As the Church prepares to celebrate Christ’s birth, our partner parishes will offer the Sacrament of Anointing. If you, or someone you care about is sick, dealing with the problems that come with aging, facing surgery, or struggling with a mental or emotional problem, please come and share in the Lord’s healing and strength.

"Jesus calls us to conversion. This call is an essential part of the proclamation of the Kingdom: The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the Gospel... Jesus' call to conversion and penance, like the prophets before Him, does not aim at outward signs, but a conversion of heart [nos. 1427, 1430 Catechism of the Catholic Church.]" The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance, was instituted by Christ for the forgiveness of sins, returning us to the state of grace necessary for reception of the Eucharist, the Body of Christ. In anticipation of Christmas, this sacrament will be celebrated in churches throughout our region during the Advent season. We invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to experience God's love and forgiveness in this sacrament of healing.

Christmas is one of the most important days of the Church year, second only to Easter itself. Celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is the culmination of the mystery of the incarnation, the feast of God becoming flesh (the Latin "in carne" means "enfleshment"). It is a uniquely Christian teaching, the Divine choosing to become one of us. Because of this belief, God is not only Transcendent, but also wholly Immanent, Emmanuel (God-with-us). While remaining Transcendent (meaning we must rise above our present condition to reach Him), He is at the same time Immanent (meaning He is with us as we rise toward Him). Every Eucharist is like Christmas where the bread and wine are transformed into His flesh, His Body and Blood, and, in a sense, He is born anew on the altar. The liturgical season of Christmas begins with the vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. During this season, we celebrate the birth of Christ into our world and into our hearts and reflect on the gift of salvation that is born with Him, including the fact that He was born to die for us. We invite you to join us for Mass as we celebrate the Birth of Christ.

Toddlers through 5th grade children in our partner parishes are invited to this event in the social hall of Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish on Sunday, December 7, beginning at 2 p.m.  The event will include a visit, photo and sing-along with Santa, games, crafts, snacks and more!  The cost per child is $5 for registered parishioners and $10 for guests.  Sign-ups are necessary through the parish office by Monday, December 1.

All young adults of Our Lady, Queen of Peace and Saint James Parishes, as well as their friends, are invited to this program at Allusion Brewing Co., 143 Grant Avenue, Vandergrift, on Wednesday, December 10, from 7 to 8 p.m. The speaker is Brother Bosco Hough, O.S.B., and the topic is “Stability in the Lives of Young Adults.” The format is a 20-minute presentation, 20-minute socializing, and 20-minute question/answer period. All participants are responsible for their own beverages.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace and Saint James Parishes are sponsoring this trip on Wednesday, January 14.  Everyone is welcome to join the group.  The motor coach will depart from the Saint James Church parking lot, 109 Owens View Avenue, Apollo, at 9 a.m.  We will be at the casino for 5 hours.  The cost is $30 per person which includes $20 in free play.  All participants will need a state-issued photo ID to receive the free play.  To sign-up contact the parish office at (724) 478-4958.

December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary — a Holy Day of Obligation. The Immaculate Conception celebrates the dogma of our Catholic Faith that Mary was sinless from the very moment of her conception in the womb of her mother, Anne. This privilege was granted to Mary because of her mission to be the Mother of our Savior, in order to make her a worthy dwelling for Him. Our Lady, under the title of The Immaculate Conception, is the patroness of the United States. Holy Day Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 8, in Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church at 12 p.m.; and in Saint James Church at 6:30 p.m.

Children and adults are welcome to help decorate our parish Christmas tree. We already have hundreds of ornaments, but we will need many hands. Please consider joining us for this enjoyable gathering

Toddlers through 5th grade children in the partner parishes of Our Lady, Queen of Peace and Saint James are invited to this event in the activities center of Saint James Parish on Sunday, January 18, at 2 p.m. All participants are asked to wear black and gold, or their favorite Pirates, Steelers or Penguins jersey. The event will include a visit with the Pirate Parrot, as well as Pirates, Steelers and Penguins related games, crafts and snacks. The cost per child is $5 for registered parishioners and $10 for guests. Sign-ups are necessary through the parish office by Monday, January 12.