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Dear St. James Family, |
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This Sunday I am going to be preaching about what many see as the mysterious and shrouded understanding of what takes place after you die. I will also be clarifying some questions about purgatory and why this is a hopeful and encouraging teaching. Come and hear stories from beyond and the clear and helpful age old teaching of the Catholic Church. |
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Outdoor Procession into Advent Last week there was a large number of people come to join us to begin Advent. It was feeling a bit tight at the 10:15 Mass (there is lots of room at the 8:00 AM Mass), but it was a nice change of pace to begin Mass with a penitential procession around the property. This procession is a reminder that life is to be a prayerful pilgrimage in preparation for heaven, symbolized by entering the Church at the end of the procession. At St. James, we normally begin both Advent and Lent with an outdoor procession and there are always a good chunk of people who join us for this solemn entrance. |
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Try out the New Kneelers This Sunday I’m also excited about our new kneelers which arrived this week! Recently, one of our sister communities, Presentation of the Lord, in Texas generously gave to us their kneeling cushions since they have now built a church and no longer need them. Thanks to a generous parishioner, who covered the cost of shipping, they have arrived and I will be bringing them this Sunday. To make room for these kneelers in or sacristy closet we will need to do some rearranging and shelf building, which will cost around $200 if you would like to give toward this project. |
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Enjoyed Yesterday’s House Mass We had a great time at the home of Doug and Michelle Nesmith this past Wednesday celebrating the St. James quarterly home Mass. About a dozen or so of us gathered together to celebrate the Feast of St. Andrew and then to eat an array of fried chicken and deserts afterwards. The Nesmiths are great hosts and it was a lot of fun to first pray together and to laugh and chat afterwards. The next one is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Please let me know if you would like to host this event in your home. |
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No Meat Tomorrow (December 2) for Ember Friday Bishop Lopes has decreed that for all Ordinariate Members Ember Friday, December 2 is an obligatory day of abstinence, meaning no meat. As Catholics, we are asked to keep the customary meatless penance on most Fridays of the year, though another penance can be substituted if needed, except on Ember Fridays when it is required for Ordinariate Members to give up meat. In addition to penance, this is also a day to offer up the intention of thanking God for the gifts He gives in the fall season and an opportunity to beseech Him for the discipline to use these gifts in moderation. Since ancient times the Church has set aside time to pray against famine and disease, and to consecrate each upcoming season of the year through penitential and charitable acts, as well as praying for the souls in Purgatory. These times are known as Embertide. Medieval lore says that during Embertides, the souls in Purgatory are allowed to appear visibly to those on earth who pray for them. |
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Prayer and Potluck at a Wendy Cruff Home, December 4, 2022 at 4:00 PM Experience one of the treasures of the Ordinariate: Praying the Daily Office Evening Prayer while having fun and eating food with your favorite people at the home of Wendy Cruff (1847 Plantation Oaks Drive, Jacksonville)! Potluck signup online or see Brian Burch after Mass to write down your dish on the paper signup. |
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Upcoming Dates at a Glance (click an event to learn more or see All Events at the Website)
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Listen to Last Sunday’s Homily: Deathly Meditation – the Way to Freedom Reflect on the uncertainty of death and judgement and why this is a good and healthy practice. Learn why it is so important to embrace your mortality and the freedom that this will bring to you. |
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The Mission of St. James is Healthy and Growing Financially!
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Healing the Pain of Abortion, December 2-4, 2022 A Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreat is a beautiful opportunity for any man or woman who is struggling with the emotional and spiritual pain of an abortion in their life. Come and receive peace, forgiveness of self and others and the compassion of God. These retreats are private, strictly confidential and for people of all faiths. Our next English retreat is on December 2-4, 2022. Call 904-221-3232 or email rachelsvineyardjax@yahoo.com. All calls & inquiries are very confidential. Come and be restored! |
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Blessed Trinity Parish Mission Blessed Trinity Parish is hosting a mission during the first week of Advent. The theme is “Let There Be Light!” and it is a great opportunity for the whole family to attend. All are welcome! The retreat leader is Frank Runyeon, a television personality and graduate of the seminary and Princeton University. To read more, visit www.frankrunyeon.com. The talks begin at 7:00 p.m. each evening of the mission. For more details, visit www.btccjax.org or download a flyer. |
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The Baby Steps Camino Advent Pilgrimage: December 2-4, 2022 An Advent journey to foster personal spiritual growth hosted by the Knights of Malta. Pilgrims will walk from Jacksonville Beach to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine. Pilgrims can join for a full day or half day and all activities are free. The journey is open to the public. To register online, visit www.babystepscamino.com. To learn more, click here for a promotional flyer. |
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Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend Just as we celebrate Thanksgiving by gathering together with family, why not celebrate your Marriage by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend? It’s a positive, simple, common sense, private experience between husband and wife that revitalizes your marriage. Sign up today to attend an upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend on 10-12 February 2023 at St. Neumann Retreat Center in Tallahassee, FL. For more information or for other scheduled weekends, visit our website at wwme.org or e-mail:Applications@FLCN-wwme. |
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Faithfully, your pastor, Father Mayer Parochial Administrator (pastor) |
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St. James Catholic Church A Community of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter 904-999-1423 |