Dear St. James Family,

Remember the story of Joseph finding out about Mary’s pregnancy and planning to dismiss her because of this? I have always thought this was because he thought that she was pregnant by another man, but there is another, better reason why he was going to take this action. I can hardly wait to share it with you this Sunday in my homily because it will forever change the way that you relate to other people.

Also, have you considered inviting someone to come with you to a Christmas Mass? There is someone out there who would come if you took the time to invite that person. Send an email or make a phone call. You will be glad that you did.

 

Tough Time Getting to Mass Last Sunday?

It was rather lonely at the 10:15 AM Mass on December 11. Our attendance was less than a quarter of what it normally is. The Jacksonville Marathon was taking place and someone decided stop allowing cars to go through because a vehicle had almost hit a runner. We are in working on beginning a conversation with the race organizers to assure that there is a better solution in place next year that still allows vehicles to come through. We are also looking to find out the date for next year’s Marathon so you can know ahead to give yourself extra travel time that Sunday.

Ordo Calendars Have Arrived

These calendars are a great devotional tool to help you know about upcoming saint days and other liturgical celebrations in 2023. They cost $5 each and will be available this Sunday. Please see Brian Burch to pick up your calendar.

Share you Voice: St. James Caroling at The Terrace of Jacksonville

Saturday December 17, 10 AM: Join us in bringing cheer by singing carols at The Terrace of Jacksonville Nursing Home (10680 Old St. Augustine Rd. 32257). This is an invitation to the entire St. James community. Please come dressed in the Christmas spirit! We look forward to spreading holiday cheer with you! For more details please contact Christine.Coots@gmail.com, 904-982-9664

Catholicism Intro Workshop: Discover what Early Christian Worship was Really Like! RSVP by 12/16

Imagine if you could take a time machine back to 150 AD to see what Christian worship would have looked like. Join me and a few others on a fascinating journey looking at the writings of both Christians and outsiders who describe in detail what Christian worship was like during the first four centuries of the faith as well as the archaeological discovery of the earliest extant house church! This interactive seminar will be led by myself, Fr. Mayer, who grew up as a devout Pentecostal, then served for a time as an Episcopal Priest before coming into the Catholic Church. This is a great opportunity for Protestants to better understand Catholics and to experience an engaging and interactive presentation designed to bring Protestants and Catholics together around the Bible and church history.

  • Workshop Location: Assumption Catholic Church (2403 Atlantic Blvd), Conference Room (located in the rectory – call or text when you arrive and Father or someone he sends will come and find you and lead you to the conference room: 904-999-1423).
  • Food & RSVP Deadline: Sub Sandwiches, option of turkey or roast beef, from Publix, chips, water, soda. Please confirm as soon as possible, but no later than December 16, 2022 if you are planning to attend, so that we can get the food order right – Office@StJamesCC.org or 904-999-1423

Why Honor Mary? Homily Given on December 8, 2022

Did you know that historic Christian teaching on Mary going back to the first few centuries leans solidly toward her sinlessness? What is the purpose of her being created in this fashion and what does this have to do with you? Learn more by listening to Fr. Mayer’s homily on the Immaculate Conception.

How to Wait Joyfully. Homily Given on December 11, 2022

Learning patience in an instant culture is a challenging task, yet that is what we are called to do, especially during advent. Learn how to do this joyfully through the example of a farmer and also John the Baptist. Listen to this and other homilies over at StJamesCC.org/Homilies.

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

Faithfully, your pastor,

Father Mayer

Parochial Administrator