Dear St. James Family,

This Sunday, November 27, 2022, at the 10:15 AM Mass we will be starting the liturgy with an outdoor penitential procession around the property, a beautiful and somber way to enter into Adventide, this season of penance, preparation, and joyful anticipation leading up to Christmas. During the procession we will be chanting together “The Great Litany” which is the oldest piece of English liturgy in existence, first published in 1544, though with even older roots (evidence of litanies going back Pope Pelagius and Gregory the Great in the sixth century who assigned them to be used at the beginning of Mass on certain days). Processions are ancient, going back to King David who processed with the Ark of the Covenant as well as to Our Lord’s procession into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. Theologically they remind us that we are a pilgrim people, moving prayerfully through life with the goal of arriving in the presence of our Lord, symbolized by entrance into the church.

 

Ember Wednesday House Mass: November 30, 7:00 PM at Nesmith Home

Experience the St. James quarterly home Mass, an opportunity to pray alongside your fellow parishioners in an intimate setting and to thank God for the gifts He gives in the winter 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 for each season of the year 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. Please RSVP by November 28, so that we can prepare appropriately: Office@StJamesCC.org

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.

Honor their Lives of Service – Priest Retirement Collection on November 27, 2022

The priests of the Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter lead through their prayerful example and hard work for our parishes. Today, all Parishes and Parochial Communities of the Ordinariate are hosting a second collection for the Retirement Fund for Priests. You can help our clergy prepare to live their retirement years in dignity, free of anxiety about their means of support. Give online or at Mass this Sunday (11/27) or the next (12/4). While the need is great, no gift is too small. Thank you for your prayerful consideration!

Upcoming Dates at a Glance (click an event to learn more or see All Events at the Website)

Check out the Latest Homilies and Teachings

Below are the homilies that I have given over the past few Sundays at St. James. Please listen and share with others, either online at the website or through your podcast app by searching “Saint James Jacksonville”.

  • Monarchy is Better

  • Catholicism Intro Workshop: Biblical Canon and Authority

  • What is Gender

  • Saints: Why Emphasize Them?

  • Why Make Amends for Your Sins

  • Making Reasoned Judgements in Knotty Situations

The Mission of St. James is Healthy and Growing Financially!

  • Giving for October: $8,962.22 | Monthly Average Giving for Past Twelve Months: $6,804.78 (average giving at this same time last year: $3,708.95)

  • October Expenses: $5,383.00 | Covers quarter of priest’s income, half of pension, travel, liturgical supplies, music, building rent and liability insurance, advertising, bishop’s tax, almsgiving, hospitality

  • Capital Fund Balance: $37,664.56 | Used for long term purchases, buildout when St. James is ready to move into long term leased facility, or to purchase property.

Healing the Pain of Abortion

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!

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.org.

If you have been away for a while, come and join us this Sunday!

Father Mayer

Parochial Administrator (pastor)

St. James Catholic Church

A Community of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter

www.StJamesCC.org

904-999-1423

office@StJamesCC.org