The Fourth Sunday of Advent December 22, 2019

Saturday, December 21, 2019 Vigil Mass of The Fourth Sunday of Advent

5:15 p.m. Pauline Laroche Requested by the St. Andre Extended Family

Sunday, December 22, 2019 The Fourth Sunday of Advent

8:30 a.m. Louise Godin Requested by Family

11:15 a.m. Edward Coons –Birthday Remembrance Requested by his Wife, Dawn

Monday, December 23, 2019 Late Advent Weekday

7:30 a.m.

Tuesday, December 24, 2019 Christmas Eve

4:00 p.m. Mass at St. Ambrose Church 4:00 p.m. Mass at St. James Church 10:00 p.m. Mass at St. James Church 12 Midnight Mass at St. Ambrose

Wednesday, December 25, 2019 The Nativity of the Lord

10:00 a.m. Mass at St. James 10:00 a.m. Mass at St. Ambrose

Thursday, December 26, 2019 St. Stephen, The First Martyr

7:00 p.m. Mass at St. James Church

Friday, December 27, 2019 St. John the Evangelist 7:30 a.m. Pro Populo

Saturday, December 28, 2019 Vigil Mass of The Feast of The Holy Family

5:15 p.m. The Deceased Members of St. Ambrose

Sunday, December 29, 2019 Feast of The Holy Family

8:30 a.m. The Deceased Members of St. Ambrose

11:15 a.m. The Deceased Members of St. Ambrose

911—St. Ambrose

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Merry Christmas!

It was the Venerable Bede of the 8th century who expressed succinctly the cause of our joy in the

Nativity of the Messiah:

“Christ is the Morning Star, who, when the night of this world is past, gives to

his saints the promise of the light of life, and opens everlasting day.”

In the darkest time of the year the birth of the Only Begotten Son of God…..

God from God, Light from Light…. incarnate of the Virgin Mary…..

Is the ‘Good News’ proclaimed with great joy to all the world.

Christ the Messiah was born in Bethlehem, Christ the Lord of Power will come at the end of time, but Jesus Christ the Savior comes into our lives today!

I share a thought provoking poetic verse by Kenneth Patchen that helps in preparing for the

coming of Emmanuel the Christmas!

“I Have Lighted the Candles, Mary” I have lighted the candles, Mary… How softly breathes your little Son

My wife has spread the table With our best cloth. There are apples, Bright as red clocks, upon the mantel.

The snow is a weary face at the window. How sweetly does He sleep.

“Into this bitter world, O Terrible Huntsman!”

I say, and she takes my hand— “Hush, You will wake Him.”

The taste of tears is on her mouth When I kiss her, I take an apple

And hold it tightly in my fist: The cold, swollen face of war leans

in the windows.

They are blowing out the candles, Mary… The world is a thing gone mad tonight.

O hold him tenderly, dear Mother, For His is a kingdom in the hearts of men.

Peace on Earth!

The Fourth Sunday of Advent December 22, 2019

911—St. Ambrose

Week of December 15, 2019

There is no weekly collection report due to the holiday.

As always, Thank you for your generosity! We depend solely upon your weekly support

to meet our weekly parish expenses.

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2019-2020 Faith Formation Grades K-4

Grades K, 1, 3, 4 reminder... bring your folder to class with your completed home-study lessons.

Questions...please contact Robin Carney at rcarney@stambrosechurchri.org

Class Schedule:

No Classes 12/22/2019 No Classes 12/29/2019

1/5/2020 Grades 2, 4

1/12/2020 Grades K, 1, 2, 3 1/19/2020 No Classes 1/26/2020 Grades 2, 4

Wishing all of our Faith Formation families

a blessed Christmas

Holiday Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve - December 24

Sounds of the Season 3:30pm Mass at 4:00pm & Midnight—St. Ambrose

Mass at 4:00m and 10:00pm—St. James

Christmas Day—December 25 Mass at 10:00am at St. Ambrose

Mass at 10:00am at St. James

***

New Year’s Eve—December 31 4:00pm at St. James

New Year’s Day - January 1, 2020 10:00am at St. Ambrose

10:00am at St. James

Christmas Day and

New Year’s Day Observance

The parish offices at St. Ambrose and

St. James will be closed on

Wednesday, December 25th and

Wednesday, January 1st

Office of Vocations

On January 10-11, 2020 Our Lady of Providence is hosting its annual overnight retreat for men who are seniors in high school and older. The

retreat director this year will be Monsignor John Darcy, pastor of St. Margaret’s Church in

Rumford. If you are discerning a vocation to the priesthood, or know of a man who you think would appreciate an invitation, please contact

Fr. Brian Morris at the Office of Vocations by phone at (401) 331-1316,

by email at rev.brian.morris@gmail.com, or visit CatholicPriest.com.

911—St. Ambrose

The Fourth Sunday of Advent December 22, 2019 4

The Story of the Nativity: The Truth of Christmas

The story of the birth of Jesus is often misunderstood. But this fast-paced, thought-

provoking look at the true story of the Nativity clears away widespread misunderstandings of Jesus' origin.

Join top scholars, inspirational speakers, and popular authors as they explain the story behind the story of the birth of Jesus. The Story of the Nativity

also includes stunning works of art depicting the biblical story, from Fra Angelico to Rembrandt, and

footage from the Holy Land showing the places where the Christmas story actually took place.

Explore the true story of Mary and Joseph, Jesus's miraculous conception, the birth of John the Baptist,

the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, the Star of Bethlehem, and the birth of Jesus. This is an invaluable tool for believer and unbeliever alike to learn more about Jesus of Nazareth and about the

truth of Christmas.

Visit formed.org Click on Register Enter Parish Code: VNZVG7

Enter your email, create a password, and ENJOY!

St. Ambrose Annual Collection

The Annual Collection is underway.

Thank you for opening your hearts, minds, and spirits to the

2019 Annual Collection.

May the Lord bless you

for your generosity.

The St. Ambrose

Parish Giving Tree

Volunteers are needed to help transport

the gifts on 12/22/2019 at 12:00noon to

St. John Baptist in Pawtucket. If you are

available, please go over to the parish hall

after the 11:15am Mass. Thank you!

Feast of the Holy Family December 28 & 29

Mustard Seed Diaper Drive One of our young parishioners, Alexa Hayden, a junior at

Lincoln High School had the opportunity to go on the Mustard Seed Communities mission trip to Jamaica in 2018. Alexa is working on her high school exhibition

project which requires students to host and plan an event that will make a positive impact on others. For her project, she is organizing a Diaper Drive to help meet the needs of

the mission community in Jamaica.

A collection box will be set-up for the Diaper Drive.

Our Lady’s Hanging Lamp

Birthday Remembrance for

Beatrice Hemond

Requested by Lou and Laraine Costa

Please keep this intention in your prayers

St. Ambrose Church Decorating for Christmas

Sunday December 22 Beginning at 1 PM

Come One, Come All! Everyone is invited to join us

in decorating our wonderful church

for the Christmas Season.

Blessings of the Christmas Season