DECEMBER 3 Let us be filled with HOPE as we prepare for the celebration of the Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Regular Sunday masses will be held at 8:00 am, 9:45 am & 11:30 am.

DECEMBER 8, FRIDAY Holy Day masses will be held at 8:30 am & 7:00 pm.

In proclaiming the Immaculate Conception of Mary as a dogma of the Church, the pope expressed precisely and clearly that Mary was conceived free from the stain of original sin. This privilege of Mary derives from God's having chosen her as Mother of the Savior; thus she received the benefits of salvation in Christ from the very moment of her conception. (Source: Catholic News Agency)

DECEMBER 9, SATURDAY Prepare for Advent by attending a Day of Recollection in church, facilitated by Fr. Jerome Magat, from 9:15 am to 2:45 pm.

Activities following the recollection: •Reconciliation, 3:00 - 4:00 pm

•Sunday Mass, 4:30 pm

•Evening with the Blessed Virgin Mary, prayer & music at the grotto, 7:00 pm.

DECEMBER 10 Let us find strength in FAITH. Regular Sunday Masses will be held at 8:00 am, 9:45 am & 11:30 am.

The Anointing of the Sick will be administered during the 11:30 am mass on this day.

In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, through the ministry of the priest, it is Jesus who touches the sick to heal them from sin – and sometimes even from physical ailment. His cures were signs of the arrival of the Kingdom of God. (Source: USCCB)

DECEMBER 17 Let our hearts be overflowing with JOY. Regular Sunday Masses will be held at 8:00 am, 9:45 am & 11:30 am.

Why a pink candle? The third week of Advent, also known as “Gaudete Sunday,” means Christmas is drawing near. The word gaudete means “rejoice,” and at this point, our hearts should be filled with joy as we reflect on the true meaning of Christ’s birth. During this time of joy, we light the lone pink candle on the Advent wreath.

DECEMBER 18 The Simbang Gabi mass at St. Mark will be held at 7:00 pm. All are welcome!

The Simbang Gabi (Night-time Mass) is a beloved, centuries-old Filipino Catholic tradition to usher in the Advent season. Here in the USA, it is often a series of masses held at various parishes of the Archdiocese leading up to Christmas Eve.

DECEMBER 24 Let us spread PEACE on earth & goodwill toward men. Regular Sunday Masses will be held at 8:00 am, 9:45 am & 11:30 am.

Christmas Eve Masses will be celebrated at 4:30 pm (Youth-led) and 10:00 pm.

DECEMBER 25, MONDAY

“You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at His birth.” - Luke 1:14

Christmas Day Masses will be celebrated at 8:30 am, 9:45 am, 11:30 am & 1:30 pm (Cantonese).

DECEMBER 28, THURSDAY A mass will be held at 8:30 am.

The Holy Innocents are the children mentioned in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 2:16-18. Herod, perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry, and sent his soldiers to kill all male children ages two and under that were in Bethlehem and on the boarders, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled the prophesy of Jeremiah. (Source: Catholic News Agency).

DECEMBER 30/31 Regular Sunday Masses will be held at 8:30 am, 9:45 am & 11:30 pm.

The Feast of the Holy Family seeks to portray the Holy Family of Nazareth as the “true model of life” from which our families can draw inspiration and know where to find help and comfort.

JANUARY 1, MONDAY. On this New Year’s Day, a mass will be held at 8:30 am. Also, a special benediction and adoration vigil will be held in church from 10:00 pm to 12:00 am on December 31, Sunday. All are welcome.

The title “Mother of God” goes back to the third or fourth century, but the Greek term Theotokos (“The God-bearer”) was officially consecrated as Catholic doctrine at the Council of Ephesus in 431, thus becoming the first Marian dogma.(Source: Catholic News Agency)

JANUARY 6/7 Regular Sunday Masses will be held at 8:00 am, 9:45 am & 11:30 am.

The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek epiphainen, a verb that means "to shine upon," "to manifest," or “to make known.” Thus, the feast of the Epiphany celebrates the many ways that Christ has made Himself known to the world, mainly the three events that manifested the mission and divinity of Christ: the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12), the baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:9-11), and the miracle at Cana (John 2:1-11). (Source: Catholic News Agency)