Excerpt from a Reflection by Fr. Robain Lamba:
When we were baptized, we were cleansed from all our sins and were clothed in a white garment. To be clothed in the baptismal white garment is to put on Christ and be clothed in His protective love. That baptismal white garment represented the “outward sign of our Christian dignity.” (Rite of Baptism for Children, 63).
Shortly after being clothed in this white garment, we were also admonished to bring unstained our Christian dignity into the everlasting life of heaven which is our end goal in life. Baptism cleanses us from all our sins including original sin. However, it does not do away with concupiscence, our inclination to sin. Thus, it is possible for us to relapse into sin even after baptism.
The Lord foresaw this, and in His mercy, He instituted the sacrament of Reconciliation for the forgiveness of sins committed after baptism. In His appearance to His disciples after the resurrection, Jesus said to them: “Peace be with you.” And after He had said this, Jesus breathed on them the Holy Spirit saying: “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (Jn. 20:21-23) By so doing, Jesus instituted the sacrament of Reconciliation –- also known as the sacrament of Penance or Confession -— and entrusted it to His Church.
Come to the Lord as you are, with your burden and pain, with your darkest secrets and shame. The Lord will free you from your burden, and give you rest and peace. (Cf. Mt. 11:28) If it has been a while since your last Confession, remember, do not be afraid. The priest will guide you. The most important thing is that you show up, be sorry for you sins, and accept God’s forgiveness.
See the entire reflection in this week’s bulletin.
Drive-Thru Confessions
Every Saturday in St. William Parking Lot: 2:30PM – 3:30PM
Masses for This Weekend ~ Outdoors
Reservations are recommended (click here to reserve).
-
- Saturday @ 4:00 PM at St. William (Lot behind the Hall)
- Sunday @ 8:00 AM at St. Nicholas Church (Courtyard)
- Sunday @ 10:00 AM at St. William (Lot behind the Hall)
- Sunday @ 12:00 PM at St. William (Lot behind the Hall)
- Sunday @ 4:00 PM at St. William (Lot behind the Hall)
- Sunday @ 4:00 PM (French-speaking) at St. Nicholas Church (Courtyard)
We will continue to Livestream Sunday Mass at 11:00am for those at home.
Please check our homepage often for future updates.
School Festival of Lights Drive-thru
SHOW US THAT HOLIDAY SPIRIT!
Deck out your car with lights, bells, and anything that say’s “Merry Christmas” and join us for our first-ever Celtics Christmas drive-through.
December 11, 6:00-7:00pm @ St. William (enter from Covington side)
Parish Prizes awarded for: “Best Decorated Car”, “Holiday Spirit Award”, “Fruitcake Award” (funniest), and “Fr. John & Mrs. Popolizio Best in Show”.
Beautifying St. William and Helping the Environment
We are replacing the strip of lawn along El Monte on the St. William campus with colorful, drought-tolerant, low maintenance plants to conserve water, save money, and add beauty.
Several generous parishioners have provided most of the funding. Please put us over the top by sponsoring a plant. They range in price from $15 to $150. Consider the cost of coffee or lunch with a friend.
Help Our Families Give Our Children a Catholic Education
ST NICHOLAS SCHOOL ANNUAL APPEAL SUPPORTING TUITION ASSISTANCE
Please help us to reach our goal of $150,000! You my Give Online or mail a check to St. Nicholas School, 12816 El Monte Rd, Los Al.tos Hills, CA 94022, C/O The Development Office
Please contact Cheryl Caligaris at 650-941-4056 Ext 202 or ccaligaris@stnicholaslah.com for more information about St. Nicholas School.
Help Us Continue Our Mission
Now you can give online, by check, or send a text!
- Use your phone and TEXT the word GIVE to 650-200-2585 and follow the prompts.
- Donate ONLINE ~ make a one-time donation or setup a recurring gift
- Hand deliver or mail your CHECK to St. Nicholas & St. William at 473 Lincoln. Ave., Los Altos, CA 94022