Click the article title to see the sanctuary lamp intentions for the week of December 16.

Click the article title to see the stewardship report of December 16.

The Children's Liturgy of the Word will not be held on Sunday, December 23.

The Food Pantry Partnership will happily accept all types of nonperishable food and can always use pantry staples as well as basic hygiene and cleaning supplies. If you know of anyone in need please let them know that the pantry (located at St Raphael’s Parish Center (151 Gropp Ave, Hamilton) will be open from 9 to 11 am on December 29. Pre-registration is not required.

The office will be closed in observance of Christmas on Monday, December 24, and will remain closed through Wednesday, December 26, The office will reopen on Thursday, December 27.

The OLS School PTA is having a Cash Calendar Fundraiser. Each day is associated with a different dollar value. Every week, 7 lucky winners will be randomly selected to receive the corresponding amount on the calendar for that week. There are 179 chances to win with the minimum prize amount being $20. Click the article title for more information.

If you have books, clothing, diapers, formula, or other items that are looking for a new “home,” please do not bring them to the parish office. Instead, consider donating them to Mt. Carmel Guild or Martin House. Click the article title for contact information.

Marriage is: Joyful, Fulfilling, Life Giving, God’s Plan, Frustrating, Trying, Testing The OLS-SA Marriage Ministry would like to connect our engaged couples preparing for marriage with parishioners whose marriage has weathered the good times and bad times relying on Christ and prayer. Click the article title for more information.

"Is it any wonder that couples are finding it more difficult to make and keep marriage vows when promiscuity is portrayed as normative on the sitcoms and is snuck into our e mails and annoyingly pops up on websites?" (Susan Vogt, Raising Kids Who Will Make a Difference) This week, be mindful of what the media is feeding your psyche.

Have you lost a loved one? Would you like someone to help you deal with the pain and grief of your loss? Deacon Jeff Pierfy has fifteen years’ experience counseling the bereaved. If you are interested in meeting with Deacon Pierfy, please call the parish office.

As you are planning your Christmas giving, please consider being a Tuition Angel. Your gift of support of a Catholic education is one that will be alive for generations. Many families are challenged to meet the tuition needs that accompany their commitment to a Catholic education for their children. Your tax-deductible donation supports students in their daily walk in faith. I personally thank you for your consideration and support of this spiritually rewarding gift of love and faith.

During Advent, our parish will continue its tradition of inviting families to carry the lighted Advent candle in procession at the beginning of each weekend Mass. Click the article title for more information.

Of course we know that respecting life is a human imperative that cannot and must not be limited to a single month or a single day. It is an "everyday and always" cause that is not unique to any one religious belief or denomination. For Catholics, however, respecting life, especially the unborn, is intrinsic to our identity as people of faith. It admits no denial, no exception, no compromise. “Every life is cherished, chosen, sent,” as the theme of Respect Life Month expresses.

Click the article title to see the stewardship report of December 9.

Due to the Christmas holidays, bulletin articles for the December and early January bulletins are early. Click the article title to see the schedule.

I am most grateful to all those who responded so generously to our Increased Offertory Appeal. Your goodness and understanding has made the appeal a success. You will have noticed the increase to the weekly collection as so many committed to making some increase in giving. Click the article title for a brief report.

Our pastor, Msgr. Gervasio, said, “The answer is simple—marriage matters! A parish should not be content with providing only a good preparation for marriage. It should also be eager to accompany a couple on the road of married life...A marriage does not succeed just because it lasts; its quality is also important. Click the article title for more information.

Click the article title to see the Caring Hearts report for November.

Most couples think that being involved sexually is the most intimate part of their marriage. Praying together, however, may be an even deeper form of intimacy. It takes great trust to pour out your heart to God in the presence of your spouse. A first step may be praying for each other even if not in one another's presence. A second step may be silent meditation in each other's presence. Click the article title for a link to other steps you can take.

Click the article title to see the sanctuary lamp intentions for the week of December 9.