You Are Invited to Read Fr. Raphael's Weekly Message
PARISH OFFICE CLOSED
The Parish Office will be closed tomorrow, December 5th and will re-open on December 8th at 8:30am.
ADVENT LESSONS & CAROLS
December 7th at 4:00pm
Join us at 4:00pm in the Church for a special service celebrating the upcoming birth of Jesus. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short scripture readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choir music.
Immediately following will be a Cookie Exchange in Stack Center. Bring a Christmas tin and 2 dozen of your favorite cookies to participate in the share and “exchange”. Cookies are not required to attend the program. Everyone's welcome!
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS
We invite you to remember family members and friends through a Flower Offering which will help us to purchase plants and other decorations we need to beautify our sanctuary. You may list the names of loved ones you wish to remember or memorialize by using the special flower envelopes or by submitting the name to the Parish Office. A list of names will be available after Christmas. Thank you for considering this thoughtful and helpful way to remember those you love.
HOW YOU CAN HELP THOSE IN NEED
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL COAT & BLANKET DRIVE
Until December 31st
St. Vincent de Paul continues to collect coats (men’s, women’s and children’s - new and gently used) and blankets. We appreciate the amazing response from our parishioners! However, we are only accepting coats & blankets, no other items please. You will find collection barrels at the Somerset and parking lot sides of the church, along with one in the Parish Office.
May God bless you for your continued generosity!
Do you know someone that could use help for the holidays? Please have them call the SVdP help line at 510-707-8988. From our Conference to you and your family—Merry Christmas!
FESCO ADOPT-A-FAMILY
Don't miss this opportunity to assist those in our community this holiday season! There are still ornaments are on the trees located at the back of the church. When you take an ornament, be sure to write your name and phone number on one half—tear it off and place it in the basket. The portion you keep will list a first name, age and gift idea for a FESCO client. Please return your wrapped gifts or gift cards to the Parish Office by this Monday, December 8th. If you have any questions, please contact the OLG FESCO representative, Chris Ippolito at christineippolito@comcast.net or call 510-343-4876.
POST-ACUTE PATIENTS IN NEED OF DONATIONS
St. Vincent de Paul and OLG Faith Formation are requesting donations of new toiletries, hats, scarves, socks, slippers, and pajamas to be given as gifts this Christmas to residents of a post-acute healthcare facility in Castro Valley. Donation bins are at the Somerset side of the church, the Parish Office, and Stack Center. Thank you all for your support and kindness!
COFFEE & DONUTS
December 7th
Come join us after the 9:00am Sunday Mass at the Gathering Area for coffee, donuts and community. We thank the Knights, Columbiettes & Confirmation students for this ministry of hospitality. See you there!
ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE
December 16th
Join us as we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of our Lord Jesus as a community of Christ. Both of our parishes are invited to attend this service at Our Lady of Grace at 7:00pm.
Rediscover the Meaning of Advent with Rooted on FORMED
In just 7 minutes a day, you can experience peace and spiritual growth with Rooted: Rediscover the Jesse Tree. Dive into Scripture, reflect on Christ’s ancestors, and prepare your heart for Christmas. Don’t miss this chance to bring the true spirit of Advent into your life!
If you don’t have a Formed account yet, register by clicking below. Type in “Our Lady of Grace, Castro Valley CA” to become a member for FREE.
Para leer el boletín en español haga clic aquí:
1st FRIDAY EXPOSITION & BENEDICTION
December 5th
All are invited to join us after the 8:15am Mass for Exposition and Benediction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
GET WELL WISHES FOR
FR. RAPHAEL
If you would like to give a get-well card for Fr. Raphael, please bring it to the Parish Office or place it in the mail slot. We will make sure Fr. Raphael gets them. Thank you all for your continued prayers.
ELECTRONIC GIVING
For your convenience and to support faithful weekly giving, Our Lady of Grace Parish offers you the opportunity to contribute to the Church using your credit card as well as automatic payments from your checking or savings account. You control the frequency of your giving and you may print reports at any time. These options are safe, secure and convenient. You can easily access and set up your giving choice here on our website through Online Giving.
TEXT TO GIVE
We now offer Text to Give--text the dollar amount you would like to give to 510-513-4597. For example, if you wanted to donate $45, you would text 45 to 510-513-4597. When you use text to give for the first time, you will need to set up an account with your phone number.
BEWARE OF EMAIL & TEXT SCAMS
PHISHING is an attack that attempts to steal your money, or your identity, by getting you to reveal personal information--such as credit card numbers, bank information, or passwords. Cybercriminals typically pretend to be reputable companies, friends, or acquaintances in a fake message, which contains a link to a phishing website.
OLG would NEVER solicit funds through any electronic means. If you do receive one of these texts or emails and are unsure, DO NOT OPEN IT and report these to Jay at 510-537-0806. God Bless and be safe!
Scan the QR code to make a donation in support of our Church.
Thank you for your generosity!
