Weekly Update from Fr. van Dooren 12.12.25
Dear members and friends of our Little Church family,
We light the pink candle in the Advent wreath this ROSE Sunday, also called Gaudete Sunday, marking the midpoint of this penitential season. Rose-colored vestments are worn to signify rejoicing and to signal the nearness of Christmas. This tradition, rooted in relaxing fasts and symbolizing joy, is one of the most beautiful Sundays of the year. We will welcome parishioner and seminarian, Caroline Mazzocchi, as our guest preacher. Caroline is completing her third and final year of seminary at the Virginia Theological Seminary. Welcome back Caroline!
There is a good chance of some snow this Sunday, so give ample time for transportation. I will pray extra prayers, however, for snow diversion! In addition to the beauty of Rose Sunday, we are planning a special “home baked” coffee hour this Sunday with special backed goods lovingly prepared by parishioners. But with snow, we certainly understand if parishioners feel it best to attend churches in closer proximity to their homes or wish to join us via live-stream on Facebook and YouTube. We always welcome those who consider us their snow day parish.
We will conclude our holiday food drive for the Episcopal Actors Guild this Sunday! Please help us fill empty plates this season! Donations are being collected for the Actors Pantry at EAG and will be distributed to NYC actors, dancers, and singers in need. Most-needed items include canned meat, soups, pasta, rice, granola bars, nuts, beans, peanut butter, jelly, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, & soap. We also welcome holiday items like stuffing, cocoa, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Click here for more information on how to donate funds or food.
Our Christmas schedule was emailed and posted earlier this week. Please click here to read the full schedule.
We start off our Christmas celebrations with our annual Christmas Candlelight Concert next Friday, December 19 at 7:30 pm. This year’s performance will include George Frideric Handel’s Messiah, Part 1 and special holiday music, featuring by The Transfiguration Choir of Men and Boys & Girls with Period Instrument Chamber Orchestra; soloists, Audrey Fernandez-Fraser, Christine Browne-Munz, Santiago Vargas Machado, tenor,Peter Stewart, baritone, Dominick Matsko, baritone; Christopher Creaghan, organ soloist; Claudia Dumschat, conductor. Tickets are $30 for General Admission Tickets, $20 for students and seniors. Get your tickets in advance here.
At our Christmas Candlelight Concert, our choir parents will be holding a bake sale and raffle. Please make sure to stop by their table, as all proceeds will support our choirs. In addition, there are some delicious treats for pre-order. Click here to view the pre-order site. Please note all pre-orders must be submitted by Sunday, December 14 and picked up at the concert.
Each Christmas season, our church is filled with beautiful flowers and with special music for the season. Many members of our parish generously help cover the costs. If you are able and wish to contribute, please use the envelopes in the back or write "Music" or "Flowers" on your check. You can use our e-giving sites here, or you can also text 914-685-9200 with any amount and the keywords of “flowers” or "music" to give to each fund. (i.e $20 flowers or $20 music). If the gift is in memoriam, please write the name(s) legibly on the envelope, use the special instructions box online or email the parish office (parishoffice@littlechurch.org), by Sunday, December 21 in order to be included in the Christmas bulletins. Please note that the bulletins will be going to our entire email list, so please edit your names as you would prefer to see them displayed.
The Holy Rosary will be prayed in the Family chapel at 9:30am this Sunday. We will pray the joyful mysteries.
We continue to live-stream each Sunday’s mass at 11:00am, and a link is sent out each Sunday morning at 8:00am. Please email the parish office (parishoffice@littlechurch.org) if you would like to pray the morning and evening offices with us by Zoom.
Thank you for your continued faith, support, and love for the parish.
Fides Opera
With loving wishes,
Fr. van Dooren