“The shepherds went in haste, and found Mary and Joseph and the Infant lying in a manger.”
+ Luke 2:16 [Entrance Antiphon, Mass of the Holy Family]
Dear Parishioners,
The Entrance Antiphon for this weekend’s Mass keeps us focused on Christ birth and reminds us of the genius of the Catholic celebration of Christmas: Christmas doesn’t end on December 26th but continues for a solid eight days! We need Christmas. We need the fullness of all of the grace, beauty, mercy, and love that this sacred season brings. Continue to soak up the rich blessings of this season fully.
Peace be with you and your loved ones as we continue to celebrate the transforming reality of Christmas,
Fr. Hottovy
::
Handy Links:
- Parish Website
- Parish Facebook Page
- Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House Schedule
Attachments:
:: NEW & UPDATED PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS ::
Go On Pilgrimage With Saint Joseph This Christmas Season!
At the exits of the church, you will find a guide—complete with a checklist—that will lead you through the visitation of seven Lincoln churches. For each visit, a prayer is offered with attention to one of the seven sorrows and one of the seven joys that Saint Joseph experienced in his earthly life. Round up the family and take advantage of the Christmas Season to come to know better Saint Joseph, foster father of Our Lord.
Father Hottovy, Father Raminedi, and Father Kipper offer their gratitude for all of the cards, gifts, well wishes, prayers, and goodies that were given during Advent, for Christmas. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity!
Many thanks to those who took time to make our church beautiful for the Nativity of the Lord! Many hands were busy cleaning, putting up trees, preparing the altar, and decorating. As a result of your hard work, the church is a beautiful setting for adoration and worship!
Thanks to our musicians and choirs for providing music for Christmas Masses; we are so very grateful for the beauty you have added to our celebration!
Note: the large Christmas arrangement in the main entryway (vestibule) of the church is a memorial for all those who have died this past year due to COVID. It is also dedicated to all of the faithful medical and healthcare workers of our parish.
Welcome by Baptism: Maren Josephine Callan, daughter of Brian & Kelly. Congratulations!
Please Pray for the repose of the soul of Betty Conley, mother of Bishop James Conley.
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Falls on January 1st each year. There is no better way to welcome the New Year than by honoring the Mother of God and the sacrifices she made to bring Our Savior into the world. Join us for a special 11pm Vigil Mass. It is a beautiful, candle-lit, prayerful way to “ring in” the New Year of 2021 … peacefully and in the presence of Our Lord.
Solemnity Mass Times:
- Vigil Masses are at 5:30pm & 11pm
- Holy Day Masses are at 8am and 10am
Thrift Shop Notes:
Thanks to everyone who helped the thrift shop have another successful year. Whether you donate with us, volunteer with us, or shop with us we appreciate your support! Come see us in 2021! Last weekend’s income: $1545. The shop is CLOSED until Jan 8-9.
Formed.org for Christmas:
- The Search
- What is this journey in between the event we call “birth” and the one we call “death”? Is the journey taking you somewhere, or are you leading yourself to some kind of destination – a destination that could extend beyond your last breath? What do you want from your life during the in between? The questions are there. And, the answers are too.
- Episode One: What is that deep longing in our hearts all about? We’re all living for something, and we all strive for that something out there that is ultimately going to make us happy. But what is it? For some, this question is on their minds every day. For others, life goes by in a flash without even asking the question.
- For ages 13-100, rooted deeply in the faith or questioning faith. Go on "The Search." A seven part series to start your New Year. Currently free on Formed.org.
- Christmas Season programming found on the Homepage of Formed.org
- Search "St. Joseph" for Adult and Children programming during this Year of St. Joseph
Sign-in to Formed.org with your email or sign-up by following the prompts and search our parish for free registration.
Seminarian of the Week
Liam O’Shea-Creal is the son of Bob & Mary Creal from St. Teresa Parish. He is studying Theology 3 at Mt. St. Mary. Remember to pray for Liam and for his formation.
Parish Office Hours
Christmas Week & New Year
December 24 and 25: Closed
December 28, 29, 30: 9am-4pm
December 31st and January 1st: Closed
:: REPEAT PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS (for your convenience) ::
Holy Land Rosaries
Rosaries of Olive Wood which were handmade by Christians in the Holy Land are available for purchase in the Parish Office (a minimum donation of $10 is requested). All proceeds go directly to the support of Christians in the Holy Land. These make wonderful gifts for
sacraments, Christmas, and all occasions!
Community Announcement
Operation Lifesaver Nebraska wants to spread the word in the city of Lincoln: On January 1, 2021, BNSF Railway will begin operating trains on the tracks that run along Hwy 2 between Lincoln and Nebraska City. The tracks have been out of use for 17 years; it is important that we are aware of this change.
Dispel the darkness by having your candles blessed! The burning of blessed candles discourages disease and demonic presences. If you would like your candles to be blessed, please bring them to the rectory during office hours (9-4, Mon-Fri).
:: NEW DIOCESE-wide ANNOUNCEMENTS ::
(none)
:: REPEAT DIOCESE-wide ANNOUNCEMENTS ::
What does the Word of God teach about how we are to speak to and about others? The Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies is presenting Redeeming Communication: Christian Speech in a Hostile World, from 9am-12pm on Saturday, January 23, at St. Michael Parish in Lincoln. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Learn more and register at www.emmausinstitute.net.
The annual Mass of the Holy Innocents will be celebrated on Monday, December 28th. All are invited to attend this Memorial Mass, especially those families who have suffered the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death or abortion. Reading of names will begin at 6:30 p.m. with Mass at 7:00 p.m. This year, the Mass will take place at Cathedral of the Risen Christ Church due to the pandemic and social distancing measures. The Cathedral is located at 3500 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln. If you would like your child's name to be remembered & placed on the banner, please call the Office of Family Life at 473-0620 before 5:00 p.m. on Fri. Dec. 18th. If you placed your child's name previously, it will remain on the list.