Wednesday, December 5, 2001
|
Wednesday, December 5, 2001 |
|
St. Gabriel's prepares for Christmas with full slate of activities The Catholic Church of Saint Gabriel in Fayetteville has an activity-filled month as its members prepare for the birth of Christ on Christmas. Beginning with Advent, which began last Sunday, community services will be held through Dec. 23 and candles on the traditional Advent wreath will be lighted by a different family each week. The parish Advent penance service will be held Monday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m., followed by private confessions. Many priests from around the Archdiocese will be present for this special service. Confessions are regularly heard each Saturday from 4-5 p.m. and by appointment. The children will have an opportunity to visit with Santa Saturday, Dec. 15, from 9-11 a.m. when they join him for breakfast. The ladies auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus will sponsor the event. Tickets are $3 for individuals or $10 per family. The breakfast and picture-taking will be in the parish multipurpose building. The teens of St. Gabriel's will shop for a needy family Sunday, Dec. 9, as part of their Advent service project. Youth Minister Jennifer Hazelton heads up this event. The St. Gabriel Preschool three- and four-year-olds will have a Christmas show on Wednesday, Dec. 19, at 11 a.m. "This is always a highlight of the holidays," a spokesperson said, "and concludes with a variety of holiday treats." The main focus of Christmas, however, is the celebration of the birth of Christ and the Eucharist. For this, a full schedule of Masses will take place on both Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Christmas Eve will begin with a Mass at 8 p.m. featuring music by Gabriel's Voice, directed by Amy Metzger. Solemn Midnight Mass will feature the full adult choir. Mass will be celebrated Christmas morning at 10:30 a.m. All Masses will begin with carol singing 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the service. Those planning to attend are encouraged to arrive early since seating is limited. The Catholic Church of St. Gabriel is at 152 Antioch Rd., just south of the intersection of Antioch and Ga. Hwy. 92 South. For more information, call the parish office, 770-461-0492. |
