Gaudate Sunday 
As we have been preparing for the coming of Jesus, we have been lighting a candle on our Advent wreath each weekend. The third candle marks Gaudete Sunday. We will light the rose-colored candle, and the priests will wear rose-colored vestments.

One of the new traditions we are starting this year is the blessing of the Christ Child figure. This tradition helps us prepare for Jesus’ coming by bringing our Christ Child figures from our creches to Mass and having them blessed by the priest. This tradition brings sanctification to the home with the arrival of the baby Jesus. What a beautiful and joyful moment to bring the blessed figure of the baby and lay it in the manger.

Amen? Amen!
Fr. Jamie

Pastor's Ramblings
DEDICATION OF ALTAR: One of the projects going on at St. Cecilia is the sanctuary restoration project. Not only are the floors being restored but a new altar was built. The main body of the altar was made out of reclaimed communion rail that came from old St. Michael‘s Church in Price Hill. The cost of this new altar was completely covered by a very generous gift to the parish earmarked for this project. To use a new altar, it must first be dedicated by a bishop. Dedication of the altar was done by Archbishop Schnurr at 10 AM Mass on Dec. 9.

ST. CECILIA MOMS GROUP: The moms had a kid-free evening of crafting with Grapevine Crafting. They enjoyed the time for fellowship and went home with homemade crafts.

REGIONAL MISSION INSPIRES: We were lucky to have had with us Fr. Tony Stephens and our own Msgr. Frank Lane for the Advent mission. Fr. Tony, a religious priest from the Fathers of Mercy, is the vice-rector of Mount St. Mary Seminary in Mt. Washington.

DIVINE MERCY ADVENT FAIR AND COLLECTION: Divine Mercy Homeschool Co-op, one of the tenants in SMSJ’s school building, had a very successful Advent Fair on Dec. 3. There were vendors with many homemade items—four of whom were students! Also, Divine Mercy Homeschool Co-op collected and donated over $8,000 toward replacing SMSJ’s boiler. Many thanks to all of you. We are so grateful for your generosity.

WELCOME, CHILDREN OF GOD: Welcome to Aiden Mark, son of David and Nicole Winterhalter, and Emme Louise, daughter of Kyle and Michelle Stechschulte. Please keep these little ones in your prayers.