Hello, friends!

Happy new year! This is the first week of advent, the short four week season that precedes Christmas. This year we will again be reading from Matthew's gospel; please consider taking some time these next several weeks to read and reflect on these rich and beautiful scriptures.

Advent is a time to prepare ourselves to welcome the Lord Jesus into our homes and hearts. One great way to prepare is through the sacrament of reconciliation, which will be offered on Tuesday, December 13 at 7 pm. Advent also offers us wonderful opportunities; lighting an Advent wreath, sponsor a disadvantaged family and to invite a loved one to the Christmas celebrations

​Fr. Ray

 Hello, friends:

With just about eight short weeks left in the year, I thought it would be good to report on our United In Ministry (UIM) status. The Diocese has finished and issued the October 2016 (10/31/16) report and here’s the breakdown for St. Albert the Great Newman Parish:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
​2016 UIM Goal:              $80,396.06
 
2016 UIM Pledges:          $75,942.00
 
2016 UIM Cash paid:      $63,472.54
 
2016 UIM Deficit:            $16,923.52
 
Number of Donors:           119
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
​Thanks to everyone who has already made a commitment; if you’d like to make a pledge, on behalf of one of seminarians, please consider doing that before the end of the year.

Fr. Ray

Hello, friends:

This weekend Fr. Alex and I are hosting the annual vocation discernment weekend at the San Patricio retreat center, located in the beautiful Hondo Valley. Over the past several years this retreat experience has been fruitful; it’s been an affirming experience for young men who have been discerning the possibility of priesthood. It’s very encouraging to both host and witness the work of God alive in the hearts of these young men. Please pray for them; the prayers of this parish community have been and continue to be efficacious, thank you!

​This week Bishop Cantu and the priests of the Diocese will be on retreat, just outside of Tucson. We gather annually for reflection, rest, prayer and fraternity. We generally have two talks a day, given by the retreat director, followed by some free time and opportunity for prayer and rest or recreation. Please keep Bishop and the priests in your prayers, thanks!

Fr. Ray