I have some incredible news to share with you…but before we get there, a couple of end of year (or liturgical beginning of year) reminders:
- Because the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception falls on a Sunday this year, it is moved to Monday, Dec. 9 and is a Holy Day of Obligation. We will have our full complement of Holy Day Masses at All Saints: 6:30AM, 9AM, Noon, and 7PM. The early Mass will be short and sweet to get you to work or school on time if that’s the only Mass you can make. Don’t be weak! Come and be close to the Lord in the Mass two days in a row.
- We have reached the goal of our share of the 2024 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, without having to do a big push here at the end of the calendar year. This is huge. THANK YOU to all of you who have given so generously and faithfully! We still have thousands in unfulfilled pledges, and if you are able, I ask you to fulfill them. Everything over our assessment comes back to the parish “tax-free” and can be used for our continued Restore and Renew initiatives.
- We will have a special Advent evening of Reconciliation on Tuesday, December 10. At least 12 priests will be available to hear confessions and to share God’s mercy. Do not be afraid!
And now for the pièce de résistance.
When the cellphone tower was constructed here on our property, an electronic bell system was included, giving the parish the ability to announce the hour, to toll in mourning, to peel in celebration, to call us to worship. Many parishioners have lamented the years-long lack of bells at our church, and even a good number of neighbors have approached me sharing how much they miss hearing them, particularly for the noon Angelus. Looking into it, the old system was beyond salvageable, so a team of dedicated parishioners and staff members set out to bring back this simple yet powerful piece of parish life.
And I am overjoyed to share with you that, very soon, if not by the time of this bulletin’s publication, we will ring the bells of All Saints again! A new system has been acquired and is being installed this week. What sacredness this will add to our worship!
As we continue our short journey to Christmas this Advent, I am so grateful to the good people of All Saints. We are preparing the way for the Lord, in our hearts, and in Dunwoody. May He who is to come fill us with every good gift and blessing.
Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!
All you holy saints of God, pray for us!
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Michael
Pastor