“The time of Advent . . . returns us to the horizon of hope, a hope that does not disappoint because it is founded on the Word of God. A hope that does not disappoint, simply because the Lord never disappoints! He is faithful!”
Pope Francis
Each year at this time, the Church urges us to renew our memory of the great love God has shown for us.
Advent is a time for us to be quiet, reflect and meditate on the real meaning of Christmas. During these four weeks before Christmas we should prepare our hearts and our lives as we wait for the coming of Jesus. We must focus on the promise that God made to his people and how that promise was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and will be fulfilled in his next coming. We should understand that Christ, who came once in the flesh, is prepared to come again. And that he may come, at any hour and moment, to dwell spiritually in our hearts. It is a wonderful opportunity of revitalization for us as Christians.
The Advent journey leads to our celebration of Christmas, which is a time to rejoice and celebrate the birth of Christ. The Christmas season extends from Christmas Day until the Baptism of Christ (which this year is on Jan. 11), including the Solemnity of Mary (Jan. 1 - New Year’s Day) and the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (Jan. 4).
May the blessings of the Advent and Christmas seasons be with you all year long!
Advent & Christmas Events at St. John Eudes
During Advent
St. John Eudes Gift Shop - This special ministry is provided to assist in your personal religious growth and spirituality. Proceeds from the Gift Shop are used to help maintain parish programs and facilites, as well as provide support for other parish ministries. Religious items for Advent and Christmas will help inspire a deeper understanding of the meaning of the season.
Monday - December 1 (thru 21)
Giving Tree - Pick a gift tag from the Advent Giving Tree in the church narthex for a gift collection for needy children. It’s a wonderful way to share God’s blessings and make the holidays happy for a child. Unwrapped gifts should be returned by the weekend of Dec. 20/21.
Various Days - December 2 thru 18
Advent Penance Services - Advent is a special time that calls us to prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of Christmas. In addition to the Advent penance services that will be held at our own parish, penance services will be held at all local churches in our area on various days to give you the opportunity to easily find a service you can attend. Check the bulletin or call the Parish Office for the parishes, dates, and times available.
Wednesday - December 3
Christmas Poinsettias - Today is the last day to order your Christmas Poinsettias for your home or to donate to the Church for the altar at Christmas. The SJE Outreach Ministry is sponsoring the sale of these beautiful plants. Orders can be placed thru Dec. 3 by filling out the order form and dropping it off with your payment at the Parish Office. Don’t miss this opportunity to decorate for the holidays and help our Outreach Ministry at the same time! Download the Order Form.
He Came that We May Have Life - Jesus is the fullness of God given to us. We must believe and receive the gift. Believing and receiving is what Advent is all about. Presented by Fr. Bill Adams, C.SS.R., at 6:30 pm in the church.
Friday - December 5
First Friday Mass & Benediction - Celebration of the Eucharist and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament are
at the core of the Advent Season. 8:30 am Mass in the church, followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until Benediction at 6:00 pm.
Advent Family Craft Night - Dont’t give into the Christmas Crazies! Join in making an Advent wreath, visit with Advent saints, and enjoy alot more family fun. 7:00 pm in Grill Hall.
Saturday - December 6
Catholic Parent Revival - Advent is a time for revival and Catholic parents are called to revive their faith and inspire their motivation to help their families continue to grow in love and faith. 11:00 am - 5:00 pm in Grill Hall (registration required).
Monday - December 8
Feast of the Immaculate Conception - A Holy Day of Obligation that celebrates Mary’s conception free from original sin helps us focus on the deep meaning Mary has in God’s plan for the salvation of the world. Masses will be at 6:30 am, 8:30 am, 12:15 pm and 7:30 pm (bilingual).
Wednesday - December 10
Communal Penance Service - Join us as we come together as a community to ask forgiveness for our sins and prepare ourselves to receive the blessings of Christmas. 7:30 pm in the church.
Friday - December 12
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Mariachis and Aztec dancers will fill our celebration with the sights, sounds, and music of Mexico in the church at the traditional Mañanitas Mass at 5:00 am and an evening Mass at 7:00 pm. Festivities begin 45 minutes before each Mass. The celebration continues after each Mass with refreshments and entertainment in Grill Hall.
Various Days - December 14 thru 22
Back to Bethlehem - We join with our neighboring churches to create a live, interactive experience of what Bethlehem was like on the night of our Savior’s birth. A truly wonderful experience that will bring the Christmas story to life. Each night from 7:00-9:00 pm at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church. (Note: Volunteers are needed to help with this event. Contact the Parish Office if you would like to participate.)
Monday thru Saturday - December 15 thru 20
Individual Confessions - As we await the celebration of the birth of the Light of the World, we are offered the opportunity to reconcile ourselves to that Light. Confessions will be heard in the church on Monday (Dec. 15) from 9:00-10:00 am & 7:00-8:00 pm, Thursday (Dec. 18) from 9:00-10:00 am & 7:00-8:00 pm, and on Saturday (Dec. 20) from 9:00-10:00 am & 4:00-5:00 pm.
Wednesday - December 17
St. John Eudes School Christmas Program - “The Story of Christmas” - Join our school children as they
Friday - December 19
The St. John Eudes Music Ministry Presents “The Promise of Ages” - Enjoy a wonderful musical expression of the sounds of Christmas sure to uplift your spirit. 7:30 pm in the church (nominal admission).
Weekend - December 20/21
Giving Tree Gift Collection - Giving Tree gifts for needy children will be collected at all Masses (gifts should be brought unwrapped and placed in the collection box in the church narthex).
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Christmas Mass Schedule
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Wednesday ~ December 24
Christmas Eve
8:30 am - Morning Mass
4:00 pm - Children’s Mass
with Children's Choir
(Featuring a Christmas Dramatization)
(Note: Due to the popularity of this Mass, a second Mass has been added that will be celebrated at 4:00 pm in Grill Hall for those who cannot be seated in the church. No standing in the church or narthex will be permitted at the 4:00 pm Mass.)
6:00 pm - Spanish Mass
8:00 pm - Contemporary Choir Mass
11:00 pm - Midnight Mass with Choir
(with Carols at 10:15 pm)
(Note:There will be no 6:30 am Mass on Christmas Eve)
Thursday ~ December 25
Christmas Day
7:30 am, 9:00 am
11:00 am - with Adult Choir
12:45 pm (Spanish)
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Wednesday ~ December 31
(New Year’s Eve)
6:30 am, 8:30 am
Thursday ~ January 1
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
(New Year’s Day)
(Not a Holy Day of Obligation
in the Province of Los Angeles)
9:00 am (English), 7:30 pm (Spanish)
(There will be no 6:30 am Mass)
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Sunday ~ January 5
Solemnity of the Epiphany
of the Lord
5:30 pm - Saturday Vigil
7:30 am, 9:00 am
11:00 am, 12:45 pm
2:15 pm (Spanish)
6:00 pm
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