Setting Out for Bethlehem

This month leads to the start of the Nativity Fast (November 15 through December 24) — our yearly preparation for Christmas, the Nativity of Christ, the birth of Jesus, on December 25.

Contemporary American culture, with its consumer mindset, tends to start “the Christmas season” with overspending and overeating far in advance — to the point where, sadly, everyone’s sick of Christmas by the time the big day actually arrives!

But the Church follows its wiser rhythm of fast and feast — observing a season of moderation and self-discipline beforehand, so that when Christmas arrives, we can actually feel and taste the difference that celebration brings.

So alongside pre-Christmas decorating, baking, and gift-buying, make an effort to keep the Nativity Fast as you can — by giving alms, praying, and fasting as Jesus taught (Matthew 6:1-18) to train us to love God and neighbor more by indulging our egos and appetites less.

Onward to Bethlehem!

Mark Your Calendar!

Sunday, November 2 • 9:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy
Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost

Sunday, November 9 • 9:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy
Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost

Saturday, November 15 • 9:30 a.m.
Nativity Fast Begins
Runs November 15 through December 24

Sunday, November 16 • 9:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy
Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost

Friday, November 21 • 9:30 a.m.
Entry of the Virgin Mary into the Temple

Sunday, November 23 • 9:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy
Twenty-Fourth Sunday After Pentecost
Sunday Observance of Entry of Mary

Thursday, November 27 • 9:30 a.m.
Thanksgiving Day

Sunday, November 30 • 9:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy
Twenty-Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

Pitch In!

Church doesn’t happen on its own. It happens when all of us pool our time, talent, and treasure together and put them at God’s disposal to do his will as followers of Jesus. In a word, that’s stewardship. Want to lend a helping hand? See our parish priest, Father Alexis Woytek to find out what needs doing. Want to become a supporting member? See our parish treasurer, Mrs. Lydia Pinkowski to find out how. Thanks for pitching in to make your church happen!

Reach Out!

The Church doesn’t exist for itself. God calls it to reach out and share his love with the world that it lives in. Our parish charity bin is one way that we do such outreach, by collecting nonperish­able food that our friends at People Helping People in Hernando County share with locals in need. To download a grocery list from our website, click here. Thanks for reaching out and helping others through your church’s charity!