Message from our Pastor
Pastor’s Message – Church of Saint Benedict
November 22, 2024
Memorial of St. Cecilia, Virgin & Martyr
For you anointed your Only Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, with the oil gladness as eternal Priest and King of all creation, so that, by offering himself on the altar of the Cross as a spotless sacrifice to bring us peace, he might accomplish the mysteries of him redemption and, making all created things subject to his rule, he might present to the immensity of your majesty an eternal and universal kingdom, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.
From the Preface for Mass on the Solemnity of
Memorial of St. Cecilia, Virgin & Martyr
For you anointed your Only Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, with the oil gladness as eternal Priest and King of all creation, so that, by offering himself on the altar of the Cross as a spotless sacrifice to bring us peace, he might accomplish the mysteries of him redemption and, making all created things subject to his rule, he might present to the immensity of your majesty an eternal and universal kingdom, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.
From the Preface for Mass on the Solemnity of
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Brothers and Sisters,
The coming days bring a rich blend of liturgical and cultural celebrations. This Sunday marks the end of the liturgical year with Christ the King Sunday. Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation, reveals His Kingdom not through grandeur but through the Cross and Resurrection.
This Kingdom, born of Divine Mercy, transcends borders and time, living in each disciple. Freed from sin by Christ’s Blood, we bear witness to the Gospel truth that Jesus is our Lord, Savior, and King. Our lives must reflect this Kingdom of truth, holiness, justice, love, and peace.
On Thanksgiving Day, renew bonds with family and friends while giving thanks for God’s blessings. Start the day with Mass at 9:00 AM. All are welcome.
The following Sunday, December 1, begins the Advent season and the new liturgical year. Advent calls us to prepare less for holiday cheer and more for Christ’s Nativity and the fulfillment of His Kingdom in the Second Coming.
These days invite us to embrace the life of Jesus, the Face of the Father’s Mercy, our King.
Our Parish
- Thanksgiving Food Drive: Thank you for supporting the Feed a Family Drive, led by the Peace, Justice, and Charity Committee. Bring donations to the church commons this weekend for Broken Arrow Neighbors.
- Thanksgiving Dinner for 60+: Parish youth will host a dinner for senior parishioners in McGuire Hall after tomorrow’s Vigil Mass.
- Blessings: A special blessing will be offered for November birthdays and wedding anniversaries during all Masses this weekend.
Parish Council Election Results
Congratulations to Dan O’Brien, Karen Kuba, and David Anderson, the top vote-getters in last weekend’s Parish Council election. Thank you to all candidates and voters.
Thanksgiving Schedule
- Chapel Closure: St. Scholastica Chapel closes at Noon on November 27 and reopens at 6:00 AM on December 2.
- Office Hours: Parish office closed on November 28-29.
- Mass Times: Thanksgiving Day at 9:00 AM; Friday, November 29, at 8:30 AM (no 6:30 AM Mass).
Advent By Candlelight
Women of the parish are invited to Advent by Candlelight on Saturday, December 7, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM in McGuire Hall. Diane Schwind will lead the program, which includes Scripture readings, music, reflections, and light refreshments.
Space is limited. Sign up in the church commons or contact Viviana Suarez at (918) 455-4451 ext. 223 or vivianasurez@saintben.org.
Advent & Christmas
- Registered parishioners will receive a postcard with the Advent and Christmas schedule. Contact the office to update your mailing address if needed.
- Free Magnificat Advent Companion booklets with daily reflections are available in the church commons after Mass.
- Our full Advent and Christmas schedule is here on our website.
Personal Note
On behalf of myself, Fr. Gabriel, the deacons, and the parish staff, I wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving. Safe travels to all journeying this season.
God bless,
Fr. Bryan
Fr. Bryan