Are you new to St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Bowling Green, Ohio? Have you just moved to BG, passing through town on vacation or visiting friends or family? No matter the reason you are welcome here at St. Aloysius.

Christmas Mass Intentions

In the Catholic tradition of praying for the living and the dead there is a long-standing practice of giving a stipend so that a Mass will be offered for a loved one on a specific day and time.  A difficulty can arise on days that are special to many people, like Christmas!  This year, as in the past, the intentions at the 6:30 p.m. and  10 a.m. Masses will be “for the parish” and “for the Pope’s intentions.”

During the Christmas Eve Masses at 4 and 11, Fr. Tom will offer “collective intentions.” This gives many individuals the opportunity to have their loved one included in the Mass intentions.  Practically, this means that the first stipend ($10) received will go to the parish.  Any additional stipends paid for a Christmas Mass will go to the mission church in Zimbabwe, Africa, where Fr. Tom served for many years.  Names of those for whom we are praying, will not be mentioned aloud during Mass, but will be listed in the Christmas Mass program, so all will know for whom we are praying.

What a lovely way to remember our loved ones and to include them in our celebration of Jesus’ birth through a charitable gift in His name.  If you would like your loved one to be included in the list of “collective intentions” please pick up an envelope at the doors of church or on the kiosk.  Requests for these Christmas Mass intentions must be received by Dec. 22.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

On Dec. 15 we will hold our annual Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration. The tradition begins with the bilingual Mass at noon, followed by the potluck dinner in Hartmann Hall. Read more about it in the Advent newsletter.

Day of Grace

On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the Day of Grace will begin after 7:30 morning Mass.  There will be Exposition of the Eucharist on the altar and Confessions will be heard every hour on the top of the hour.  Fr. Tom will remain in the confessional until every penitent’s confession is heard or, if only a few penitents are present, until 15 minutes past the hour. Since the Eucharist will be exposed, we need two adorers for each hour. Sign-up sheets will be posted in the Narthex and the back of the Church. At 7:50 p.m. we will have a solemn Benediction of the Eucharist.  All are welcome to attend.  It will be finished by 8 p.m. at which time Fr. Tom will go into the confessional for the last hour.

Monday Morning
Advent Reflections

Join us for Monday mornings at 8:15 in the Davis Narthex for breakfast and reflection on the Advent scriptures. It is not too late to prepare for the coming of our Savior.

Parish Retreat 22

Make plans to join us for the 2020 Parish Retreat, A Brand New Day. A retreat is simply taking a “break” from ordinary activities for a period of time to commune with God in prayer and reflection. Join us if you want to grow closer to Christ, meet fellow parishioners and learn more about the Catholic Faith and our common struggles on our faith journeys. Complete details and a registration form are in the retreat brochure. Registration closes Jan. 15 or until the spaces are filled. In the past, waiting lists have been established.