December Preview

Wow! What an amazing month November turned out to be. All sorts of activities took place including inspiring speakers, saintly celebrations, music groups, community service and family activities. Hopefully, you were able to tune into some of November's excitement, but if you missed some, don't worry ... December is right around the corner.

Celebrate Advent with a number of great activities as we prepare for the Nativity of the Lord on Christmas! Read below to learn more and fill in your calendar.

"Keep Christ in Christmas" sign sale - Following Masses until Christmas
The Knights of Columbus are selling yard signs that are 24" and ready to insert into anyone's lawn. The "Keep Christ in Christmas" signs come in two special designs and are $20 each.

Advent Adoration - Each Friday in Advent beginning at 9:30 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. the following Saturday
Adoration will be available in the Day Chapel beginning around 9:30 a.m. and continuing until just before the Saturday morning Mass throughout the season of Advent. Look for signup sheets in the narthex to commit to spending a half hour or full hour with Jesus.

Advent Series with Father Roberts - Each Sunday during Advent at 9:30 a.m. and again at 6:30 p.m.
Father Roberts will be hosting a special Advent series focusing on the story of Jesus and using chapters from the popular documentary The Catholicism Project. Come watch parts from the film and join in special discussions in the Day Chapel. Attend one or all sessions before they wrap up on December 18.

Caring Center "FUN PAC" collections - December 3 through December 11
Look for collection bins in the narthex, RE building and parish hall to drop off items for the parish to create family fun packages for those in need this Christmas season. The collection is in partnership with the Caring Center and will offer family movies, snacks, activities and games to promote group activities. Read more >>

Child Care provided by Daughters of the Immaculata - Saturday, December 3, 12 to 4 p.m.
The parish's high school members of the Daughters of the Immaculata will be offering a special opportunity for parents to accomplish some holiday shopping. Bring your children to Weitzel Hall for child care and activities presented by youth members while you complete errands and other chores. Sign up your children using their online form.

Christmas Play - Rehearsals are on Sundays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18
The parish's fourth annual Christmas play will take place at the 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass. Rehearsals for the play will take place over three days during Advent to prepare children ages preschool to 6th grade. See the weekly bulletin for more information on helping or acting. You may also contact Sandra Santucci at 873-2885, ext. 109 or email worshipdirector@zionsvillecatholic.com.

St. Nicholas Family Event - Tuesday, December 6, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Join other families in Parish Hall to celebrate the feast day of St. Nicholas with stories, singing and activity stations to entertain and educate children. RSVP at ZionsvilleCatholic.com/stnick and be sure to have your child bring a shoe for special treats to be left in!

HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - Thursday, December 8
Join us for Mass on either the vigil on Wednesday, December 7 at 7:10 p.m. or on Thursday, December 8 at 9 a.m. or 7 p.m.

First Reconciliation - Saturday, December 10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Members of the parish's Religious Education program will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Join them and their families in the church.

W.I.N.G.S Family Heritage Dinner - Saturday, December 10, 7 p.m.
The W.I.N.G.S group is celebrating all family heritage with a special dinner event in Weitzel Hall. Father O'Keeffe will be a special guest speaker for the occasion. Attendees are asked to bring a dish of their family heritage to pass. Please see information in the bulletin to RSVP and save your spot.

Coffee n' Donuts with SCRIP sales - Sunday, December 11 following morning Masses
Bring your family and those sitting in the pew next to you and head over to Weitzel Hall after Mass for food and fellowship. While you're there, peruse through a list of available gift cards to purchase to help support the parish. SCRIP certificates are available to several popular places and make great gifts for Christmas.

Advent Penance Service - Thursday, December 15, 7 p.m.
Advent is the Church’s season of waiting. A time of waiting is a time to think of what has been and what will be. The Sacrament of Reconciliation gives a chance to take time out to think and to experience Christ’s presence in this sacrament.

Family Rosary & Movie Night - Friday, December 16, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
The Embrace Life Committee and Knights of Columbus are pairing up once again to bring another exciting movie night for families. Join others in Parish Hall as the evening kicks off with the Holy Rosary and then a special viewing of the film, The Star of Bethlehem. The event is free, but donations for paying film fees are appreciated.

Family Caroling - Saturday, December 17, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Another exciting family Advent outing is underway as parishioners and their friends bring cheer to friends throughout the community and in nursing homes. Join us in Weitzel Hall before the group takes off for their destinations. Following the outing, participants will gather back for warm refreshments and fellowship. RSVP using the online form at ZionsvilleCatholic.com/caroling.

HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION: Nativity of the Lord - Sunday, December 25
Merry Christmas! We made it through another wonderful Advent season and are welcomed by the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord! Join us for Mass for this special day during one of the following times:

Saturday, December 24 (vigil): 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 25: 12 a.m., 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.