Dear, friends:

Hello! Today the church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to look at the gift of family. What does it mean to belong to a family? Jesus, Mary and Joseph model what family life ought to look like, although, at times because of our human condition we fall short of that ideal. Let us promise to pray for each other, especially for those families who might be struggling with various life issues.

We, here, at St. Albert’s, are also a family and I’m so grateful for the ways in which each of you share and participate in this wonderful relationship! As we look to the New Year I’d like to thank the parish staff for their continued service to our faith community. I’m also grateful for the men and women who serve on the Parish and Finance councils and those who volunteer their time, talent and treasure on various parish committees! Finally, for those who help in any kind of parish
ministry; thank you!

As we prepare to celebrate 2015 know that you all are in my prayers and I ask for yours!

Happy New Year!
Fr. Ray 

Dear friends,

As the year draws to a close I want to share some good news with you regarding our parish United in Ministry appeal. Each year every parish is given a goal; this year our parish goal was $51,721.71. The latest numbers we were able to access were from the end of November. The parishioners of St. Albert's pledged $69,182.58 and it looks like we've received $59,872.54.  Once a parish reaches its goal any remaining monies pledged / fulfilled come back to the parish in a form of a rebate. Last year our parish received a rebate in the amount of $15,388.00.

If you have not yet made a pledge or still need to fulfill your pledge promise please consider doing so before December 29, 2014. Please know that these UIM monies do two very important things in our local church; they support our retired priests, like Fr. John Tickle, and they help educate our seminarians, like Ivan, Ruben, Jeff and Alex.

We are very blessed here at St. Albert's, in so many ways, but most especially in our opportunity to help foster a culture of vocations, in our young church. This is only possible through your generosity.

On behalf of our retired priest and seminarians, I'd like to thank you for your continued support, love, and care!

Blessings, 
Fr. Ray

Dear friends,

This weekend the church celebrates Gaudete Sunday, the third week of Advent. Gaudete is a Latin word that simply means "rejoice" and it is taken from Paul's letter to that early Christian community in Philippi. He was writing the letter to both encourage and to affirm them."Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand; have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. Lord, you have blessed your land; you have turned away the captivity of Jacob." Phil 4:4-6

Christmas is quickly approaching; please take note of the Mass schedule, it's the same as last year. Please keep the children in your prayers as they prepare for the Christmas pageant, which will be performed on Christmas eve, at 3:30, immediately before the 4 p.m mass. Consider inviting a friend, neighbor or family member to our Christmas celebrations; all are welcome!

If you took a cutout from the Giving Tree, please make every effort to return the wrapped gift by no later than Sunday, December 14. Thanks so much for your consideration and I'm sure that the folks who will receive the gifts are grateful as well.

Prayerful question / mediation for the week: how do I express and live my joy? 

Blessings, 
Fr. Ray

Dear, friends:

Once again, this year, the Giving Tree is filled with cutouts of names for those who are in need of a gift. If you would, please consider taking one of the heart cutouts and providing a gift for a child, this Christmas. I’d like to thank Confirmation III teachers, Anton and Jane, as well as the students, in that class, for helping with this project. On Sunday, Jane mentioned that this is year 23 for this parish project; a wonderful way for the people of God to share with those who are less fortunate.

December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, is a holy day of obligation. Services will be at 1210 and 530 p.m. Please make every effort to attend mass on that day!

Blessings,
Fr. Ray