St. Boniface Catholic Church
By, Sue Beams

On the Second Sunday of Advent the congregation of St. Boniface celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Kay Chavez read the story of the Blessed Virgin appealing to Juan Diego, an Indian peasant, to request that the Bishop build a church in her honor.

Juan Diego met with many setbacks. The Virgin Mary provided Juan Diego with tilma full of fresh, fragrant roses (which were definitely out of season in early December!) to present the Bishop. An image of La Virgen was revealed on the tilma. Many were converted to Christianity, due to the apparition. As the story read, Aaron De La Garza reenacted Juan Diego’s journey and opened his tilma to reveal the image of La Virgen. The church was decorated beautifully with dozens of fresh roses.

Through the readings, members of St. Boniface were reminded of the call from John the Baptist to repent. What is sin? It is an offense against the truth, justice and right conscience. It damages our relationship with God and our fellow man.

As Catholics we are called upon to keep the right conscience. Pope Pius XII stated that “the greatest sin of the 20th Century is the loss of the sense of sin.” Advent is a time for reflection. Humble yourself before the Lord, prepare yourself for the coming of Jesus Christ.

Following Mass, parishioners enjoyed a pot luck lunch. The annual parish Christmas party was a success. An Advent Reconciliation service will be held on Friday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. Holy Mass will be offered at 6:00 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to prepare ourselves for Christmas.

There will be donation envelopes for anyone interested in purchasing a poinsettia to decorate the altar. The envelopes are in the community center and can be placed in the collection basket or given to Father James or Barb Hampton. For additional information, call the church office.

It is not too late to purchase items from the Youth for Advent. Calendars, wreaths and candles are available. There are many in need in our community. Holiday Baskets are provided for those families in need. Please contact Evelyn Schroeder for information on how you can be a part of this community project.

St. Boniface also has families in need. There are collection boxes for food in the community center. Please take this opportunity to share your good fortune with those who are in need this Christmas season.

Tamales will be sold December 16-17, after Mass. There is a sign-up sheet in the community center for your order, the cost will be $7.00 per dozen. We will need help on Saturday, December 16 from 9-3 p.m. Please contact Dalia Earl for more information.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to all who are celebrating

Birthdays and Anniversaries. We ask the healing touch of our Lord, Jesus Christ on those who are sick and suffering. Remember the faithful departed, may they rest in peace. Continue to pray for our men and women in the armed services; it is always difficult to be far from home. At this time of year is especially hard. Keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers. Have a wonderful week!