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Candlemas and Catered Meal
February 2 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Blessing of Candles
Experience this beautiful celebration of the entrance of the infant Jesus into the temple forty days after his birth, when he was proclaimed to be a light to the Gentiles. This occasion is traditionally remembered by the blessing of candles at Mass.
You are invited to bring candles from home to be blessed and then later used for devotional purposes such as the family altar, Advent candles, a candle to be lit after dusk on All Saints’ Day (1 November), during the Sacrament of Anointing, and during storms and times of trouble.
Mass with Procession and Candle Holding
The liturgy will begin in the dark with the blessing, distribution, and lighting of candles followed by an indoor procession and Holy Mass complete with Gregorian and Anglican Chant, beautiful traditional hymns, and an encouraging homily about the symbolism of candles and what they teach us about our faith. During Mass all may hold lighted candles during the reading of the Gospel and from the beginning of the Canon of the Mass until Communion.
Blessing of Throats
Following Mass, you will be invited to participate in the traditional blessing of throats in honor of St. Blaise, patron of throat diseases, which is especially needed during this winter season. Everyone is invited to come and receive the throat blessing during the meal that follows Mass, by having two blessed (unlit) candles touched to each persons neck along with a short prayer.
Meal – RSVP Requested by 1/29
In honor of this festive occasion you are invited to be our guest and join with us in sitting down after Mass for a catered meal from Publix. Ribs, chicken, and pulled pork are all on the menu along with various sides. There will also be mac and cheese and niblet corn which the kids especially like. Seating is limited. Please RSVP no later than January 29, so that we can assure that there is the appropriate amount of food.