SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

This year December 8, 2024 falls on Sunday. This day is to be celebrated as the Second Sunday of Advent.  The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is transferred to Monday, December 9, 2024, a Holy Day of Obligation.  Mass on December 9 will be at 12:15 and 6:00pm.

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BLESSING OF THE BAMBINELLI

This Advent, we will continue with the beautiful tradition of the Blessing of the Bambinelli (the baby Jesus statues).  This blessing will take place at all the Masses next weekend, December 14 & 15. Gaudete Sunday (the 3rd Sunday of Advent).   Please bring the baby Jesus figurine from your family nativity scene to Mass.  At the time of the blessing, Father will ask everyone to lift up their statue for the blessing.  This is a wonderful opportunity for us to share in the one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in all our homes during the coming season of Christmas.  May God continue to pour forth the blessing of his Son into our hearts & homes this Christmas.  We are also asking that we extend the care for the baby Jesus by bringing donations of diapers, formula and other infant needs to Mass next weekend.  They may be placed in the blue bins at the doors of the church or in the Sacred Heart Chapel (the bell tower).  The items will be distributed through Catholic Charities and other agencies to those in need.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

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ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE

The penitential aspect of Advent urges us to recognize oneself as being a sinner, and therefore take the first essential step in returning to God. During this Advent Season as we look forward to celebrating the mystery of Christ’s incarnation, let us pray that when he comes again, Christ may find us awake and ready to receive him. Our parish Advent Reconciliation Service will be celebrated on Monday, December 16 at 7:00pm in the Church.  Please join fellow parishioners as we prepare for the birth of Christ.

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YOUNG AT HEART

Due to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 9, Young at Heart will not meet in December.  Our next Young at Heart will meet on Monday, January 13 with Mass at 11:30 and lunch and a presentation to follow.

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CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

A reminder to please fill out your Christmas flower envelope with the names of loved ones to be prayed for during the Christmas season.  A listing of all names in memoriam will appear in the bulletin on December 29, The Feast of the Holy Family.

In order to have names listed in the bulletin (and posted on our parish website as well), we must receive the envelopes by Friday, December 16. Again, thank you for your kindness.  May God bless us all with joyful hearts and loving remembrance during this coming Christmas Season.

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TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT FOR FATHER LAVELLE

Bishop Bonnar has asked that I assume the temporary role of Administrator of the newly merged Saint Pope John XXIII Parish in Niles (the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Stephen Parishes).  This is in addition to my responsibilities as Pastor of Saint Michael Parish, Canfield; Vicar for Missionary Discipleship; Diocesan Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship; and Diocesan Director of the Office of Communications.  Father Bala Marneni will assist in the sacramental ministry of the parish while I will attend to the administration of the parish, along with an occasional weekend (possibly monthly).  Thank you for your understanding during this time.  It should be no great disruption to our schedule or activities here at Saint Michael​​.​

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Ongoing Events

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RECITATION OF THE ROSARY

​​A group gathers in the pews near the Holy Family Statues for an oral recitation of the rosary the 1st Saturday of the month at 3:15pm.  Please call Mary Ann Camardo (330-286-3432) for more information.​​

 

​Please join us on Tuesday mornings (unless there is a funeral) at 11:00am in the church to say the Patriotic Rosary. For more information call Kate Pavlich (330-533-2432). Read more HERE.

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FITNESS FUN is a safe one-hour total body exercise workout, which includes a warm-up, weight training, body conditioning and toning exercises, both standing and on the floor, low impact aerobics, and a cool down.   All exercises are choreographed to Christian and popular music of the present and the past.  The class meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am to 10:00am in the lower level of the Parish Hall.  Interested persons may join anytime. 

Please wear comfortable clothes, proper shoes, and bring a mat for floor work.

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OPEN GYM FOR WALKING

The Family Life Center Gymnasium is now open four days a week: Monday through Thursday, from 9:30am to 11:30am.  Parishioners are invited to come and walk for healthy exercise and companionship. Walkers are requested to stop in the open meeting room across from the restrooms to store their coats and change from outdoor boots and shoes to indoor athletic or walking shoes—required to protect the FLC floor. Now there is no need to go to the mall to exercise.  This is a great opportunity right here at home to walk your way to a healthy lifestyle. Please enter through the side door.