A Blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas to All!
 Recently I have been having a bit of an Advent feud with a couple of students who know that I don't like to "jump the gun" on Christmas. So, of course, at every chance they get they wish me "Merry Christmas!" (This started the day after Halloween, by the way) Don't get me wrong, I'm no Grinch. I love Christmas...when it is Christmas. Until then, I like Advent. I have very fond memories from my childhood of opening the next little construction paper door on our homemade Advent calendar and of lighting the successive candles of our Advent wreath before our dinner prayers as a family. Also, frankly, I need the time to prepare spiritually for Christmas. I want to wait, in some sense, with Mary and Joseph and to contemplate just what it means that the God of the whole entire universe became a tiny child in the womb, that "the Word became flesh." I realize it is difficult not to anticipate Christmas somewhat here at the University, tied as we are to the academic schedule. But I challenge you in the weeks to come to make time and space for Advent which begins this Sunday. I think that you will find that it makes for an even more enriching experience of Christmas when it comes. Lastly, a happy Feast of St. Ambrose and a special note of congratulations to all of our winter graduates. A blessed Advent and Merry Christmas to you all! Fr. Thom |
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Feast of St. Ambrose Mass
Sunday, December 2 - 10:30 am
Join us for the First Sunday of Advent as we honor our patron saint, St. Ambrose. Bishop Zinkula will preside at the liturgy, which also features music led by a combined choir of SAU Music Minstry and Chamber Singers, as well as the presentation of the McMullen Awards. A reception will follow in the Gathering Space. All are welcome!
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Pray As You GoPrayAsYouGo is a fantastic resource for this Advent season. Listen to reflections on Scripture in 15 minutes, and carve out some time for sacred silence. You can even use it home over break! Click here to listen online, or find it on iOS and Android.
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Sacrament of ReconciliationLooking for a great practice for this season of Advent? Reconciliation is offered 45 minutes before every daily mass on campus, as well as during Monday Night Adoration. You are also invited to take part in the diocesan Communal Penance Services - Sunday, Dec 2 at 3pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral, and Monday, Dec 3 at 6:30pm at St. John Vianney Parish.
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Advent Scripture Study
Sundays following 6:30pm Mass
Dive deeper into the Scripture readings for this Advent season with your PCMs! Join us for a brief reflection on the Sunday readings following the evening mass on December 2 and 9.
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Campus Ministry Service TripsBe sure to check out all of Campus Ministry's offerings for service trips this Winter and Spring Break. Winter Break trip applications are due December 3! Click hereto register, or contact Kaitlin to learn more!
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Giving Tree for Project Renewal
Bring your gifts back by December 5!
If you took a gift tag, be sure to bring back the unwrapped care items to the Giving Tree in the Gathering Space by Wednesday, December 5, so we can get the gifts to the kids at Project Renewal. Thank you for your generosity!
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Collecting Service Hours
Help us start counting the total 2018-2019 service hours from across campus by entering service you have done this fall. Service done as part of a class, club, team, individual, or group will count, from students, faculty, and staff! Click here to fill out your hours. |
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Fill the Stockings
Until Tuesday, December 11
Your Peer Campus Ministers are collecting socks for the Clothing Center at Minnie's Maison. Donate socks and fill the big stockings in the Beehive!
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2019-2020 Peer Campus Minister Applications NOW LIVELooking for a way to "bee" a leader on campus next year? Want to help your fellow students form community and grow in their faith? Consider being a Peer Campus Minister! Click here to learn more!
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Congratulations to Winter Graduates!
A well earned congratulations to all who will be graduating from St. Ambrose on Saturday, December 15! May God continue to grant blessings on all your endeavors and in the best of our SAU tradition, may you be a blessing for the world!
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QUICK BUZZ
- Interested in learning more about joining the Catholic Church or receiving a Sacrament of Initiation? Contact Tammy to learn more.
- BeesKnees is our prayer chain for the needs of our St. Ambrose community. Email BeesKnees@sau.edu Have a prayer request, or want to join.
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