A New Liturgical Season

Once again we are in the Liturgical Season that is called Ordinary Time which will run until Ash Wednesday. I think that this is an unfortunate title for this time of the Church year, as there is nothing ‘ordinary’ about what we proclaim and celebrate. Today’s readings call us back to the Baptism of Jesus where He is identified by John, anointed by the Holy Spirit and proclaimed to be the ‘beloved’ Son of the Father.
Now the work of the Mission of Jesus begins to proclaim and establish the Kingdom of God among us; which culminates in His Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension.
We also have been Baptized and now that the Christmas celebrations are over, we too are to begin the work of living lives that proclaim and recognize the active presence of our God’s Kingdom among us. How then can I do this, how can I work for justice, proclaim faith and hope and live in God’s love? Each of us in our own circumstance, vocation and stage of life are called to do this; and as we rely on God’s grace to hear His voice and empower us to live as His disciples; we are given the insight, graces and ability to live as His people, His children, the people He has redeemed and call others to experience the gift of our God. God Bless, Fr. Dan

Saturday, 12/24/22

4:00 pm Mass

Piano, flute and children singing

Midnight Mass

Male vocal group (four Marcellus alums)

Sunday, 12/25/22 – 10:00 am Mass

Contemporary music group

Christmas Letter 2022

Guide to Confession

A Note from Father Dan

With Advent we begin another liturgical year, another year of grace. There is a singular beauty to Advent in the church, it invites us to calm down and remove ourselves from the hectic pace in our preparation to celebrate Christmas, although it is good and necessary to prepare for Christmas, Advent invites us to prepare spiritually for the coming of Christ. If we pay attention we see the sights and sounds of Advent in the liturgy sets the scene for quiet reflection; there is no Gloria at Mass, the music is more subdued and the liturgical color is violet. The Advent wreath is the visible reminder of the waiting in expectation for the coming of Jesus, as the ‘light of the world’.
I would like to offer some suggestions as how each of us can prepare spiritually during Advent. Have a family Advent Wreath and light it together each evening with the appropriate prayers; think about attending our Advent Parish Mission; use the Advent books that are provided with daily reflections and activities; and make a special effort to bring the entire family to Confession before celebrating the birth of Christ. However you and your family choose to celebrate Advent, ember: “Come, Lord Jesus” is our hope, not only for Advent and Christmas, but for our entire life’s journey.
God Bless, Fr. Dan

Click here to view the Christmas Symbols

Ember Days 2022 – 2023

Publication Notice Adult Survivors Act

Each year we set aside a day to pay special tribute to the Veterans who have served us in the Military, and especially we recall those who were injured or gave their life so that we might enjoy our liberties.  It was the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month that the guns of August went silent bringing an end to the hostilities that came to be called World War I.   This was proclaimed to be the end of all wars because no one could fathom the horror of the destruction, maiming and loss of life that this war inflicted on so many would never be repeated.  Yet, humankind did not learn the lesson of World War I, and in fact  over the rest of the 20th century and into the 21st century there has been more and and greater carnage and violence as people still turn to violence and nations to war to resolve their differences.  I would like to suggest that if we return to our God, honor His name, keep His commandments and embrace the dignity of each and every human person as a child of God and therefore our brother or sister we could go a long way to finally achieving that peace of which Jesus spoke and the Gospel proclaims; the peace that only Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace can give.  May the peace of the Lord be always with you.

God Bless, Fr. Dan

The Church of St. Michael and St. Peter’s Book & Bake Sale is November 4-6 in the church basement. Hours are 9-6 Friday and Saturday and 8-1 on Sunday. A small amount of Haitian oil drum art is available for purchase.

click here for more info