Merry Christmas! As we wrap up the year, I have been reflecting on the many blessings we have experienced this past year, a few of which I shared with you in my letter last month.
I was recently reflecting on our December liturgies: It was just a few months ago we were holding our Liturgy Summit, which filled the Banquet Hall and brought together current, new and returning ministers who were eager to serve. Thanks to our community's response, today several hundred liturgical ministers are serving behind the scenes to enhance the beautiful liturgies at Saint William; and, because of our community's response, we were also able to resume the distribution of the Precious Blood.
The Liturgy Summit is just one of many moments we have experienced together within our parish that speaks to the vibrant life of our parish community. There certainly have been many incredible graces that God has granted us in 2022, and none of them could have been accomplished without your support and generosity.
Update: End-Of-Year Giving
In just a few weeks, our parish has raised $139,823 (or 70%) for our year-end, Advent and Christmas giving of which our parish goal is $200,000. The funds raised in December will help our parish continue building a culture of encounter for our Saint William community through our sacred liturgies, faith formation and ministry life..
If you would like to give, there is still time to do so. Contributions can be madeonline, by mail, Venmo @Saint-William, dropped off in the office or placed in the collection basket. Remember: this gift is tax deductible if received by December 31, 2022 (please indicate “year-end”).
As we turn the page to the new year, I am pleased to announce...
The official pilgrim relic of the blood of Saint John Paul II will be brought to Saint William for a few days in January. It is the only relic of its kind that travels the world.
As this is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of our Saint William parishioners and surrounding communities, we will be turning our full attention to this event from January 23-26, 2023. I encourage each of you to share in this experience and extend this invitation to your friends and families. We will continue to provide updates online at st-william.org/relic and through our parish communications. In the meantime, I invite you to save the date!
I am profoundly grateful to our Saint William staff, ministries and each of you for your unyielding commitment to the parish and look forward with eagerness to our year ahead together as we continue our mission of healing and service to our parish community and beyond.
Thank you for taking part and helping Saint William continue to be a guiding light for so many-- Happy New Year!
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
Fr. Francisco Rodriguez III
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I invite you to join us this weekend for Mass as we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God. This weekend, we will be returning to our regular Sunday Mass schedule.
Please note that on December 31, to bring in the New Year, we will have an 11 pm Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration in the church. All are invited.