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Celebrating the Christmas Season
Dec 28 - FEAST of the HOLY FAMILY
Regular Saturday Vigil / Sunday schedule
Jan 1 - MARY, MOTHER of GOD
(IS a Holy Day of Obligation this year)
Regular Holy Day schedule: Wednesday, Vigil 7:30pm
Thursday, 7 & 9am, Noon, 7pm (bilingual)
Jan 4 - EPIPHANY of the LORD
Regular Saturday Vigil / Sunday schedule
Jan 11 - The BAPTISM of the LORD
The Christmas season ends today with our regular Saturday Vigil / Sunday schedule
All adult parishioners who have volunteered in the past several years are invited to come to our Night of Stars - Saturday, 31 January, 6:30-11pm. Join us for an evening dinner, drinks and dancing to the music of the Andrew Thielen Big Band of North Myrtle Beach. This is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the work of parish volunteers. RSVP to Evelyn in the parish office by January 23.
March for Life Transportation - Join fellow parishioners on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Friday, January 23. We will provide a bus if there are enough reservations. Please sign up at https://signup.com/go/jaFSeJy by January 9. There won’t be any cost, but we ask that you bring a package of diapers, wipes or formula to support our Baby Supply Drive for Catholic Charities Migration Resettlement Program. Questions? Call the office.
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
Volunteers for 2025-2026 ~ We are still in need for volunteers (assistant catechists, teen catechists, and hall monitors). If interested, please contact the Religious Education Office or fill out the Volunteer Form on the website http://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities:
Regular classes: Jan. 6/7, 13/14, 20/21, 27
No Classes: 30/31 (Christmas Break)
SPRED Classes: Jan. 10 and 24
Family Mass Learning: Jan. 10-11 after every Mass
Family Faith Formation: resumes Jan. 11
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Come and enjoy warm fellowship and great food. No need to RSVP. For more information, please email us at women@stbernpar.org.
Tuesday, January 6 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. We meet for this casual meal on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.
YOUTH MINISTRY
High School Youth Ministry
All High Schoolers are invited to join us for Tuesday Socials every Tuesday from 7-8:30pm! Meet in the youth room (in the parish office) for games, ice cream, and a discussion on the faith.
In 2026, we are starting High School Small Groups. All high schoolers are welcome to attend. Guys’ Small Groups will be on 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7pm in the Youth Room, with the kickoff date on February 5. Girls’ Small Groups will be on 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7pm in the Youth Room, with the kickoff date on January 8. For any questions, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
Volunteers for High School Program - We are looking for adults who share a deep passion for their Faith and want to help disciple high school teens. All adult volunteers must be VIRTUS certified and undergo a background check. If you are interested, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
All highschoolers are welcome to an overnight retreat at Summit Lake in Emmitsburg, MD, January 30 - February 1. We are in collaboration with the youth ministries of St. Leo’s and Our Lady of Good Counsel. Registration has opened. Please visit our website to register for the retreat. For any inquiries, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org
Work Camp 2026 registration is open - Please visit our website to register for Work Camp. Our second interest meeting for teens and adults who might want to attend Work Camp is on January 15, 7-8:15 pm in the Cafeteria. For inquiries, contact Matthew Frey matthew_c_frey@yahoo.com or JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org for any inquiries.
Middle School Youth Ministry - next gathering 7 January
All 6th-8th graders are invited for games, snacks, and fun every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month! Meet in the school gym from 6:45-8pm.
YOUNG ADULTS Group
Young Adults Faith Discussions All Young Adults are invited to once-a-month Sunday night discussions and debates on key topics and mysteries about the Faith. Our first Faith Discussion will be on Sunday, January 11, 6-8pm in the Bradican Room. For any inquiries, contact JP McLaughlin, jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
Looking to join the Saint Bernadette’s Young Adults? Scan the QR code to join the Saint Bernadette Young Adults Group Chat.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org, or Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathaha
least among the clans of Judah,
From you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel;
Whose origin is from of old,
from ancient times.
Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne,
Then the rest of his kindred shall return
to the children of Israel.
He shall take his place as shepherd
by the strength of the LORD,
by the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
And they shall dwell securely, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth:
He shall be peace. Micah 5:1-4
Merry Christmas, again, to you all!
I was reflecting on my trip to Taiwan last summer to speak at a Pure-land Buddhist Convention about the spirituality of interreligious dialogue. I think I printed nearly my entire talk in a bulletin in late July or early August (you can look it up on our website if you are interested). I had never spent a period of days before this completely alone as a Catholic. You don’t know what being a minority religiously feels like until it actually happens. It is an experience that I remember considering humbling, even disarming, although I don’t generally consider faith to be something of an armament. I guess a better word would be exposed. Exposed to so much unexpected kindness and acceptance, more even than I usually feel in my regular life.
My reflection for that time and since has been really very simple: God is love; Buddhists know love, therefore Buddhists know God. Jesus is peace, Buddhists know peace and seek it completely everyday, Buddhists seek Jesus, even if unaware by another name or belief.
We look out into the world with so much not-peace: conflict, hate, genocide, human-caused starvation and famine. It is too easy to fall into the old categories that the peace we seek is any different from the peace the world seeks. The only ones who are not seeking peace and not working for it, simply, are not seeking Jesus, even if they claim to know him and live otherwise.
He shall be peace.
Pope Leo had a lot to say about peace in his first annual peace message last month in December. He presents a comprehensive vision of peace that challenges contem-porary attitudes toward conflict and security.
He insisted that peace is not an unattainable goal but a real possibility for which human-ity must not surrender hope. He warned that treating peace as a “distant ideal” prevents people from being “scandalized when it is denied” or when war is waged in its name. Peace is possible, and necessary.
Drawing from the greeting of the Risen Christ, “Peace be with you,” Pope Leo describes true peace as “unarmed and disarming,” a peace born of evangelical humility and an openness to dialogue. He links this to Jesus’ nonviolent response, even when threatened with force.
The Pope blasted the “irrationality” of military deterrence, especially nuclear weapons, and rising global military expenditures (which increased by 9.4% in 2024). He also decried the “destructive betrayal” of human principles involved in delegating life-and-death decisions to artificial intelligence and automated weapons systems.
He called on all religious leaders and believers to guard against the “growing temptation to weaponize even thoughts and words” and to condemn the use of religion to justify violence, nationalism, or armed struggle.
The Pope stressed the importance of diplomacy, mutual trust, and interreligious dialogue as essential paths to peace. He emphasized personal responsibility in cultivating peace in hearts, relationships, and prayers.
Micah foretells the coming of Jesus Christ as the ultimate source and embodiment of peace. Pope Leo’s comments align with this biblical understanding, presenting Christ’s peace as a model for all humanity.
To paraphrase Saint John of the Cross’ teaching about love, consider: “Where there is no peace, let me make peace, and I will find peace. Blessings this Christmas season.
The Lord be with you,
Celebrating the Christmas Season
Dec 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE VIGIL MASSES
4:30pm, 8:30pm (preceded by Choir Prelude at 4 and 8pm)
Midnight Mass • 12am (preceded by Choir Prelude of Carols at 11:15pm)
Dec 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES
Midnight Mass
7, 9, 11am & 1pm (en español)
Note: There is NO 5pm Mass
Dec 28 - FEAST of the HOLY FAMILY
Regular Saturday Vigil / Sunday schedule
Jan 1 - MARY, MOTHER of GOD
(IS a Holy Day of Obligation this year)
Regular Holy Day schedule: Wednesday, Vigil 7:30pm
Thursday, 7 & 9am, Noon, 7pm (bilingual)
Jan 4 - EPIPHANY of the LORD
Regular Saturday Vigil / Sunday schedule
Jan 11 - The BAPTISM of the LORD
The Christmas season ends today with our regular Saturday Vigil / Sunday schedule
Please join us for our annual Filipino celebration of Simbang Gabi, Saturday, December 20 at 7pm - a reception will follow in the school gym.
All adult parishioners who have volunteered in the past several years are invited to come to our Night of Stars - Saturday, 31 January, 6:30-11pm. Join us for an evening dinner, drinks and dancing to the music of the Andrew Thielen Big Band of North Myrtle Beach. This is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the work of parish volunteers. RSVP to Evelyn in the parish office by January 23. Please note this event is a seated dinner event, doors open at 6:30pm with pre-event hospitality followed by dinner at 7pm.
March for Life Transportation - Join fellow parishioners on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Friday, January 23. We will provide a bus if there are enough reservations. Please sign up at https://signup.com/go/jaFSeJy by January 9. There won’t be any cost, but we ask that you bring a package of diapers, wipes or formula to support our Baby Supply Drive for Catholic Charities Migration Resettlement Program. Questions? Call the office.
No Taizé this Month. We will resume next month, Monday, January 19th at 8pm in the Church. Please plan to join us!
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
Happy 4th week of Advent! This Sunday brings the Advent season to a close. We light the Angel's Candle, which represents love, and reflect on God's love for us with the upcoming birth of his Son. We reflect on this Sunday's readings which has a theme of the fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus' lineage, and Joseph's response and trust in God. As we prepare for Christmas in a few days, let us open our hearts as Joseph and Mary had with the arrival of Jesus.
Volunteers for 2025-2026 ~ We are still in need for volunteers (assistant catechists, teen catechists, and hall monitors). If interested, please contact the Religious Education Office or fill out the Volunteer Form on the website http://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities:
Regular classes: Jan. 6/7, 13/14, 20/21, 27
No Classes: Dec. 23/24 (Christmas Break), 30/31 (Christmas Break)
SPRED Classes: Jan. 10 and 24
Family Mass Learning: Jan. 10-11 after every Mass
Family Faith Formation: resumes Jan. 11
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Come and enjoy warm fellowship and great food. No need to RSVP. For more information, please email us at women@stbernpar.org.
Tuesday, January 6 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. We meet for this casual meal on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.
YOUTH MINISTRY
High School Youth Ministry
All High Schoolers are invited to join us for Tuesday Socials every Tuesday from 7-8:30pm! Meet in the youth room (in the parish office) for games, ice cream, and a discussion on the faith.
In 2026, we are starting High School Small Groups. All high schoolers are welcome to attend. Guys’ Small Groups will be on 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7pm in the Youth Room, with the kickoff date on February 5. Girls’ Small Groups will be on 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7pm in the Youth Room, with the kickoff date on January 8. For any questions, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
Volunteers for High School Program - We are looking for adults who share a deep passion for their Faith and want to help disciple high school teens. All adult volunteers must be VIRTUS certified and undergo a background check. If you are interested, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
All highschoolers are welcome to an overnight retreat at Summit Lake in Emmitsburg, MD, January 30 - February 1. We are in collaboration with the youth ministries of St. Leo’s and Our Lady of Good Counsel. Registration has opened. Please visit our website to register for the retreat. For any inquiries, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org
Work Camp 2026 registration is open - Please visit our website to register for Work Camp. Our second interest meeting for teens and adults who might want to attend Work Camp is on January 15, 7-8:15 pm in the Cafeteria. For inquiries, contact Matthew Frey matthew_c_frey@yahoo.com or JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org for any inquiries.
Middle School Youth Ministry - next gathering 7 January
All 6th-8th graders are invited for games, snacks, and fun every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month! Meet in the school gym from 6:45-8pm.
YOUNG ADULTS Group
Young Adults Faith Discussions All Young Adults are invited to once-a-month Sunday night discussions and debates on key topics and mysteries about the Faith. Our first Faith Discussion will be on Sunday, January 11, 6-8pm in the Bradican Room. For any inquiries, contact JP McLaughlin, jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
Looking to join the Saint Bernadette’s Young Adults? Scan the QR code to join the Saint Bernadette Young Adults Group Chat.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org, or Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
Patience, people.
The message of the second reading from the letter of St. James last weekend:
Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and late rains. You must be patient. Make your hearts firm; because the coming of the Lord is at hand.
I remember growing up on our family farm. We would plant winter wheat in the fall – it was hard work, and expensive. Would there be enough rain? Too much? Will there be a harvest? Have we spent our savings for?… Our kitchen windows looked out over the fields. Every breakfast you would look to see if something had sprouted. Finally, finally, you would see a faint green start to cover the soil.
Winter is a difficult time for many. It has been for me. Days get darker and darker – it is dark now already in the afternoon! Consider how times in our lives can feel like winter – like right now. There is so much darkness in our world, in our country.
Henry Nouwen, a Catholic writer, says that Advent is a time of waiting, but not like waiting for a bus. It is a time in which we sharpen our senses, not dull them, we sharpen our senses to recognize the presence of the One for whom we wait in every moment, every situation. We find him more and more throughout the short season, so that our experience of him when he comes is our fulfillment.
Often when taking a parish pilgrimage to Ireland, we visit a place called Knowth, north of Dublin. There are Neolithic tombs there on the bank of the Boyne River, (Bru na Boinne) from the year 3,200 BC – 1,200 years before the story of Abraham in the Old Testament. There is one large passage tomb there and 17 smaller ones, the large one about the square footage of a football field, a mound 40 feet high.
We don’t give it much thought any longer, but primitive people were truly worried that the days would just continue to get shorter and shorter, darker and darker, ultimately leaving the world in darkness. They would gratefully look for the light in every moment. This is the reason why the Winter Solstice was such a huge celebration in the pagan world – it celebrates the return of daylight, of light, as the days slowly start to get longer again.
The cool thing about this large passage tomb in Bruna Boinne is that on the east side, perfectly aligned with the sunrise at the winter solstice, there is an entrance to a hallway that goes deep into the mound. At the very center is a large stone bowl, where the stone age farmers would place the ashes of their dead. They believed that at that moment of sunrise on the solstice, the only day that the beam of light touched the stone bowl, the spirits of their ancestors would travel on that shaft of light to the afterlife.
What an amazing, beautiful witness of a pre-Christian understanding of the power of the light that comes into the world. We know the light as Christ. It is with that nervous anticipation mixed with joy that we celebrate Advent. In the midst of the waiting, even as the darkness seems to grow and grow…
The worship of the sun was indigenous to Romans and there were many temples to the sun in Rome at the time of Jesus. In the Julian calendar, December 25 marked the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. In 312, Constantine decreed that the pagan feast of the unconquerable sun, sol Invictus, would be the date to celebrate the birth of the Son of God. In that year he also proclaimed (with an exception for farmers) Sunday was to be a day of rest. “On the venerable Day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed” (Codex Justinianus, III.12.2). The resurrection of Christ also occurred on a Sunday, the day after the Jewish Sabbath. In AD 386, Theodosius, Patriarch of Constantinople, decreed Sunday to be holy, a day of obligation (Codex Theodosianus, II.8.18). It was a natural association, therefore, to identify the birth of Jesus, the “Sun of righteousness.” Saint Cyprian identifies Jesus as with the Sun itself, “the true sun,” in his work on the Lord’s Prayer.
He is the beam of light through whom we pass to the Father, he is the source of our joyand the fulfillment of time. Christ, be our Light, shine on your Church, gathered today.
The Lord be with you,
Celebrating the Christmas Season
Dec 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE VIGIL MASSES
4:30pm, 8:30pm (preceded by Choir Prelude at 4 and 8pm)
Midnight Mass • 12am (preceded by Choir Prelude of Carols at 11:15pm)
Dec 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES
Midnight Mass
7, 9, 11am & 1pm (en español)
Note: There is NO 5pm Mass
Dec 28 - FEAST of the HOLY FAMILY
Regular Saturday Vigil / Sunday schedule
Jan 1 - MARY, MOTHER of GOD
(IS a Holy Day of Obligation this year)
Regular Holy Day schedule: Wednesday, Vigil 7:30pm
Thursday, 7 & 9am, Noon, 7pm (bilingual)
Jan 4 - EPIPHANY of the LORD
Regular Saturday Vigil / Sunday schedule
Jan 11 - The BAPTISM of the LORD
The Christmas season ends today with our regular Saturday Vigil / Sunday schedule
Mark your calendars NOW - our Parish Advent Penance Service is December 16 at 6:30pm, your best bet for Reconciliation before Christmas.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in our Parish Bake Sale this weekend, December 13-14 by contributing baked goods, helping with setup and cleanup, or shopping during the sale. Baked goods should be dropped off in the church vestibule starting Saturday December 13 after 9am. All proceeds support our Capital Campaign.
The Springfield Council of the Knights of Columbus will be selling Christmas trees in the lower parking lot from November 29 through December 20. Please support the charitable work of the Council by purchasing your tree from the Knights. The lot is open from 5pm to 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 9pm on weekends. The Knights of Columbus are also selling Christmas cards after each Mass the weekends of November 22-23 and 29-30. Proceeds will support WorkCamp and the Saint Bernadette School. You may contact Mike Candalor at mcandalor@cox.net to get information or arrange another opportunity to view/purchase cards.
Please keep in your giving plans for the holidays the annual Catholic Charities’ Christmas Collection this weekend, December 13/14 which provides a large portion of the annual budget for diocesan charitable works.
No Taizé this Month. We will resume next month, Monday, January 19th at 8pm in the Church. Please plan to join us!
Please join us for our annual Filipino celebration of Simbang Gabi, Saturday, December 20 at 7pm - a reception will follow in the school gym.
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
Happy 3rd week of Advent! This Sunday we celebrate Gaudete Sunday. It is the only Sunday we light the rose or pink candle. “Gaudete” means “rejoice!” The pink candle on the Advent Wreath is known as the shepherd’s candle. It represents the “joy” that the shepherds experienced when they received the news about Christ’s birth.
Volunteers for 2025-2026 ~ We are still in need for volunteers (assistant catechists, teen catechists, and hall monitors). If interested, please contact the Religious Education Office or fill out the Volunteer Form on the website http://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities:
Sunday Donut Social: Dec. 14 after 9am Mass
Regular classes: Dec. 16-17, resuming Jan. 6-7
Family Faith Formation: Jan. 11
SPRED Classes: Jan. 10 and 24
Family Mass Learning: Jan. 10-11 after every Mass
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Come and enjoy warm fellowship and great food. No need to RSVP. For more information, please email us at women@stbernpar.org.
Tuesday, December 16 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. We meet for this casual meal on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.
YOUTH MINISTRY
High School Youth Ministry
All High Schoolers are invited to join us for Tuesday Socials every Tuesday from 7-8:30pm! Meet in the youth room (in the parish office) for games, ice cream, and a discussion on the faith.
Christmas Saturday Dinner - December 13th - All High schoolers are invited for dinner, gingerbread house making, Christmas Caroling, and fellowship. Meet in the Bradican Room from 6-8:30pm!
Volunteers for High School Program - We are looking for adults who share a deep passion for their Faith and want to help disciple high school teens. All adult volunteers must be VIRTUS certified and undergo a background check. If you are interested, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
All highschoolers are welcome to an overnight retreat at Summit Lake in Emmitsburg, MD, January 30 - February 1. We are in collaboration with the youth ministries of St. Leo’s and Our Lady of Good Counsel. Registration has opened. Please visit our website to register for the retreat. For any inquiries, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org
Work Camp 2026 registration is open - Please visit our website to register for Work Camp. Our second interest meeting for teens and adults who might want to attend Work Camp is on January 15, 7-8:15 pm in the Cafeteria. For inquiries, contact Matthew Frey matthew_c_frey@yahoo.com or JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org for any inquiries.
Middle School Youth Ministry
All 6th-8th graders are invited for games, snacks, and fun every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month! Meet in the school gym from 6:45-8pm.
YOUNG ADULTS Group
All young adults ages 18-35 are invited to a Christmas Caroling night on Saturday, December 20 at 6pm. After the 5pm vigil Mass, we will meet in the vestibule, and then go to Carrleigh Pkwy. For any questions, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org Looking to join the Saint Bernadette’s Young Adults? Scan the QR code at the left to request to join the Saint Bernadette Young Adults Group Chat.
Looking to join the Saint Bernadette’s Young Adults? Scan the QR code to join the Saint Bernadette Young Adults Group Chat.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org, or Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
Advent waiting and reflection is a Christian practice of preparing for Christ’s coming by actively waiting with hope, peace, joy, and love, focusing on both the historical birth of Jesus (Christmas) and his future return. It is a movement from “something to something more” by finding God’s presence in the “not yet” through prayer, stillness, and awareness of his signs in our lives, even amid personal longing and uncertainty. It’s a disciplined, active anticipation, not passive waiting, that slows life down to notice the miraculous in the ordinary and embrace the “already and not yet” of God’s kingdom.
Henri Nouwen says Advent is not like waiting for a bus to arrive. Rather, “it is an active waiting in which we live the present moment to the full, in order to find there the signs of the One we are waiting for.”
It was not always so. The history of the season is a wonderful study in the evolution of liturgy in service to the life of the Church.
When I teach classes on the liturgical year, my first question usually is, “What was the first and most important liturgical celebration of the Church?” Usually people get this one. Easter. Without the resurrection of Jesus, there would be no point to anything else.
“What is the second most important?” This is a trick question of sorts because people always say Christmas. Actually the second most important feast in the Church is called “Sunday.” What Easter is to the year, Sunday is to the week.
Christmas was first formally recorded as December 25, 336AD in the Roman Empire, although local observances might have begun as early as the second century, with traditions evolving from pagan winter festivals, a gradual development until formally proclaimed in the fourth century. The celebration of Christ’s birth formerly was observed at Epiphany, not his birth itself, but his being made known to the Gentiles, us.
In the beginning, everything was about Jesus’ resurrection! And truly, that is all we need. But we love to contextualize all the things we know about Jesus’ life and work throughout the year.
What is today celebrated as the Sacred Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil) has always been a linear observance of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. It was also the time of the catechumenate, the time when people prayed and discerned the desire to be baptized. Imagine - only three days. Adults became convinced of this desire, and after baptism learned all they needed to know to be Christian.
With Easter on the calendar, the Church then observed Pentecost, 50 days after the resurrection, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and the Church was born. It coincided with the Jewish grain harvest festival Shavuot, or Feast of Weeks, 50 days after Passover. It was nine days before Pentecost that Jesus ascended into heaven, and the original novena of Pentecost was observed as the Apostles, at Jesus’ instruction prayed to learn what to do after Jesus ascended.
The 40 days resulting resonated with the Tradition: Israel’s wandering for 40 years in the desert, Jesus’ 40 days in the desert after his baptism preparing for public life, 40 days of Noah’s flood, Nineveh’s 40 days of repentance. Lent’s 40 days represent a significant period of preparation and transformation.
When Christianity became legal by the emperor Constantine in 313AD, so many more people sought baptism that a second baptism celebration came to be practiced at Epiphany, the other major feast at the time, requiring a second period for the catechumenate. At first, it was another 40 days of fasting and prayer called “St. Martin’s Lent” beginning on the feast of St. Martin, Nov. 11. By the 6th century, it became linked to the coming of Christ, initially focusing on his second coming (remember, the Feast of Christ the King wasn’t established until the 20th century by Pope Pius XI). Over time, the focus shifted to encompass the anticipation of both Christ’s first coming (birth) and his final return, becoming the four-week season of preparation we know today. The word “Advent” itself means the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. It was formalized to four Sundays in Rome in the ninth century.
The Lord be with you,
Mark your calendars NOW - our Parish Advent Penance Service is December 16 at 6:30pm, your best bet for Reconciliation before Christmas.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in our Parish Bake Sale December 13-14 by contributing baked goods, helping with setup and cleanup, or shopping during the sale. Baked goods should be dropped off in the church vestibule starting Saturday December 13 after 9am. All proceeds support our Capital Campaign.
Saturday, December 6, from 8 to 11 AM we will have our traditional Breakfast with Santa in the school cafeteria. Join us for a tasty breakfast and take a picture with Santa, bid on classroom trees, and visit our Christmas shop for kids.
All women are invited to an Advent Evening of Reflection on December 6, from 7-9 pm in the school Gym. This event is free, and registrations are not required, but greatly appreciated. Watch the bulletin for more information.
The Springfield Council of the Knights of Columbus will be selling Christmas trees in the lower parking lot from November 29 through December 20. Please support the charitable work of the Council by purchasing your tree from the Knights. The lot is open from 5pm to 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 9pm on weekends. The Knights of Columbus are also selling Christmas cards after each Mass the weekends of November 22-23 and 29-30. Proceeds will support WorkCamp and the Saint Bernadette School. You may contact Mike Candalor at mcandalor@cox.net to get information or arrange another opportunity to view/purchase cards.
Please keep in your giving plans for the holidays the annual Catholic Charities’ Christmas Collection December 13/14 which provides a large portion of the annual budget for diocesan charitable works.
Friday December 12th we will celebrate Our Virgin of Guadalupe Mass starting with a procession from the Grotto at 6:30pm, followed by bilingual Mass and reception in the Bradican Rm.
No Taizé this Month. We will resume next month, Monday, January 19th at 8pm in the Church. Please plan to join us!
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
Happy 2nd week of Advent! This week we celebrate several Marian feasts. On December 8, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is Mary’s conception in the womb of St. Anne without her soul free from original sin. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. On December 10, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Loreto. The title is linked to a small house in Loreto, Italy which some believe was Mary’s birthplace and was moved from Nazareth. The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, is celebrated on December 12. This is when the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego. You can find suggestions here https://catholicprintableclub.com/how-to-celebrate-the-feast-of-the-immaculate-conception-with-kids/ to celebrate the Marian feasts.
Volunteers for 2025-2026 ~ We are still in need for volunteers (assistant catechists, teen catechists, and hall monitors). If interested, please contact the Religious Education Office or fill out the Volunteer Form on the website http://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities:
No classes : Dec. 23-24, 30-31
Family Faith Formation : Dec. 7 (2:30-4:45pm)
Sunday Donut Social : Dec. 15 after 9am Mass
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Come and enjoy warm fellowship and great food. No need to RSVP. For more information, please email us at women@stbernpar.org.
Tuesday, December 16 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. We meet for this casual meal on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.
Our next monthly meeting will be Tuesday, December 9 at 7pm in the Bradican Room. We have two activities this month. First is the white elephant gift exchange. Bring something inexpensive and fun. We will also have a cookie exchange. Bring a dozen cookies to share and go home with a different assortment of a dozen cookies. Come join our fun and fellowship.
YOUTH MINISTRY
All High Schoolers are invited to join us for Tuesday Socials every Tuesday from 7-8:30pm! Meet in the youth room (in the parish office) for games, ice cream, and a discussion on the faith.
Our first of two Work Camp interest meetings will be on December 7 from 6:15 to 7:30 PM in the Bradican Room. All adults and teens are welcome to come to learn more about Work Camp and the many ways you can volunteer. Contact Matthew Frey matthew_c_frey@yahoo.com or JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org for any inquiries.
Christmas Saturday Dinner - December 13th - All High schoolers are invited for dinner, gingerbread house making, Christmas Caroling, and fellowship. Meet in the Bradican Room from 6-8:30pm!
Volunteers for High School Program - We are looking for adults who share a deep passion for their Faith and want to help disciple high school teens. All adult volunteers must be VIRTUS certified and undergo a background check. If you are interested, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
All highschoolers are welcome to an overnight retreat at Summit Lake in Emmitsburg, MD, January 30 - February 1. We are in collaboration with the youth ministries of St. Leo’s and Our Lady of Good Counsel. Registration has opened. Please visit our website to register for the retreat. For any inquiries, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org
Middle School Youth Ministry
All 6th-8th graders are invited for games, snacks, and fun every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month! Meet in the school gym from 6:45-8pm.
YOUNG ADULTS! Group
Looking to join the Saint Bernadette’s Young Adults? Scan the QR code at the left to request to join the Saint Bernadette Young Adults Group Chat.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org, or Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
In his homily last weekend (First Sunday of Advent) in Istanbul, Pope Leo used the metaphor of the three bridges that span the Bosporus Strait and unite two continents: Asia and Europe. He explains, “Their triple span across the Strait reminds us of the importance of our common efforts to build bridges of unity on three levels: within the community, in ecumenical relations with members of other Christian denominations, and in our encounters with brothers and sisters belonging to other religions. Taking care of these three bonds, strengthening and expanding them in every way possible, is part of our vocation to be a city set on a hill (cf. Mt 5:14-16).
“The first bond of unity that I just mentioned is the one within this Church, which in this country consists of four different liturgical traditions — Latin, Armenian, Chaldean and Syriac. Each one contributes its own spiritual, historical and ecclesial richness. The sharing of these differences clearly demonstrate one of the most beautiful features of the face of the Bride of Christ: a catholicity that unites. The unity that binds us together around the altar is a gift from God. As such, it is strong and invincible, because it is the work of his grace. At the same time, however, realization of this unity in time is entrusted to us, to our efforts. For this reason, like the bridges over the Bosporus, unity needs care, attention and “maintenance,” so that its foundations remain solid and are not weakened by time and vicissitudes. With our eyes turned to the promised mountain, an image of the Heavenly Jerusalem, which is our destination and mother (cf. Gal 4:26), let us make every effort, then, to foster and strengthen the bonds that unite us, so that we may enrich one another and be a credible sign before the world of the Lord’s universal and infinite love.
“The second bond of unity that this liturgy suggests is ecumenism. This is also attested to by the presence of Representatives of other Christian Confessions, whom I warmly greet. Indeed, the same faith in Jesus our Savior unites not only those of us within the Catholic Church, but all our brothers and sisters belonging to other Christian Churches. We experienced this yesterday in our prayer at İznik. This too is a path along which we have been walking together for some time. Saint John XXIII, who was connected to this land by profound ties of mutual affection, was a great promoter of, and witness to, ecumenical communion. Therefore, while we ask in the words of Pope John that “the great mystery of that unity which Christ Jesus asked of the Heavenly Father with ardent prayers on the eve of his sacrifice may be accomplished” (Opening Address of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, October 11, 1962, 8.2), we renew today our “yes” to unity, “that they may all be one” (Jn 17:21), ut unum sint.
“The third bond of unity, to which the word of God calls us, is that with members of non-Christian communities. We live in a world where religion is too often used to justify wars and atrocities. As the Second Vatican Council declared, however, “the attitude of human beings towards God the Father and that of a human being towards his fellow men and women are so closely connected that Scripture says: ‘Whoever does not love does not know God’ (1 Jn 4:8)” (Declaration Nostra aetate, 5). Therefore, we want to walk together by appreciating what unites us, breaking down the walls of prejudice and mistrust, promoting mutual knowledge and esteem in order to give to all a strong message of hope and an invitation to become “peacemakers” (Mt 5:9).
“Dear friends, let us make these values our resolutions for the season of Advent and even more so for our personal and communal life. We journey as if on a bridge that connects earth to Heaven, a bridge that the Lord has built for us. Let us always keep our eyes fixed on both shores, so that we may love God and our brothers and sisters with all our hearts in order to journey together and find ourselves one day united in the house of the Father.”
I am reminded of Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel (Monday, Dec. 1): “I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of heaven.”
The Lord be with you,
Mark your calendars NOW - our Parish Advent Penance Service is December 16 at 6:30pm, your best bet for Reconciliation before Christmas.
Please join us at our Senior Luncheon on Friday, December 5th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for some Christmas hospitality! This year’s theme celebrates Family Christmas Traditions. Bring along an ornament to hang on our community tree and a
few of your favorite cookies to share in our cookie exchange. Seating in the Bradican Room is limited — we can accommodate the first 50 responses, so be sure to reserve your spot early. Mark your calendars — we look forward to celebrating the
season together!
Saturday, December 6, from 8 to 11 AM we will have our traditional Breakfast with Santa in the school cafeteria. Join us for a tasty breakfast and take a picture with Santa, bid on classroom trees, and visit our Christmas shop for kids.
All women are invited to an Advent Evening of Reflection on December 6, from 7-9 pm in the school Gym. This event is free, and registrations are not required, but greatly appreciated. Watch the bulletin for more information.
The Springfield Council of the Knights of Columbus will be selling Christmas trees in the lower parking lot from November 29 through December 20. Please support the charitable work of the Council by purchasing your tree from the Knights.
The lot is open from 5pm to 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 9pm on weekends. The Knights of Columbus are also selling Christmas cards after each Mass the weekends of November 22-23 and 29-30. Proceeds will support WorkCamp and the Saint
Bernadette School. You may contact Mike Candalor at mcandalor@cox.net to get information or arrange another opportunity to view/purchase cards.
Please keep in your giving plans for the holidays the annual Catholic Charities’ Christmas Collection December 13/14 which provides a large portion of the annual budget for diocesan charitable works.
Friday December 12th we will celebrate Our Virgin of Guadalupe Mass starting with a procession from the Grotto at 6:30pm, followed by bilingual Mass and reception in the Bradican Rm.
All young adults ages 18-35 are invited to coffee and conversation on Sunday, November 30th, after the 9am Mass. We will meet at Tous les Jours right after Mass.
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
Happy Advent! November 30 starts the season of Advent, which marks the beginning of a new Liturgical Year. There are three lectionary cycles; A, B, or C and are based around readings from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This year, we return back to Cycle A. There are many things that we can do to help prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus during Advent. Create a Jesse Tree with your children and teach them about salvation history from Creation to the Birth of Jesus. https://www.catholicinspired.com/post/printable-jesse-tree-ornaments-free-and-easy Or an Advent Wreath that you can light weekly, reflect on the candle with scripture and a weekly prayer. https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/advent/advent-wreath-prayers.html
Volunteers for 2025-2026 ~ We are still in need for volunteers (assistant catechists, teen catechists, and hall monitors). If interested, please contact the Religious Education Office or fill out the Volunteer Form on the website http://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities:
Regular classes: Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17.
No classes: Nov. 25-26, Dec. 23-24
SPRED class: Dec. 6
Family Faith Formation: Dec. 7
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Come and enjoy warm fellowship and great food. No need to RSVP. For more information, please email us at women@stbernpar.org.
NOTE CHANGE IN DAY: Tuesday, December 2 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. This casual meal is one of our normal dinners on the 1st the 3rd Tuesday of every month.
Our next monthly meeting will be Tuesday, December 9 at 7pm in the Bradican Room. We have two activities this month. First is the white elephant gift exchange. Bring something inexpensive and fun. We will also have a cookie exchange. Bring a dozen cookies to share and go home with a different assortment of a dozen cookies. Come join our fun and fellowship.
YOUTH MINISTRY
All High Schoolers are invited to join us for Tuesday Socials every Tuesday from 7-8:30pm! Meet in the youth room (in the parish office) for games, ice cream, and a discussion on the faith.
Our first of two Work Camp interest meetings will be on December 7 from 6:15 to 7:30 PM in the Bradican Room. All adults and teens are welcome to come to learn more about Work Camp and the many ways you can volunteer. Contact Matthew Frey matthew_c_frey@yahoo.com or JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org for any inquiries.
Middle School Youth Ministry
All 6th-8th graders are invited for games, snacks, and fun every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month! Meet in the school gym from 6:45-8pm.
YOUNG ADULTS! Group
All young adults ages 18-35 are invited to coffee and conversation on Sunday, November 30th, after the 9am Mass. We will meet at Tous les Jours - 9278A Old Keene Mill Rd, Burke, VA. Contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org for any questions.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org, or Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
The Lord be with you,