It looks like winter has finally arrived. As I write this column, we are under a winter weather advisory, and some are under a lake effect snow warning and are expecting anywhere between six and twenty inches of snow before the weekend.

     As winter begins I want to remind everyone to be very careful when you go out in the winter. Snow and ice are everywhere. Here at St. Casimir’s we try to keep our property clear of snow and ice, but that is not always possible. A fall for anyone, especially our older members is dangerous. Also, for our older members, the cold is dangerous. As we face very cold and snowy weather, please be careful and use common sense about going out in this weather, even going out to Church. Remember, God does not expect the impossible from any of us. Also, remember, if you miss Mass on a given Sunday, please make up for your missed offering. Unfortunately, our expenses never take a break.

     Next Monday, we celebrate Christmas, so next weekend we will have multiple Masses. We will celebrate next Sunday’s Masses according to our regular Sunday schedule. Our Christmas Masses begin next Sunday at 4:00pm with our Children and Family Mass. Those who can are urged to participate at that Mass and help our English speaking children sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. Our Lithuanian community is urged to gather for our choral singing at 10:00pm on Sunday night followed by Mass in Lithuanian at 10:30. On Christmas morning, we will celebrate Mass at 8:00 and 12:00.  

     Christmas is such a beautiful time of the year. I look forward to seeing everyone at one of the Masses on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, and ask you to invite your neighbors and friends to join us. 

                                                                  God Bless!   
                                                                  Fr. Joe Bacevice

PLEASE PRAY

Remember in your prayers Rita Minkūnas,who has died this week and was buried from our parish: . May he have eternal rest in God’s kingdom.

CHRISTMAS CONFESSIONS

We urge everyone to take advantage of the Cluster Penance Service on Monday, December 18^th, at 7:00pm at St. Jerome Parish. Confessions will also be heard at St. Casimir’s on Thursday and Friday, December 21-22, after the 7:30am Mass, and  Saturday, December 23^rd, from 4:30-5:00pm.

YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFERING

Christmas is a traditional time for people to make an extra offering to the Church. As you consider your Christmas offering to Saint Casimir’s, I ask you to consider the place our Parish has in your heart. For most, our Parish is more than just a place to go to Church on Sundays. It is where we go in times of joy and grief, in times of hope and despair, and in times of healing. We all know that winter is the most expensive time of the year and as a parish, we face many challenges. So we ask that everyone make an extra effort to give a substantial offering this Christmas, because it is only because of your generous support that we can continue our work.