As we head into the third week of Advent, I am feeling great joy (appropriate as the Third Sunday is Gaudete [“rejoice”] Sunday). Last weekend was a marathon of joyful events in the life of our parish. I want to share some highlights so you can know how we celebrate God at work in the Saint Aloysius family of faith.
Our teens and chaperones headed down to Kentucky with Chris Otis, our youth minister and Father Flavian for our annual “Project 1,000.” Your generosity filled stockings, helped with transportation costs, and made it possible for 1,000 children in one of the poorest communities in the country to have Christmas presents. The weekend was an experience of true Gospel living.
Friday night was very chilly, but our hearts were warmed by the Living Nativity. Big crowds watched the three presentations narrated by John Patrick Walsh, with our Confirmation students taking on the various roles in the scene in Bethlehem. Loretta Buzzeo and her team created a beautiful creche scene decorated with lights and greens. The Knights of Columbus erected the structure, and Dr. John, Jeffrey, and Allison from our music ministry joined student singers. All of it was organized by Marie Osterndorf, our director of Confirmation formation. Thanks to all for the smiles on the faces of the crowd that night!
On Saturday morning, our second graders made their First Reconciliation. Our catechists were on hand to welcome and guide the children to a life-giving moment of mercy. We can’t wait for First Communion day in the spring! St. A’s Buddies met on Saturday afternoon. Our teens and parents did a great job creating some Christmas fun for their special needs young adult buddies. I’m so proud of our teens!
The Sunday 8:30 Mass was so special because our Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) were officially welcomed into the process of full initiation into the Catholic Church. Deacon Bill and Joanne Santulli are accompanying all of them with great love. Please pray for them.
Many of you will remember Herley Mendez who spent this past summer with us. He was ordained a transitional deacon on Saturday and had a Mass of Thanksgiving at Saint Aloysius at 11:30. He preached his first-ever homily, and it was excellent. His message was an invitation to a conversion of heart as we prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas and every day. Deacon Herley has been assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Fairfield where Father David Roman is the pastor. Please keep Deacon Herley in your prayers as he prepares for his priesthood ordination in June 2026.
And as if all the above was not enough, we launched a ministry for seniors on Sunday with a cookie swap and tea. Seniors, watch the bulletin and your email for future events. I’m grateful to Angel Bodine and Caroline Greisen for coordinating the events.
In sum, God is truly present in our lively parish. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let’s rejoice together as we do our best to encounter Christ in the truth, beauty, and goodness of our Faith.
Yours in Christ,
