What is Embrace Grace?
St. Mary’s is launching a new ministry/small group called Embrace Grace. This group provides emotional, practical, and spiritual support for single, young pregnant women who find themselves in an unexpected pregnancy. The primary goal of Embrace Grace is to empower the church to be a safe and nonjudgmental place for these young women to run to when they find out they are pregnant, instead of the last place they are welcomed because of shame and guilt. It is a 12-week program that teaches them about God's love and grace.
More information to follow in the coming weeks!

Making Life Disciples is coming to St. Mary’s beginning in January 2020!
This interactive training consists of six sessions that better equip church members to champion compassion, extend hope and offer help to men and women making unplanned pregnancy decisions and to those who have experienced abortion.
Those who participate in the training will lead the way in creating a safe place for the wounded to heal and the fearful to rise up. Ultimately, through this training, we will be more equipped to openly communicate the Gospel story, model the love of Jesus and remind those hurting of His redemptive work. Making Life Disciples provides us with practical tools of communication and truth with grace to engage, encourage and help others as they journey forward toward building a meaningful, Christ centered community so that they might experience the abundant life Jesus offers to us all. The focus of material is first response to unplanned pregnancy, however, the content is easily applicable to many areas of spiritual struggle and for anyone interested in Life ministry.
Training will be on Tuesday evenings @ 6:30 beginning on January 7.
*Making Life Disciples is a training curriculum for those interested preparing for
Embrace Grace coming in March 2020.
For more information or to register for the January training, contact Gail Lahr; larussell1@yahoo.com, 616-847-0149.

Reconciliation Available:
Wednesday’s from 7:30 - 8:00 a.m.
Wednesday’s from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m
Saturday’s 3:00 - 4:10p.m. (through December 21)**
 
Advent Penance Service
Sunday, December 8 @ 3 p.m.
 
There will be music for the season
starting at 9:30 p.m. on
Christmas Eve
 
 Tuesday, December 24
Christmas Eve Masses
4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
 Wednesday, December 25
Christmas Day Mass
10:00 a.m.
 
Tuesday , December 31
New Year’s Eve Vigil Mass
4:30 p.m.
 Wednesday, January 1
New Years Day Mass
9:00 a.m.
 

Christmas Food Drive Next Weekend – December 7 & 8. Gift Food Boxes will be given to families in need. We are planning on 100 plus. Please refer to the insert in last week’s bulletin. If you missed it, you will find copies at the Church entrances. We realize that holidays are close together. The gift food baskets will be distributed on December 18 & 19. Thank you for your support and understanding.

If you're a parishioner who is in need of a holiday gift basket please call Dorothy @616-842-2602. Names will be accepted through Friday, December 13.

Volunteers are need to sort donated items following all the Masses December 7 & 8. If you are able to help please call Dorothy @616-842-2602.

Donated hams would be appreciated. Between 6 to 9 pounds is best, and not frozen. Please don't cut the hams in half. If you can donate one please call Dorothy at her Office at 842-2602 by Friday, December 14 All hams must be received by Wednesday, December 18. They may be placed in one of the two refrigerators: Pantry or Center Kitchen.