Parish Newsletter 12.20.2025
“Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!”
As we enter the Fourth Sunday of Advent, I am sure there are several people who are scrambling right now to get things together for Christmas Day, and all the celebrations that come with it… I mean, you’ve only got a few days left to prepare… right?
And I can say with some certainty, that there are several people who might have turned to frustration because things don’t turn out the way they had envisioned. How should you respond in the midst of these trials when you just want to celebrate and make those you love happy?
In our lives, we all too many times allow ourselves to fall prey to the commercialization and consumerization of those things that we hold dearest to us, our beloved family and friends, and yes, especially Jesus.
We get caught up trying to “make” people “happy” that we stay too shallow and don’t go deep enough in our conversations and in our gifts for fear of rejection or not being fun enough, which in turn unfortunately deters us from what really matters.
A childhood movie that I enjoy watching every year is “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and specifically the scene* where Charlie Brown brings in his Christmas tree only to be ridiculed by his friends because of his poor choice in a tree for the occasion. In the midst of being ridiculed, he screams out loud, “Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!”
He’s frustrated and tired as it seems that whatever he does is never enough. In response to Charlie Brown’s frustration, a gentle, calm response is given by Linus, who recites Luke 2:8-14 (grab your Bible and look it up!).
*Did you know that this scene almost didn’t make it to the movie?
My dear brothers and sisters, as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, remember the reason for the celebration. It is His Birthday. Make it special by remembering Him. Bring others with you to join His celebration, which in turn, is OUR celebration, “For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you…”
Take a minute (and more!) to slow down. To adore Jesus. To love Jesus. To love one another and the stranger. And… to let Jesus love you. Receive His Gift.
Happy birthday, Jesus! Thank you for Loving us.
A very merry and blessed Christmas to each and every one of you!!!
Dear baby Jesus, raise Your hand and bless us!
Fr Peter
Spend Time With Jesus in Adoration
“If only souls would come to Me and would tarry in My presence, they would discover a love that fills their heart so completely that it dispels every loneliness and becomes wondrously fruitful in the lives of those who accept it” (In Sinu Jesu, Jan 10, 2012, Imprimatur).
There is a great need to cover open hours for 6:00 p.m. adoration hours for Thursdays and Fridays as well as open adoration hours as prayer partners with other adorers. Contact Barb Kleiter at 651-774-1172 for more information on open adoration hours or log on to https://presentation.weadorehim.com
Baby Items/Advent Collection
The Respect-Life Committee along with the Mother Terese Sewing Group are sponsoring a baby drive for Options for Women East life Care Center, Bundles of Love, Cradle of Hope, First Care and Catholic Charities Family Services. We will collect baby items for mons in need and their infant’s newborn to size 2T until January 4th.
We prefer all donations be new, but we do accept gently used clothing. Items can be placed in the creche in the Kennard Street entrance. You may also call the office if you need to drop items off outside of church times.
Auction items needed for the Panther Pride Benefit!
The Panther Pride Benefit is Presentation of Mary School’s biggest fundraiser of the year. This year’s theme is Rodeo Roundup, so saddle up and save the date for Saturday, April 18th. We are currently accepting donations for both our live and silent auctions to help ensure the event’s success! Good ideas include: theme baskets, gift cards, tickets to experiences, hosted meals/parties, etc. All donations can be brought to the school or parish office. Questions? Contact the school office at 651-777-5877 or mdavini@presentationofmary.org.
Come to the Drive-In!
Park your car, come in the church and head to the Reconciliation Room with the lit candle.
Tues & Thurs: 5:00-5:45pm
Sat: 4:00-4:45pm
Or make an appointment: fr.ly@presentationofmary.org
Pastoral Care
Conversation, prayer requests, resources...? Please ask.
All information will remain confidential.
Contact the Parish Office at
651-777-8116 or Mail@PresentationOfMary.org
Prayer Line Requests
Do you know someone in need of prayers? Contact Kay at the Parish Office at 651-842-6022 so they can be added to our Prayer Line.
You can also contact her if you are interested in joining the Prayer Line!
Online Giving
If you are interested in enrolling in online giving, follow the instructions on our website, linked here!
Don't forget to switch over from our old online giving platform, Vanco, to ParishSoft Giving. If you have any questions about how to do it, please contact the Parish Center at 651.777.8116, or click on this following link: Online Giving
