committee of Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church recommends each parishioner find some way to honor the contributions of African Americans throughout the year. One way to do this is to order a calendar and incorporate this into your prayer life with gratitude, honor and research. Two such calendars include: Josephite African American History and Heritage Calendar and History of Racial Injustice Calendar

RICHARD SMALLWOOD TRIBUTE – January 12 & 13, 2024

The St. Elizabeth Gospel Choir and other gospel choirs from Richmond, VA will be performing at the Dominion Energy Center with the Richmond Symphony in a tribute to gospel music legend Richard Smallwood. Tickets start at $15.00 and can be purchased by visiting the Dominion Energy Center Website here.