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We extend our thanks to Yli & Marilyn Vallejo for coordinating our second SIMBANG GABI Mass at St. Mary's last Saturday afternoon. This Filipino Christmas tradition celebrates the nine days of waiting for the coming of Christmas with the "Misa de Gallo"- Mass of the Rooster each morning at 4:00 am. Thank you to our Filipino parishioners and their friends who provided the music and prepared and cooked for the reception following the Mass. We will look forward to celebrating this Mass again next year.

Last weekend we had our annual  Blessing of the Outdoor Nativity a St. Mary's tradition that started 13 years ago.   In the Fall of 2003, Fr. Dennis O'Brien came up with the idea for the outdoor nativity and coordinated purchasing the set and building the stable.   Through generous donations from several parishioners, it didn't take long for our nativity set to be complete!  Each statue was purchased by individuals or families in memory of a loved one.    A plaque with each donors name is in the Church.

THANK YOU to all the parishioners who supported our Giving Tree this year. We were able to fulfill exact Christmas gift wishes for 600 children! Your thoughtfulness will allow each child to experience the joy of Christmas through the receipt of these special presents. All gifts will be delivered to St. Anne’s Human Services and Catholic Charities today. A special thanks to Maryanne Damico who coordinates this for our parish every year as part of our Outreach Ministry.

Children and parents share the special meaning of Christmas while participating in the pageant each year. Family involvement is needed as we bring the Christmas story to life during Mass on Christmas Eve. Join us for rehearsal on Monday, December 17 and Thursday, December 20 at 6:30 in the church. Costumes will be provided. Contact Jamie Horvath at 719-322-3532 if you would like to participate. There will be sign-up sheets in the sacristy.

Nearly 200 Saint Mary Parish families, friends and neighbors of all ages gathered in the Parish Hall for a wonderful evening of Christmas carols, storytelling and community. This Saint Mary tradition is a wonderful way for all of us to slow down during Advent and prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus.

Join the Best Advent Ever a free email program from Dynamic Catholic that will help you slow down and focus on what matters most during the busy holiday season. Each day of Advent, you’ll receive an email with short inspirational videos from Allen Hunt, Matthew Kelly, and the Dynamic Catholic team, practical tips for your everyday life and real-life stories to encourage you in your faith journey.

This video series will put you in the frame of mind to see Advent through Mary's eyes as you wait with her for the birth of her son, Jesus. In this first video, there is a beautiful reflection on Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem.  If you click the video in this article, it will start at the beginning of the reflection.  It's a beautiful way to spend 8 minutes of time in prayer!