• Please note that weather related schedule changes will be noted on our webpage as soons as possible.  

Third Sunday of Advent

December 11, 2022                    

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday (Joyful  Sunday).  Today we lit a rose candle, and I am wearing  a rose chasuble as a sign of joy.

In daily life there are things that try our patience and make us worried. Some of us have their hearts broken because of the death of a loved one, serious illness, divorce or rejection. Some of us are stressed out because of a thankless job, unreasonable family demands, ungrateful children or a family that has broken apart. Those people and events in our life exhaust us emotionally, physically and mentally.

Being joyful is an inner disposition. We are only responsible for  things we can control. There is no reason to worry about something that is totally out of our control.

The prophet Isaiah brought consolation to his contemporaries. His words offer us encouragement: “Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak. Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not !” (Isaiah 35:3-4). Even in our darkest moments we should not give our power and precious time to be angry, annoyed, disappointed, miserable  or depressed. As God’s children who belong to God’s Kingdom, we should give our time to God and people who bring us positive energy, people who give us strength and make us joyful.

Having a good laugh at ourselves also helps. Epictetus (50-135) said: “He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at”.

Being joyful and happy is a challenge not only on this Joyful Sunday and during the season of Advent but every day of our life.

According to Bill McKibben Advent is " the time to listen for footsteps- you can’t hear footsteps when you are running yourself”.
                                                           …..
After inspection it has been determined that certain areas of the existing roofs have failed and in need of repair. Other areas are not stable due to a lack of proper maintenance for years. With the assistance of a knowledgeable contractor implementing a proper plan that corrects the failed areas and restores the roof to maintenance manageable status will be the objective of the Building Committee. The completion of the repair work is expected to be early December.

Phase 2: the church was built in phases and different roof systems were used. The roof systems that required regular coatings have been neglected. Regular maintenance will begin in the Spring of 2023. This will require a new contract and funds for the project need to be budgeted.

I had a great visit with our 2nd and 3rd graders. They were all excited to talk about their Thanksgiving dinners and meetings with their families. I was happy to hear the stories they shared with me.

Thank you, Ema and Jaroslav Prochazka, for the nice dinner the other night and for your kind hospitality. As always, I enjoyed spending time with both of you.

May these two weeks leading up to Christmas be, for you and your families, days of authentic joy,

Fr. Ryszard

National Eucharistic Revival: A Grassroots Response to God’s Invitation

• Due to local active Covid cases, Communion will only be distributed on the hand.

• During Ordinary Time, Altar Flowers may be given in honor or memory of a loved one.  Please contact Cherie Amedy at the Parish Office, 252-726-3559, for more information.

Faith Formation Schedule 2022-23

Registration Form

December Schedule

Sunday School Sunday Morning Session: Pre K - Grade 5, in the Morton Center, 9:30-10:45 AM, December 11, 2022

Escuela dominical Sesión dominical por la mañana: Prekínder a 5.° grado, en el Morton Center, de 9:30 a. m. a 10:45 a. m. 11 de Diciembre de 2022

Middle School Ministry (MSM) Sunday Morning Session: Grades 6-8, 9:30-10:45 AM in the Morton Center, December 4 and 18, 2022

Ministerio de Escuela Intermedia (MSM) Sesión del domingo por la mañana: Grados 6-8, 9:30-10:45 AM en el Morton Center, 4 y 18 de Diciembre de 2022

Confirmation Preparation Sunday Morning Session: Grades 9 through 12, 9:30-10:45 AM in the Morton Center, December 4, and 18, 2022

Preparación para la Confirmación Sesión del domingo por la mañana: Grados 9 a 12, 9:30-10:45 AM en el Morton Center, 4 y 18 de Diciembra de 2022

We are in the process of updating our parish census. We are asking all member families to click on the link below which will take them to a census form where you can make changes in your family listing in our parish directory, ie, address, emails, phone changes, additional children (or removing children who no longer live here, etc. Please do this as soon as possible.

Parish Census Form

Please take a moment to complete the parish registration form by clicking on the link below:

Parish Registration Form

The New Bern Regional Office of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh is offering NEW programs to service our communities:

Senior Pharmacy -- For qualified seniors -- Assistance paying for: Medications related to Chronic Health Conditions; Limited Medical Supplies; and Health Topic Information.

Emergency Assistance -- Emergency Rent or Utility Assistance; Case Management; Job Search and Budgeting

Disaster Assistance -- When Available: Emergency Rent or Utility Assistance; Home Repair; Case Management

502 Middle Street, New Bern 28560

252-638-2188

Hours: Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM -12 Noon; 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Donate Now at http://www.catholiccharitiesraleigh.org/donate and Select ``Direct Your Gift: New Bern Deanery

www.catholiccharitiesraleigh.org/locations/new-bern

Providing Help -- Creating Hope -- Serving All

You can now make your offertory donations online by using the link below.

Access Online Giving