Lord, how good it is for us to be here -- Matthew 17

Browsing Fr. Rob's Weekly Message

December 5, 2021

Dear Friends,
Our second reading on this Second Sunday of Advent comes from Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11. I love this reading as it is full of "Hope, Peace, Joy and Love"! Its proclamation certainly encourages us with "Hope & Anticipation, to go Forward in Faith"!
What blessings to realize "that the one who began good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." This is our Advent anticipating the Second coming of the Lord and realizing already He is present to us in every breath of our lives. Last weekend we were encouraged by Jesus not to be "drowsy" or "anxious" but to keep on replenishing our hearts and souls being present to Him that provides all that is necessary. Such, such good news for each and everyone of us!
One grace of many that I have been noticing is the fabulous stewardship of our two faith communities.
The Church of the Transfiguration has had up for several weeks their "Giving Tree" with many possibilities to assist our sisters and brothers who are not as fortunate as ourselves. One great mission of stewardship was the collection of winter clothing for the Children's Clothing Closet located in old Saint Mary's Hospital on Genesee Street, the House of Mercy on Ormond Street and Eastern Service Worker's on Bay Street. I saw great generosity and even brought some donations from "South Pittsford" because the Clothing Shed at Saint Catherine's for Mathew's Closet is temporarily in lock down.
The days are cold and winter is creeping in as we all can observe.
The need for substantial clothing continues. Saint Catherine of Siena will soon be welcoming folks to receive Christmas Baskets and other necessities. The tradition in coming to receive the baskets is to also provide gently used clothing or new for the recipient's to view and take.
In preparation, we will be collecting winter coats, snow pants, mittens/gloves, hats, (critical need for men's larger size coats), boots, and shoes for both adults and children (all sizes are critical). Warm clothing for men, women and the children are deeply appreciated as well.
Also, much appreciated and desperately needed are bed sheets, new pillows, bath towels and kitchen linens.
If folks from the Church of the Transfiguration have extras you can give me your donations at church or the Parish Office and I can take them down the road. Folks from Saint Catherine's or anyone reading this can drop off donations at Saint Catherine's as well. It would be appreciated if items were dropped off at the Community Center before and after Masses the weekend of December 18/19.
God bless all of you and your generous sharing of God's gifts.
Any questions please contact me, Saint Catherine's Parish Office or Phyllis Hagen at 585-721-6568.


God Bless us everyone,
Father Rob

Subscribe

RSS Feed

Archive