On Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, children of the parish gathered with their parents, grandparents and friends to enjoy the annual Breakfast with Santa. All were treated to a hearty breakfast that included scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee and more. And, of course, the children were excited with the arrival of Santa and each given a present. Here are some images from the event.
The East Side Advent Penance Service takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament. Several priests from the area will be present. Take this opportunity to receive the Sacrament before Christmas. Also, Father Jim will be available for confessions from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the church.
Congratulations to the following young parishioners who received God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of First Reconciliation: Patrick Michael Barres, Jayden Anthony Dimeo, Eanna Assunta Durso, Joseph Allan Eddy, Giulia Maria Fanelli, Isabella Marie Graziadei, Brook Lynn Gulla, Anthony Michael Kernan, Gianna Rose Lopiccolo, Angelo Joseph Mosca, Giulianna D’Amore Nole, Giulia Ann Parise, Ava Marie Post, Andrew Vincent Scalise, Gabriel Tavarez, Robert Paul Willson, Matthew Donald Witte, Shwe Zin and Augustino Do.
The Parish Nurse Ministry would like to welcome Mele Manufacturing Co., whose employees will join us to make our blood drives even more successful. The next blood drive is from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, in the gym. Xerox employees still are signing up and we always welcome walk-ins.
The parish choir will present its annual concert Sunday, Jan. 5, to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. Stay tuned for more details.
Congratulations to Dennis and Helen Toczala who received the Immaculata Award for 2013 on Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse. This award is bestowed by the bishop to honor lay people who generously give of themselves to parishes and the community of our diocese.
During the first two weeks of Advent, we will have a Giving Tree on the side altar. On it will be ornaments with the names of children from Thea Bowman House, Kids Oneida and The House of the Good Shepherd.
Children in pre-K through sixth grade are invited to participate in our annual Christmas Pageant that takes place during the 4 p.m. vigil Mass on Christmas Eve. Rehearsals will take place in church from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and 21 and the dress rehearsal will be after the 10:30 a.m. Mass Sunday, Dec. 22. A youth choir will sing during the vigil Mass.