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Greetings, St. Charles Parishioners:

Monday's Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception:

This year, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is transferred to Monday, December 9 since December 8 is a Sunday. It will be a Holy Day of Obligation. We will have two Holy Masses on Monday: 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a solemn feast that honors the belief in the conception of the Virgin Mary free as from original sin. This feast day centers on the doctrine that Mary, from the moment of her conception in her mother’s womb, was preserved by God from inheriting the original sin that, according to Christian teaching, affects all humanity due to the fall of Adam and Eve.

The foundation of the doctrine can be traced to early Christian writings, although it was formally defined only in 1854 by Pope Pius IX in his papal bull, Ineffabilis Deus. This document declared the Immaculate Conception as an essential belief for Catholics, emphasizing Mary’s unique role in salvation history as the mother of Jesus. By being conceived without sin, Mary was made worthy to bear Christ, the Son of God. This purity is seen as a gift from God, in anticipation of her role in Jesus’ life, and underscores the idea that God’s grace is powerful and transformative.

Many parishes and communities hold special processions, prayers, and services to honor Mary on this day. For example, in Italy, people celebrate by gathering in churches for special Masses. In Rome, the Pope traditionally visits the Spanish Steps to pay tribute to a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Symbolically, this feast is about hope, purity, and the promise of redemption, representing a powerful example of God’s grace acting in the world. The Immaculate Conception is a reminder of Mary’s role as the “New Eve,” chosen to bring Christ into the world and play a pivotal role in humanity’s redemption. This celebration encourages believers to seek holiness and renew their commitment to following Mary’s example of faith, humility, and obedience to God’s will.

Our New Online Parish Directory:

The link and password to our new online parish directory was sent to participants via email by our Communications Manager, Holly O'Hagan, on November 22. If you expected but didn't receive the link, your spouse may have received it instead. More recently, a letter was mailed to the few participants who did not provide an email address.

As mentioned before, our new directory is only available to parishioners who participate. Fortunately for everyone else, there is good news: You may still participate, as the directory will be updated as time goes on. To be included, simply complete this Official DIY Church Directory Form.

Watch ABC's "The Great Christmas Light Fight" Tonight!

Tonight at 9:00 p.m. on ABC, be sure to watch for St. Michael's Deacon Dave Rezendes as his incredible and popular Christmas light display will compete with other contestants on "The Great Christmas Light Fight." Read more about the episode here.

Blessings everyone,

-- Father Augustine Joseph

Thursday, December 5: Advent Communal Reconciliation
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- WINGS 9:30 a.m. (Borromeo Hall)
- Knights of Columbus 5:00 p.m. (Hall)
- Advent Communal Reconciliation Service 7:00 p.m. (Church)
- Scout Troop Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Pope)
Friday, December 6:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 5:00 p.m. (Chapel)
Saturday, December 7:
Giving Tree Continues
- Children's First Reconciliation Retreat and Celebration 9:30 a.m. (Hall)
- Concern America 3:00 p.m. (Hall)
- Reconciliation 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. (Church)
- Vigil Mass 5:00 p.m. (Church)
Sunday, December 8: Second Sunday of Advent
Giving Tree - All Gifts Due!
Second Collection - Religious Retirement Fund
- Mass 7:30 a.m. (Church)
- Concern America 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Hall)
- CLW (Children's Liturgy of the Word) 9:30 a.m. (Pope)
- Mass 9:30 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- Pre-School/Tiny Treasures 9:30 a.m. (Dominic)
- Youth Confirmation Year 2 Class 9:30 a.m. (Pope)
- Mass 11:30 a.m. (Church)
- Youth Lector Training 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. (Church)
- Christmas Concert: Hope for the Holidays - With John Angotti
5:00 p.m. (Church)
Monday, December 9:
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Holy Day of Obligation
- Mass 9:00 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- Christian Meditation 5:30 p.m. (Ignatius)
- High School Youth Ministry 7:00 p.m. (Hall)
- Mass with Music 7:00 p.m. (Church)
Tuesday, December 10:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Liturgy Committee Meeting 4:00 p.m. (Pope)
- Faith Formation (1st-5th Grade) 6:15 p.m. (Hall)
- Giving Tree - Sorting Gifts 7:00 p.m. (Church)
Wednesday, December 11:
VBS 2025 Dine Out Fundraiser: Extreme Pizza (online/instore)
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- A&E Change: Christmas 9:45 a.m. (Church)
- Faith Formation (Kindergarten-5th Grade) 4:00 p.m. (Hall)
- Christmas Children's Choir Rehearsal (Mandatory) 5:15 p.m. (Church)
- Adult Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. (Church)
- Middle School Youth Ministry 7:00 p.m. (Hall)
- RCIA 7:00 p.m. (Pope)