Are you concerned you might not find the perfect gift?

This Advent, join parishioners from all over the archdiocese in an initiative to invite people to reconsider the spiritual meaning of Christmas. Jesus, the perfect gift, is a gift that changes lives. Parishioners are invited to place signs in their yards that read “FindthePerfectGift.org.”

On the website people will find reflections on the meaning of Christmas, the gift Jesus is in people’s lives and an invitation to visit our parishes and participate in a liturgy or an Advent activity. The signs are also a reminder that just as the star led the Wise Men to Jesus, we too can guide people to an encounter with our Lord.

Post a sign in your yard or window and take the opportunity to talk with neighbors and friends about the feast of Christmas and the gift Jesus has been for you. Each parish in the archdiocese has been given a limited number of signs. Please pick up a sign in the vestibule today!

The following are the schedules for Advent Reconciliation Services at parishes in St. Mary’s County

- St. Aloysius, Leonardtown: Tuesday, December 13th at 7:00 pm
- Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lexington Park: Monday, December 19th at 7:00 pm
- St. John’s, Hollywood: Wednesday, December 21st at 7:00 pm

Please take note of the following Mass times for the Holy Day of Obligation:

9:00am School Mass
12:15pm Mass
7:00pm followed by the 8:00pm Holy Hour for Life

On Sunday, December 5th, from 8:00am – 11:30 pm Father Andrew White School will be holding their annual Breakfast with Santa.

The menu features pancakes, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, bacon, sausage, biscuits with gravy and more.

Tickets are $8 for ages 13 and up, $4 ages 4 – 12 and children under 3 eat free.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) will be holding its 8th Annual Community Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day (Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011) at Father Andrew White School from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM for those desiring a delicious meal and fellowship. Delivery of meals to the homebound of our community is also being offered again this year.

If you are in need of a meal or fellowship, please join us. If you know of anyone needing a meal, is shut in, or would like to fellowship with others on that day please let them know about this opportunity. We realize in these economic times, an outreach effort like this can only be successful through God’s mercy and community support.

Help is needed throughout the week before Christmas and on Christmas Day. If you would like to volunteer to assist at the hall with setup, decorations, food preparation; donation of dessert; delivery of meals; volunteering during the dinner; or cleaning up after the dinner, please contact Regina Bowman-Goldring at 301-247-1146 or by emailing svdp@saintaloysiuschurch.org.

The St. Aloysius families generous past support has aided in the success of this work of mercy and SVdP thanks you. We appreciate your support and prayers in this effort to display God’s love and express the true meaning of Christmas!

In celebration of Thanksgiving please note that our parish offices will close at 12 Noon on Wednesday, November 23rd and remain closed until Monday, November 28th. From our families to yours, may your Thanksgiving celebrations be filled with an abundance of joy and God’s blessings.

Advent begins next Sunday. In preparation for our celebration of the season we are looking for individuals and families who would like to light the Advent candles of our wreath at the beginning of our weekend Masses. A sign-up sheet is located in the vestibule of the church. Please print your name, telephone number and the Mass at which you and/or your family would like to participate. Thank you.

Sunday, November 6, 2011, from 8:30am – 11:30 pm Father Andrew White School will be holding their monthly breakfast. The menu includes: pancakes, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, bacon, sausage, biscuits, sausage gravy and more.

All are invited to enjoy a great breakfast after Mass with your family and friends and support our school.

Cost

$7: Ages 13 and up
$5: Ages 8 – 12
$3: Ages 5 – 7
Under 5 years of age eat FREE

On Saturday, October 29, 2011, a “Mass” using the new words of the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal was held at 9:00 am in the church.

Below is a link to the Mass with Commentary covered at the Instructional “Mass”.

Mass with Commentary

St. Aloysius Church will be holding a blood drive on November 12, 2011 in the school gym. All interested in donating blood are asked to contact Milly Farrell schedule your donation time. Please show your support.