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THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
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On this Third Sunday of Advent, we rejoice because the Lord is near, bringing light, healing, and hope into our waiting. May we open our hearts in joyful expectation, trusting that Christ is already at work renewing our lives and our world. HERE.
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LITURGY AND WORSHIP
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LIVING NATIVITY Friday, December 19 • 7pm • Courtyard Join us for a beautiful outdoor Living Nativity as we celebrate the wonder of Christ’s birth. Bring family and friends to experience this peaceful and joyful start to Christmas.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECONCILIATION: ADVENT
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CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES Join us to celebrate The Nativity of our Lord! December 24: 4pm (extremely crowded), 6pm* (SMM School choirs sing), and 9pm (prelude begins at 8:30) December 25: 9am* and 11am *Livestreamed
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INCENSE AT MASS “Let my prayer arise before you like incense…” Please be aware that incense will be used at the 9pm Mass on Christmas Eve and the 11am Mass on Christmas Day. For those who have allergies or a sensitivity to incense, you may want to consider attending one of the other Christmas Masses where incense will not be used.
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SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD A Holy Day of Obligation Masses will be celebrated in the Church on Wednesday, December 31 at 5:30pm and Thursday, January 1 at 9am. There will be only one Mass on New Year’s Day.
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SCAM ALERT: BE AWARE! We have seen an increase in email and text scams lately. These messages are sent to unsuspecting parishioners and claim to be from a member of the clergy. The scammers often ask for gift cards (iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, etc.). Do not respond to these types of fraudulent messages. Or clergy would never text or email a parishioner and ask for money.
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NEW ALTAR SERVER TRAINING Training begins Monday, January 12 Boys and girls in 5th grade or above who have received First Holy Communion are invited to join our upcoming Altar Server Training. Servers are typically scheduled for weekend Mass once or twice per month. READ MORE
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AUDIO VOLUNTEERS WANTED
We are in search of parishioners who have experience with audio and/or sound board operation and may be willing to share their expertise. If you have these skills and feel called to support our parish in this way, reach out to Mark at [email protected] for more information. |
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PILGRIMS OF HOPE “Pilgrims of Hope” is the guiding theme of the 2025 Jubilee, a Holy Year proclaimed by Pope Francis as a time of renewal, reconciliation, and mercy. In a world often marked by uncertainty and suffering, the theme calls the faithful to be signs of hope—walking with Christ, rooted in prayer, and sharing the joy of the Gospel. READ MORE
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DEACON BILL - 2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Deacon Bill reflects on John the Baptist, who had “one job” and fulfilled it perfectly—to prepare the way of the Lord. In this second week of Advent, he invites us to discover, strengthen, and generously use our God-given gifts so that we may one day hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” SEE THE VIDEO
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WEEKLY CALENDAR
View our weekly calendar and the daily Mass intentions for the week of 12/15 - 12/21. VIEW THE CALENDAR AND MASS INTENTIONS |
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CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
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PRO-LIFE ROSARY Every Tuesday • 9:15am • All Women’s Health Center 431 N. Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs Join us in praying the rosary for women considering abortion and in offering well-written pamphlets with information on free help available.
Contact: Family Life Office 407-645-0284 |
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SYNODALITY AND OUR PARISH LIFE
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Practised with humility, the synodal style enables the Church to be a prophetic voice in today’s world. “A synodal Church is like a standard lifted up among the nations (cf. Is 11:12)”
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SERVICE AND STEWARDSHIP
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HAITI MINISTRY ALTERNATIVE GIVING December 20/21 • Courtyard Support our brothers and sisters in Haiti by purchasing an animal or contributing to projects. This year, we also begin a new relationship with the parish of St. Michael. You may make donations HERE. Have cards mailed, or pick them up in the front office.
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SMM FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS All four area pantries we support are running very low on food. Please continue your donations. Most requested items include: canned meats and individual pouches of tuna, chicken, sardines, Spam, Vienna sausages, hash, chili, beef stew, individual portions of ramen noodles, cups of soup, mac & cheese, cupped fruit, canned green beans, corn, instant potatoes, pancake mix, and syrup.
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HONORING MARY THROUGH SERVICE In honor of the Immaculate Conception, consider supporting mothers and babies in need by contacting one of our pregnancy centers to ask how you can help—through volunteering, donating items, or other service. JMJ Pregnancy Center: 407-839-0620
The Pregnancy Center of Winter Park: 407-790-7411 Life Choices Medical Clinic: 321-422-4168 |
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SAVE THE DATE: BINGO NIGHT Saturday, January 10 • 6:30pm • Parish Hall Join us for a fun parish Bingo Night, a fundraiser to support education at our new Haiti sister parish, St. Michael. Watch the bulletin and e-blast for more details—and sign up to volunteer HERE.
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ELIZABETH MINISTRY Following the example of Mary and Elizabeth, we visit and share the sacredness of life. Volunteers are needed to prepare and deliver a home-cooked meal to a family celebrating a new birth or adoption.
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SUPPORT
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SURVIVING SPOUSES Monday, December 22 • 11am • Holy Grounds Widows and widowers are invited to gather for support, fellowship, and community with others who share similar experiences. Contact: Patrick Demers 407-998-5659
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CAREGIVER SUPPORT Tuesday, December 23 • 10am If you care for a loved one at home or in a facility, take this time to gather with others who share similar experiences and emotions. Give yourself the gift of prayer, understanding, and support through community. Contact: Patrick Demers 407-998-5659
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MENTAL HEALTH — LET’S TALK ABOUT IT
In a society that often prizes strength and independence, mental health struggles can easily be hidden behind smiles, busy schedules, or routines that “look fine.” Acknowledging the truth—that emotional, cognitive, and spiritual burdens matter—is the first step toward healing. Contact: Lori 407-645-0284 [email protected] |
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ADULT FAITH FORMATION
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HALLOW APP: YOU’RE INVITED!
St. Margaret Mary Parish is journeying together through Hallow’s Pray25 Challenge: “Be Still.” This Advent, we invite you to discover deeper stillness amidst the chaos of the holiday season—just as Mary did that first Christmas. READ MORE |
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NEW ADDITION TO THE WEEKLY STUDY
A new segment has been added to our Tuesday Weekly Study—Questions and Answers with Fr. Ken! CLICK HERE to sign up. |
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PARISH LIBRARY ADVENT RESOURCES Looking for ways to make the new liturgical year more prayerful and meaningful? Visit the SMM Upper Room, where you’ll find a selection of books and CDs to help you enter more deeply into the seasons of Advent and Christmas. CHECK OUT THESE TITLES and enrich your spiritual journey!
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HOW TO ADVENT — FREE ON FORMED
Discover the meaning behind Advent traditions like the wreath, Jesse tree, Advent calendar, and nativity scenes through four short episodes (12–15 minutes). Prepare your heart for Christ’s birth with simple practices and spiritual reflection. FREE access at: smm.formed.org |
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WALKING THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO Interested in walking in the footsteps of St. James on the Camino de Santiago? Join us for a small group meeting in late January to share experiences and learn more. The Camino is a spiritual journey open to all levels of fitness, with many comfortable and supported options. Contact Kim: [email protected] - 321-795-8539
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ADVENT REFLECTION BOOKS
Our parish focus this year for Advent reflection will be the Advent Pray25 Challenge on the Hallow app. See above for the Hallow app info. A limited supply of traditional Advent reflection books is also available in the parish office for $5.00 each. |
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FAITH FORMATION
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FAITH FORMATION REMINDER Faith Formation classes will take place this Sunday, December 14. We will not have class on December 21 and December 28. Wishing all of our families a blessed Advent season!
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FAMILY FAITH Wednesday, December 17 • 5:30–7:30pm Our December Family Faith session will take place on Wednesday, December 17. Please bring 2 dozen cookies for a Cookie Exchange. Look for the sign-up via email on Sunday.
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YOUTH MINISTRY
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UPCOMING LIFE NIGHT Sunday, December 14 • 7–8:30pm Please enter the FLC building through the back lobby doors (by the Mary statue facing the parking lot). We’ll enjoy pizza and fellowship, hear a talk on a special topic from a guest speaker, and have time for small group breakouts. Bring a friend—we can’t wait to see you!
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UPCOMING EDGE NIGHT (MIDDLE SCHOOL)! Wednesday, December 17 • 6:30–8pm Please enter the FLC building through the back lobby doors (by Mary statue that faces the parking lot) to meet in the parish hall for our EDGE Christmas party. We’ll have dinner, games, and a topic to chat about. Please bring a friend! Can’t wait to see you!
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FAMILY LIFE
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CELEBRATING ADVENT AT HOME Invite a small gathering of family and friends of all ages for each of the 4 weeks of Advent. DON’T: decorate, clean house, dress up, or cook a fancy meal. DO: focus on Jesus with a Christmas song, a Christmas story, and a Christmas Scripture. Contact the Family Life Office for resources or more information. READ MORE
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YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY Every Monday • 6:45pm • Chapel Join us to pray the rosary and then gather for dinner and fellowship on the Avenue. READ MORE ABOUT THE YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
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YOUNG ADULT BONFIRE Saturday, December 13 • 6pm Advent and December are upon us! Here’s the signup for our SMM Christmas Bonfire this Saturday. RSVP
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JINGLE MINGLE FOR SENIOR ADULTS Tuesday, December 16 • 3:30–5:30pm • Parish Hall All seniors of the parish are invited to join us for this joyful annual gathering! The Girl Scout Choir will perform on stage at 3:45pm. RSVP HERE
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ELIZABETH MINISTRY Following the example of Mary and Elizabeth, we visit and share the sacredness of life If you or someone you know from the parish is expecting a child thru birth or adoption, Elizabeth Ministers can support and celebrate with you by bringing a home-cooked meal. Contact: Family Life Office 407-645-0284
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ANNUAL SMM PRAYER SHOWER Saturday, January 31 • 9am All moms with babies born in 2025 are invited to our annual Prayer Shower. Join us for a special time to honor mothers and babies with prayer, community, and refreshments. RSVP Contact: Family Life Office 407-645-0284
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CONNECT
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS The Knights of Columbus “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster contest invites students in grades K–8 to create an original poster that highlights the true, spiritual meaning of Christmas. Entries are due by December 20th. READ MORE
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SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY: GAME DAY Wednesday, December 17 • 10am • Holy Grounds All men and women ages 65+ are invited to join in the fun.
Contact: The Family Life Office 407-645-0284. |
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BULLETIN SPONSORS
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SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT US
There are many wonderful sponsors that support us through ads in our bulletin. Here is a LIST OF THOSE SPONSORS. Please consider supporting them. |
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