Welcome Visitors! It's that time of year when family and friends gather to celebrate our many blessings, with the biggest blessing of all being the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Not only does our parish welcome you as you celebrate Christmas with us, but we also welcome you to join us at this table as a part of our faith community. If you are interested in becoming a member of St. Thomas or St. Mary Parish, be sure to stop by the parish office, give the office a call (St. Thomas 618/783-8741; St. Mary 618/455-3155), or contact Fr. Dean (217/494-6326).
January 1 is the Solemnity of Mary as Mother of God in Jesus. It is a holy day of obligation. We begin the New Calendar Year 2020 by having 20-20 Vision to see our need to honor our Lord and God. Mary was given the title of Mother of God because of who her Son Jesus is: Both True God and True Man in one person. We honor our faith in Emanuel, God is with us in Christ.
Happy New Year! The Church begins the new Liturgical Year with the First Sunday of Advent! This year we use the Cycle A Readings from the Gospel of Matthew. The Color is the Bluish tint of Violet to distinguish from the Season of Lent with the Reddish tint of Purple. Advent Booklets and 2020 Calendars are available for pickup at each parish.
Fr. Dean
December 1, 2019
Fr. Dean
December 1, 2019
