You are here
News
Pre-registration for Christmas liturgies opens tomorrow
Advent and Christmas at Home 2020
Resources, ideas, and tools to help you celebrate at home.
Art That Surrounds Us: Our Lady of Guadalupe vestment
In our weekly video series "Art That Surrounds Us," Johan van Parys, Ph.D., our Director of Liturgy and Sacred Arts, shares information about a piece from The Basilica of Saint Mary's art collection. Johan tells us about the Our Lady of Guadalupe vestment made by Santa Fe, NM, textile artist Phyllis Lehmberg. During our 30+ year working relationship with her, we've proudly acquired a vast collection of Lehmberg's silk vestments and liturigical paraments.
Archbishop Bernard Hebda thanks Catholics for their faithfulness during the pandemic and for continuing to wear masks, social distance and do all they can to minimize the spread of COVID-19. The Archbishop also announces that he has asked parishes to pause or move to the virtual realm, all non-essential gatherings, meetings and events between now and Christmas.
Basilica Community,
I hope this message finds you and your family continuing to stay well during these very challenging times.
Today, I would like to bring three things to your attention. First, I’d like to invite you to join us either in-person or via livestream for Mass on Thanksgiving Day at 10:30am. Certainly the past several months have been very challenging for us individually, as a community, and as a nation. In the midst of these challenges, though, there is still much for which we have to be grateful. If you would like to attend this Mass in person you will need to pre-register. You can do this online or by calling Melissa Streit at the parish office.
Second, beginning the first week in December, you will have the opportunity to submit your preferences for the pre-registration system if you want to attend Mass in-person during the Christmas season. At this point, barring any unforeseen issues or circumstances, we anticipate having our usual schedule of Masses for Christmas and the weekend after.
The pre-registration system for Mass during the Christmas season will be available for you to preview and plan next week. However, you won’t be able to sign-up until the first week of December. We also plan on livestreaming several of our Masses during the Christmas season, for those who don’t feel comfortable attending Mass in person.
Also, I want to remind people that the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days continues to be suspended. Given this, if due to age, health issues, or other concerns, please know that you don’t have to attend Mass, and that we encourage you to join us for one of livestreamed Masses.
The third thing I want to mention is that on Sunday, December 20, after the 11:30am Mass we invite you to bring the baby Jesus from your Nativity to The Basilica set to be blessed. The blessing of the Bambinelli will take place in-front of the parish office building on 17th Street. I will bless the baby Jesus from your Nativity set while you remain in your car. We will also give you a home blessing kit so that you can bless your home at the beginning of the New Year.
Finally, I want to thank all of those who have made a commitment of financial support to our Basilica Fund. Your contributions to the Annual Fund allow us to offer the many programs, services and ministries that are at the heart of our Basilica community. Your commitment of financial support, no matter how small or how large, enables us to continue to do those things that fulfill our vision here at The Basilica.
Finally, as always, if you have questions or concerns about anything that is happening at The Basilica, please contact me at the parish office or send me an email. My contact information is available on our parish website.
Loving God,
Help us
to focus on what we have
not on what is removed or changed.
Strengthen us
when we feel discouraged
or overwhelmed.
Embrace us
so that us we know your loving presence
within us and among us.
Walk with us
as we bring your love,
and carry your light,
into our world.
Amen.
Upcoming Events
November 22, 3:00pm
Join us online or in-person. Pre-registration is required.
Zoom: The Science of Hope
December 3, 5:30pm
The Annual Advent Blessing and Presentation will occur virtually this year and will address that we are living through a stressful, chaotic time. Join Fr. Bauer for the blessing, followed by the presentation by Dr. Henry Emmons. Registration required. Free of charge.
News and Resources
In our weekly video series "Art That Surrounds Us," Johan van Parys, Ph.D., our Director of Liturgy and Sacred Arts, shares information about a piece from The Basilica of Saint Mary's art collection. In honor of the Feast of Christ the King on November 22, Johan discusses the Christ the King stained glass window in our sacristy and tells us the background of this newer Feast, established by Pope Pius XI in 1925.
We recently asked our Basilica staff to elaborate on how their ministries have had to adapt, adjust, and pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Your gift to The Basilica continues to empower our mission. Please consider making a gift to The Basilica Fund at www.mary.org/give.