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The Simbang Gabi – Advent Novena and Masses will be hosted by Fil-Am and the St Stephen Catholic Community. Simbang Gabi is a devotional, nine-day series of Masses in anticipation of Christmas. HISTORY Simbang Gabi (literally, “Evening Mass,” but also known as “Mass at Dawn”) is intended to prepare the hearts, minds and spirits of the Filipino faithful for the arrival and birth of the baby Jesus. The tradition of holding nine dawn Masses leading to Christmas Eve (called Misa de Aguinaldo) is practiced in the Philippines and in Puerto Rico. Indeed, a well-known belief among Filipino Catholics is that if a person completes all nine days of the Simbang Gabi, God may grant a request to him or her as part of the novena. For Filipinos, it’s a festive and joyous tradition of family and friends gathering in camaraderie that includes indulging in Filipino delicacies

Blessing The Christ Child All members of the parish are invited to bring the baby Jesus from their home nativity to any of the Masses this weekend for a blessing at the end of Mass. Fr. Davis or Fr. Patrick will do the blessing. It is our hope that this tradition takes hold at St. Stephen as a way to highlight the intersection of Mass, faith and our daily lives and help support the Domestic Church.

Advent Penance Services December 11 at 6:30 PM An Opportunity to Receive God’s Forgiveness and Prepare for the Coming of Christ In the season of Advent, we prepare our hearts and minds as we await the coming of the Messiah. It is a time when we renew our desire for His return in the second coming and prepare to celebrate the memorial of His birth at Christmas. During Advent, the Church invites us to pray, reflect and receive the sacraments to properly prepare our minds and hearts for the joyous celebration of Christmas. In the penitential aspect of this season of preparation, we are called to repent and convert so as to make room for Christ.

Father Davis is a National Certified Counselor. You can find him in the National Directory or you can call the church office to schedule appointments.

We would love your talents to help support the journey of our teens.

The History Video Committee is hosting the Barn People Reunion in honor of 40 years since the last Mass in the barn.