Opening Prayer

God of power and mercy, Open our hearts in welcome.
Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy,
So that we may share His wisdom and become one with Him
When He comes in glory, for He lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Upcoming Events:

St. Anne Giving Tree: St. Anne’s Women’s Group is sponsoring the giving tree for our local nursing home and adult care home residents. Gift ideas are written on each card. Please bring the gifts back to the church by noon on sunday, December 18th wrapped with the card attached to the gift. Gifts will be delivered the night of December 18th so it is very important that they are returned on time. This is often the only gift that these residents will receive. If you take a tag and find that you are unable to purchase a gift please contact Janette Stover at 989-736-6919.

St. Catherine Giving Tree: St. Catherine council of St. Vincent de Paul is again sponsoring a giving tree for needy families in our area. Tags with names on them will be on the tree, in the gathering area of the church. Please take as many tags as you feel comfortable with and return the gifts with the tags attached the weekend of December 11th. Thank you so much for your time and generosity.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS: We are now accepting Christmas Flower Donations, please print the name of your loved ones that you would like to honor or in memory of on your parish envelope in your box. There are envelopes available if you need them in the back of the church.

DIFIBRILLATOR TRAINING SESSIONS: Training sessions to use the New AEDs (defibrillators) that are in St. Anne & St. Raphael will be held as follows:
St. Raphael – after 4:30 pm mass on Saturday, Dec. 10
St. Anne – after 11:00 am mass on Sunday, Dec. 11
All are welcome to attend these training sessions.

Weekly Holy Hour With the Lord:
Wednesday’s from 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: St. Anne Church
“Again, I say to you, If two of you agree on Earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 18:19)
Brought to you by: St. Anne’s Catholic Women

Friday Night Bible Study with Steven Adams & John MacMaster
Day: Friday’s (Beginning 12/2) | Time: 6:30 – 7:30pm
Where: Maria Hall at St. Anne Church
Join Steven and John this Advent with a bible study series on Friday nights. Soup and bread will be provided.

Catechism Quote for the Week:
The Conversion of the Baptized

CCC 1427: “Jesus calls to conversion. This call is an essential part of the proclamation of the kingdom: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.” In the Church’s preaching this call is addressed first to those who do not yet know Christ and his Gospel. Also, Baptism is the principal place for the first and fundamental conversion. It is by faith in the Gospel and by Baptismthat one renounces evil and gains salvation, that is, the forgiveness of all sins and the gift of new life.”

CCC 1428: “Christ’s call to conversion continues to resound in the lives of Christians. This second conversion is an uninterrupted task for the whole Church who, “clasping sinners to her bosom, (is) at once holy and always in need of purification, (and) follows constantly the path of penance and renewal.” This endeavor of conversion is not just a human work. It is the movement of a “contrite heart,” drawn and moved by grace to respond to the merciful love of God who loved us first.”

CCC 1429: “St. Peter’s conversion after he had denied his master three times bears witness to this. Jesus’ look of infinite mercy drew tears of repentance from Peter and, after the Lord’s resurrection, a threefold affirmation of love for him. The second conversion also has a communitarian dimension, as is clear in the Lord’s call to a whole Church: “Repent!” St. Ambrose says of the two conversions that, in the Church, “there are water and tears: the water of Baptism and the tears of repentance.”^”

Catechism of the Catholic Church, Numbers 1427-1429.

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BECOME A KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

FREE MEMBERSHIP – Now through December 31^st
It will make you a better husband, a better father,
a better Catholic and a better man!

Calling all Catholic men 18 and older. Now is a great time to join the Knights of Columbus. If you can please scan the QR code, enter your information and use the FREE code BLESSEDMCGIVNEY for a FREE membership as an online member. The Knights are a Catholic fraternal organization that actively supports the teachings and values of the Catholic Church.  Whether you have 2 hours a year or 2 hours a month, show your support for our faith and sign up.

Call Joel Kendzorski, Diocesan Membership Director, if your interested in joining or to answer any questions you may have. Phone (989) 766-2124