Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church

Here is the Kids' Bulletin for the First Sunday of Advent.   Jesus is telling us to be prepared for His Second Coming.  Please print it and share with your children and grandchildren.  

Find out how much Jesus loves us when we go to Mass and receive the Eucharist in this inspiring video!         

We, the people of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Plainville, Connecticut are committed to journey together as a community of faith, hope, and love within the Catholic tradition.  We are called to witness to the presence of Jesus Christ in our lives through sharing and celebration of faith and a life of Christian Service.

Dear Padre,

My neighbor is a fundamentalist Christian. He said I won't be "saved" unless I accept Jesus as my personal savior.  Didn't Jesus become my savior when I was baptized?

Your neighbor is probably referring to John 3:7, when Jesus told Nicodemus, "You must be born anew."  Jesus is talking about a spiritual rebirth; we must have a spiritual birth in order to be saved.

As you have correctly noted, Catholics believe this happens at baptism. In John 3:5, Jesus says, "No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit."

We are saved by the waters of baptism. But for Catholics, it's not merely a one-time event.  We continue to accept or reject the salvation offered us by the decisions we make every day.

Your neighbor used the words "personal savior."  Catholic Christians go even deeper through the sacraments.  We develop and nurture a very personal relationship with Jesus by regularly receiving the Eucharist.  In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we admit we have sinned and ask Jesus to forgive us.  And in the Sacrament of Confirmation, our relationship is "sealed" with the gifts of the Spirit.  

Many Catholics also celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage. The couple's personal relationship with Jesus is deepened through the love the couple shares.

So tell your neighbor you are indeed saved by Jesus.  And because you are saved, you deepen that relationship with Jesus by living a sacramental life.

Fr. Patrick Keyes, CSSR

Christmas Countdown                        This time of the year seems to fly by, doesn't it? So much to do, so little time! But, wouldn't it be nice to just stop for an hour or so to breathe? This is your chance! Saturday, Dec. 10th, we are offering an Intergenerational Advent Program. 
Intergenerational: All ages, all together. Well, partially. We will gather as a large group for a welcome/intro and then breakout into more age-appropriate groupings.
Advent: A season in the Church that leads up to Christmas; a time to step back from the hustle and bustle and think about the Gift we are about to receive at Christmas. The Gift of Jesus... Savior, Lord, Prince of Peace, Comforter. Can you think of a better gift? (Sure beats socks and toys! This is an eternal gift!)
Program: Activity stations for households with young children; a game, meditation activity, and reflection for teens and adults. Something for everyone.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 10^th, Time: 6:30- 8pm.
Place: OLM Parish Center
Cost of the evening is $6 per household. Registration information and form was inserted in the bulletin last weekend.  If you need a registration form, please visit the Parish Office to pick one up.  You may also register via online portal with this QR code. Deadline for registration is Dec. 1.
See Sue Dziura or call the Parish Office at 860.747.6825 for more information.
Come away and rest awhile. 
 

Do you want to deepen your faith?  Looking for an answer to suffering?  He who rose from death wants to reach you, to give purpose and happiness to your life.  Come and listen! A catechesis for Adults & Youth will be offered at Our Lady of Mercy Parish.  Talks will be given on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 to 8pm in the Parish Center until December 9th.  Come listen so you can experience that God loves you as you are, and you can announce this good news to those you love.  Everyone 13 years and older is invited.  For more information, call David Rak at 1.309.232.9175.     
 Free babysitting provided.     

It is Optional if you would like to wear a mask to Mass.  Thanks.
Weekend Masses                                    Saturday Vigil - 4:00PM 
Sunday -  8:30 & 10:30AM, Liturgy of the Word for Children is celebrated at the 10:30am Mass.

Weekday Masses                                  M, T,Th, F & S - 8:00AM
The Rosary is prayed at 7:30 AM before Mass.
                 
Confession is celebrated at Noon on Saturdays.
For an Examination of Conscience go here.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is celebrated every Friday morning 8:30am with Benediction at 9:25am.

The Office is Located at:
19 South Canal St., Plainville, CT 06062
9:00AM - 4:00PM,                    Monday - Friday
Phone:  860.747.6825
Fax:  860.747.5407
Email: olmct@sbcglobal.net