As we move toward Advent, the Parish invites all to consider joining in small faith sharing groups. The groups will focus on the JUSTFAITH Series: “Disrupting Darkness: Love, Light & the Birth of Jesus.” Groups are set to meet on Tuesday mornings Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 & 17 from 10 to 11:15am; Tuesday evenings Dec. 3, 10 &17 from 7 to 8:30pm; as well as an additional group on Sunday mornings Nov. 24, Dec. 8, 15, & 22 from 10:15-11:15am. Parents of children in Faith Formation classes are especially invited to participate on Sunday mornings. Materials will be provided at Group meetings. Sign-up sheets are available in the back of church. Contact Mary Jureller for information at 315-382-8039. As always, the Parish will also provide an Advent Reflection Booklet for all parishioners.

The annual holiday wreath sale to support our Health Care Ministry in Villanueva,  Nicaragua is on. You can order by emailing our Maryjane Rielly at janiereilly.61@gmail.com. Wreaths will be available for pick-up the weekends of Dec. 7 & 8 and 14 & 15. PRICES: Small – $25; Medium – $30 & Large – $35.

Throughout the month of November, our Tree of Life will remain in our sanctuary in remembrance of all our deceased loved ones. Butterflies are available near the tree for all to inscribe names of loved ones and add to the cluster OF butterflies on their migratory journey.

This week we bring to mind that: Sisters of the Holy Family was founded by Henriette Delille and Juliette Gaudin in New Orleans in1842.  The Sisters of the Holy Family became the second religious order for black women.  The order ministered to poor blacks, providing education and tending the sick.  During an outbreak of yellow fever, the nuns heroically nursed the sick of all colors and was granted public recognition, but they were not allowed to wear their habits, a plain blue dress, in public until 1876. Today, the sisters remain active in pastoral care and education in Louisiana, Texas, California, Washington, D.C. and Belize. The oldest order of Black Sisters is the Oblate Sister of Providence established in Baltimore, MD in 1829. Oblates are still active today – with some Associates in our own community!

Our BEREAVEMENT GROUP continues this Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 3 to 4pm in the Spiritual Renewal Center. This group is for anyone who has experienced the loss. The Group will help you face grief in a way that is healthy for you. Those who have been to a group previously and would like to continue that growth, are also encouraged to attend. Group meetings are scheduled for Wednesdays Nov. 27; Dec. 4, and 11. Contact our Sue Lammana for information at 315-247-7879.