Advent & Christmas at St. James Wabash
Join us for a season filled with prayer, community, and joyful celebration.
Advent begins our Church calendar year and celebrates the three COMINGS of Christ:(1) Jesus, as he came to us in human flesh over 2000 years ago; (2) Jesus, as he will come to us as the Lord of Glory in the fullness of time; and (3) Jesus, as we encounter him daily in Word, Sacrament, the sacred Assembly and in each other.
The first coming will be emphasized in Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy and in his birth in Bethlehem.
The second coming is focused in the eschatological judgment readings of early Advent,especially the Gospel.
The third is drawn out in the dynamic living of the consequences of the Word made flesh, embossed in the second readings, the letters of the Apostles.
Advent is a time of anticipation, expectation, preparation, marked by a permeating sense of JOY. It is the joy of expecting a child, anticipating the coming of something that will change our lives forever. In a short time, God can change any situation and make everything different! A baby means that life will never be the same again! Just as a family readies a place for a new baby, so we ready a place to receive our Infant Savior.
As Catholics we have to work hard to preserve the spirit of Advent. Society skips over the Advent themes of waiting and expectation and hope and pushes us into celebrating Christmas too quickly. Isaiah says that we are a people walking in darkness and we must own the darkness first. We acknowledge our need for a new way of being, for a new light on our path Then the coming of salvation which is the theme of Christmas will bring us the joy of that season of the Church.
Father John Edmunds
Tree Trimming Party
Saturday, December 6, 2025
6:00–9:00 PM • Rectory
Join us for our annual Tree Trimming Party as we decorate the parish Christmas tree, enjoy fellowship, and kick off the Advent season together.
This year’s gathering will be potluck style, so we invite you to bring a dish to share.
Drinks will be provided.
Come enjoy caroling, community, and the warmth of the season.
RSVP: Mary Ann Feliciano — faithformation@stjameswabash.org
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Monday, December 8, 2025 • Mass at 6:30 PM
On this holy day, we honor Mary, our Mother. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception celebrates Mary’s conception without sin.
Although this feast takes place during Advent, it commemorates Mary’s own beginning in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. Join us as we celebrate this profound mystery of our faith. Mass will also be streamed on Zoom.
Taizé Prayer Service
Tuesday, December 10, 2025 • 7:00 PM • St. James Church
Experience an evening of peaceful, contemplative prayer.
Rooted in the tradition of the Taizé community in France, this service blends simple chant-like songs, Scripture, and silent reflection in a candlelit setting.
Open to Christians of all denominations, Taizé prayer offers a quiet moment of unity and encounter with God.
Contact: Sr. Jessi Beck — jessipbvm@gmail.com
Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Saturday, December 13, 2025 • 5:00–8:00 PM • Church & Parish Hall
Join us as we honor Our Lady of Guadalupe with a joyful evening for the entire community.
The celebration includes:
• A short production about Our Lady of Guadalupe
• Songs and a children’s procession
• Prayer and reflection
• Community gathering with food, potluck dishes, and activities for all ages
The church will provide some food, but we warmly invite everyone to contribute a dish.
A sign-up sheet will be available after Mass for those who would like to participate.
If you would like to donate candy or assist with the event, please contact Gisela.
Contact: gquinones@stjameswabash.org
Ordinary Men of God — Men’s Brunch
Sunday, December 14, 2025
11:00 AM • Rectory
All men of the parish are invited to gather in fellowship after the 9:30 AM Mass. Join men from all walks of life and faith for conversation, food, and community.
RSVP: https://forms.gle/VZcsMahBoTst57M87
Advent Day of Reflection
Saturday, December 20, 2025
9:30 AM–3:30 PM
Our annual Advent Day of Reflection is a beautiful way to pause and enter more deeply into the season. As many of us focus on giving gifts—an expression of love and care—this day invites us to reflect on the deeper graces Advent brings.
Share in a day of community, prayer, and preparation for the season of hope and light.
Free-will offering
RSVP: https://forms.gle/3CwPTeynFy62NDu8A
Christmas Eve Mass
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 • 6:30 PM
Mass will also be streamed on Zoom.
Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus on this holy night. Mass will also be streamed on Zoom.
Christmas Day Mass
Thursday, December 25, 2025 • 9:30 AM
Gather with our community on Christmas morning as we rejoice in the Nativity of the Lord. You can also watch Christmas Day mass on Zoom.
