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Dear Parishioners,

Advent is a season of expectation. Charles Dickens, the great British novelist, authored the well-known novel entitled Great Expectations. It mirrors unfulfilled expectations and how people respond to them differently.

What is my expectation? It is that we all grow in our spiritual life and become closer to God and one another. May the season of Advent help us in our faith journey.

What are your expectations? …

Advent Blessings,

--- Fr. Augustine Joseph

PS

Please join me in welcoming the
newly baptized members
of our St. Charles community:

Mina Seoyeon Lee, daughter of Joshua and Amy Lee
Cassius McGee Keck, son of Christopher and Maegan Keck
Charlie Edwin Maerzluft, son of Christopher and Caitlin Maerzluft and grandson of Dane & Eileen Dickson

Let us acknowledge the parents and grandparents, as they must take great care of their children/grandchildren and prepare for the sacrament of baptism.

Reminders:

Advent Communal Reconciliation Service:
I invite everyone to participate in the sacrament of reconciliation as it, most importantly, is the start of a healing process.
This Thursday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the Church

Cocoa and Caroling -
A Musical Performance by Our Own
St. Charles Music Ministry
This Sunday, December 17...
• Refreshments: 4:30 p.m. in the Hall
• Concert: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the Church

Music speaks the language of the soul, penetrating the past and resonating into the future, unearthing pain and tenderness and sorrow and joy, reminding us of our infinite fragility and extraordinary strength, reigniting our dreams and passions once again to remind us of who we are meant to be – God’s children.

Christmas Gift Suggestion:

If you are still scrambling to find an appropriate Christmas gift, my book, Mission Stories, would fit the bill. These are inspiring stories about mission work that people of all ages would enjoy. This limited edition has only 27 books left now. They are available from Mary Hengl in the parish office.

The Week Ahead

Wednesday, December 13:
- Communion Service 9:00 a.m. (Chapel)
- VBS 2024 Fundraiser at Melo's Pizza 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Faith Formation (K-5th) 4:00 p.m. (Hall)
- Children's Choir Practice 5:30 p.m. (Pope)
- Adult Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. (Pope)
- Middle School Youth FF 7:00 p.m. (Hall)
Thursday, December 14:
- Mass 9:00 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- WINGS - Deacon Dave Rezendes 9:30 a.m. (Hall)
- Giving Tree Moving Gifts to Hall Noon (Church/Hall)
- Faith Formation (K-5th Grade) 3:30 p.m. (Hall)
- Advent Communal Reconciliation Service 7:00 p.m. (Church)
- Scout Troop Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Pope)
Friday, December 15:
- Mass 9:00 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- Children's Choir Rehearsal 5:00 p.m. (Pope)
- Adult Choir Rehearsal 5:30 p.m. (Pope)
- Stellar Christmas Event 6:30 p.m. (Church)
Saturday, December 16:
- Giving Tree Gifts Brought to Hall
- Grief Support 10:00 a.m. (Ignatius)
- Choir Dress Rehearsal 2:30 p.m. (Pope)
- Reconciliation (no appointment needed) 4:00 p.m. (Church)
- Vigil Mass 5:00 p.m. (Church)
Sunday, December 17: Third Sunday of Advent/Gaudete Sunday
Free Refreshments Served After Each Sunday Mass
- Mass 7:30 a.m. (Church)
- Mass 9:30 a.m. (CLW and RCIA Dismissal) (Church/Livestream)
- Pre-School/Tiny Treasures 9:30 a.m. (Dominic)
- Youth Confirmation Year 1 Class 10:00 a.m. (YR)
- Christmas Card Making for the Homebound 10:30 a.m. (Plaza)
- Mass 11:30 a.m. (Church)
- Giving Tree Gift Pick-up (AN) 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. (Parking Lot/Plaza/Hall)
- Cocoa and Caroling - a Musical Performance by the St. Charles Music Ministry. Pre-Concert Fellowship Begins in the Hall at 4:30 p.m. The Concert itself begins at 5:00 p.m. in the Church.
Monday, December 18:
- Mass 9:00 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- Christian Meditation 5:30 p.m. (Ignatius/Zoom)