Coffee and Donuts - All are invited to the Social Hall today after the 10:00AM Masses for coffee and donuts. Access through door via the side alley.
Candlemas, February 2nd - Mass Schedule for Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
The annual blessing of candles and procession will take place before the evening Mass only. We will bless all of the candles which will be used throughout the entire liturgical year. You are encouraged to bring your own candles that you will use for personal devotions to be blessed as well. Either drop them off on Sunday, January 31, or bring them Tuesday evening prior to the Mass (Please be sure to arrive no later than 10 minutes prior to Mass so the candles can be arranged). Be sure to label candles with your name!
Ash Wednesday - Feb. 10
7:00AM - Blessing / Distribution of Ashes and Low Mass
7:00PM - Distribution of Ashes / Sung Mass
For those unable to attend Mass who would like to receive Ashes, the office will be open from 12 - 3pm as well.
Blessing of Throats - On the Feast of St. Blaise, this Wednesday, there will be the Blessing of Throats immediately following the 7:30pm Mass. If you cannot attend this Mass and would like the blessing, the office will be open from 12 - 3pm during which you can come by to receive the blessing.
First Communicants - Important Dates:
Saturday, April 16th -1st Confessions
Sunday, May 22nd - 1st Communions at 10AM Mass
Please contact Fr. Eichman or the office if you have a child who is preparing to receive their First Communion this year. Fr. Eichman will be interviewing each child in the weeks prior to 1st Confession, and again prior to their 1st Communion.
Chorister Program Sponsor - Mater Dei has begun a children’s chorister program which will teach the children to sing Gregorian Chant and other sacred music. The Choristers will sing at a number of Masses and liturgical events throughout the year. This initiative does come with moderate expenses. If you are interested in covering these costs please contact Fr. Eichman.
Violet Cloths for Passiontide - Volunteers are needed to launder the purple cloths used to cover the statues during Passiontide. If you can help, please see Mrs. Kabel in the first classroom after the 10AM Mass today, Sunday, January 29th. Cloths will need to be returned by Sunday, Feb 28th.
St. Tarcisius Meeting - Our next St. Tarcisius Meeting is Saturday, February 7th at 5:00pm. The group is for children ages 5 – 12 and meets monthly in order to train the children to meditate. Each meeting includes a short, priest led meditation, the rosary, and a potluck dinner. Meetings are the 1st Saturday of the month from 5-7pm. We will gather in a different host family’s home each month. For information concerning our February meeting please contact us at SaintTarcisiusGroup@MaterDeiPA.com
Food for the Needy - The Holy Name Society collects non-perishable food for the Silence of Mary Homes, who then distribute this food to the needy in Harrisburg. To contribute, please add your gift of food in the straw basket located behind the last pew. Thank you!
2015 IRS Tax Letter - If you would like a 2015 tax letter please contact the office and we will mail you one by the end of January.
Stay Home if Sick - If you are sick and contagious, it is not necessary to come to Mass. In such instances, it is an act of charity toward your fellow parishioners, especially those more susceptible to illness, to remain at home.
Mass Intentions - The current wait for public Mass intentions is shorter than that for private Mass intentions. Keep this in mind when designating how you would like your Mass intentions fulfilled.