Dear Friends,
This weekend we rejoice in the Kingship of Jesus Christ. The official title of today’s observance is “The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.” That’s an ominous title that conveys the power and authority of God in his divine majesty, which at some level can inspire our worship as we surrender ourselves to his power with trust in his ability to save us. The scriptures this weekend, however, point to another perspective on the Kingship of Christ, which ought to inspire our devotion and love for the God whose mercy is overflowing and his desire to save us. We give thanks for the good shepherd who protects, refreshes, and leads us. We are also challenged that Jesus is present to us also in those most in need, whom we are called to serve in the works of mercy: feeding the hungry and thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, and caring for the sick and imprisoned. Seeing Christ in them is not easy, and the gospel reminds us that there are “missed opportunities.” As we give thanks that we have a King who has the power and the desire to save us, we pledge to follow the example he gives to us.
Next Thursday, we celebrate Thanksgiving Day by recalling the ways that we have been blessed. It might be tempting to look not for the blessings but to grumble as we look at what we have had to sacrifice or what we have endured this year. Rather than give in to that temptation, I encourage you to look all the more intensely for the gifts of God at work in your life. For those who are able, I invite you to join us for Mass on Thanksgiving morning at 10:00 am. Please note that we are using Eventbrite as we do on weekends for this Mass. Sign up from now until Sunday 11/22 at 10:00am at this link— https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thanksgiving-day-november-26th-2020-tickets-129746905487 The mass will be livestreamed for those who would like to join us virtually.
We did it!! We were able to exceed our Thanksgiving dinner goal, and sent 360 dinners and turkey gift cards to St. Gregory’s, distributed 43 dinners and gift cards to our local food pantry families, and provided all 55 families of the Bloomsbury Square Housing Development in Annapolis with dinners and turkey gift cards. Thank you to everyone who donated dinners or money so that we could again surpass our goal!
Our Christmas Outreach is underway. Please remember to check the dates for donating to our various programs this year. To continue our tradition of giving to Marian House residents, alternate giving options of financial donations & gift cards have been chosen. Marian House Staff will purchase the gifts using resident Christmas wish lists as well as purchasing gifts for all the residents to enjoy. Seton needs to start the program earlier than usual to allow Marian House staff to shop. The deadline for donating to Marian House is 11/29/20 and we have not met our goal, please consider a donation. Click here for more detailed information!
We still have Advent wreaths and candles on the table in the Narthex. They can be picked up at weekend Masses or Mondays and Wednesdays between 9am and 4pm. Advent begins next weekend!
On Sunday, December 13, our Scouts BSA Troop 758 is hosting Light Up Crofton! The Troop is selling luminary kits that people can set up outside their homes to light on the evening of Sunday, December 13. Each kit comes with the supplies for 10 luminaries so we encourage you to purchase enough sets to light up your stairs, driveway, or sidewalk. We are hoping to transform Crofton and the local area into a winter village that everyone can drive around and enjoy. Find the event on Facebook at Light Up Crofton -- #CroftonStrong -- Order Your Luminary Kits from Troop 758. You can order your Luminary Kits online at https://bit.ly/2UmyyyX or complete the order form on the flyer.
Here is this Sunday’s Worship Aid
A reminder....
I encourage you to sign up for weekend Masses through the parish website or FaceBook page. The link is available after the 9:30 Mass each Sunday UNTIL Wednesday evenings at 10:00pm. We are seeing an increase in walk-ins to Masses as of late. If you come to Mass without signing up, we cannot guarantee you a seat. Don’t forget to wear your mask, use hand sanitizers in the Narthex and keep your social distance as you approach the Main Entrance of the Church!
As usual, we will continue to live-stream Mass (Mon—Thurs at 9:00am and Sunday at 9:30am) on the parish Facebook (link) and uploaded on YouTube (link), and our parish website, https://www.seaseton.org/Resources/Media. If you do not have Facebook but wish to watch our livestream, click here for instructions.
Have a good week!
Fr. Paul