​New Year's Eve Eucharistic Adoration 
Saturday, December 31, 9:45am - 4:45pm (join us at any time)
Lift your prayers to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in gratitude for all the blessings received in the past year and for blessings in the new year! 
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Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 
Vigil, Saturday, December 31: 5pm 
(6:30pm Spanish)
Sunday, January 1
7:30am, 9, 10:30, 12noon and 6:30pm
(2pm Spanish)

Please note:

• We are back to our regular Sunday Mass schedule
• No Religious Education Classes this week: January 1 - 5

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Holiday Office Hours
Click HERE for details
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Epiphany Crèche Exhibit 
Saturday, January 7 - Sunday, January 8
Stop by Creedon Hall after Mass on Epiphany Weekend to see this one-of-a-kind display! To display your Nativity Scene or to help with the event, contact: Lynn Thompson, lynn@gs-cc.org
 
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End-of-Year Giving with Faith Direct
It isn’t too late for a year-end gift! 

• If you have a Faith Direct account: Click Here to log in to your account. Once logged in to your account, in the Upcoming Gifts section, click on the One-Time Gift button to make your one-time payment. Real time credit/debit card payments processed online until midnight on December 31st will be credited as a 2016 donation.
• If you don't have an account: make a One-Time Gift Donation to Good Shepherd Catholic Church HERE  

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"Loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves."
 

Decorate the Church for Christmas! 
Friday, December 23, 10am to Noon 
Many hands make light work! Teens are welcome!
 
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Join us for Las Posadas
December 22 and 23, 6:30pm 
Family-friendly activity portrays Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. (Bilingual)
 
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Join us for Christmas Mass!  
Christmas Eve, December 24: *4pm, 6pm, 8pm, 10pm 
12am, (Spanish)

*4pm Mass held in the church and in Creedon Hall.
Overflow parking available at nearby Mount Vernon High School
with FREE limo/shuttle service from the parking lot to the front door of the church.

*Christmas Day, December, 25: 9am y 10:30am
2pm (Spanish)
* Not our Sunday regular schedule.
  No Religious Education Classes this week: December 25 - 29.
 
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Holiday Office Hours
Thursday - Friday, December 22 - 23  9am - 6pm
Saturday - Monday, December 24 - 26 CLOSED
Tuesday - Friday, December 27 - 30 9am - 6pm
Saturday, December 31 - Monday, January 2 CLOSED
 
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Pilgrimage to Franciscan Monastery 
Tuesday, December 27 (approximately 10am - 3pm)
Join us for our annual Christmas Pilgrimage to the Franciscan Monastery! RSVP at gs-cc.org. Contact: Miguel@gs-cc.org
 
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Subscribe to "2Minutes2Virtue"
Take the Challenge! Exciting 2 minute video series to help build the virtues you wish you already had. Our own Father Tom Ferguson will be offering the reflections for the four Sundays in December! Sign-up HERE (From the Diocesan Office for Family Life.)
 
 ______________________________________
  
End-of-Year Giving with Faith Direct
It isn’t too late for a year-end gift! 

• If you have a Faith Direct account: Click Here to log in to your account. Once logged in to your account, in the Upcoming Gifts section, click on the One-Time Gift button to make your one-time payment. Real time credit/debit card payments processed online until midnight on December 31st will be credited as a 2016 donation.
• If you don't have an account: make a One-Time Gift Donation to Good Shepherd Catholic Church HERE  

 ______________________________________

"Loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves."
 

We Welcome Bishop Burbidge to Good Shepherd!
We are honored and pleased to announce that Bishop Burbidge will celebrate Mass at Good Shepherd on Sunday, December 18 at 9am. (Bishop Burbidge is also scheduled to celebrate Mass throughout the Diocese in January. SCHEDULE HERE)
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Join us for Las Posadas 
Begins today! December 15 - 23 (Mon-Fri: 6:30pm, Sat: 5:30pm, Sun: 1pm)
Join us for this Advent tradition where families portray Mary and Joseph's journey over 9 days. Songs and prayers in Spanish (translation available) and a small celebration on the final night.
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Need Help with Christmas Errands?
Saturday, December 17, 1-4pm 

• Babysitting (fundraiser for High School WorkCamp) GS teens will babysit school-age children while parents finish Christmas shopping or other errands! Donations help HS WorkCamp 2017.
• Gift Wrapping (fundraiser for Alice's Kids) Volunteers will wrap gifts in exchange for a donation that supports local children and teens.

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This Weekend at Good Shepherd  

• Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 18.
• Help Decorate for Christmas - Saturday, December 17, 9:30am - noon
• Pancake Breakfast - Sunday, December 18, after all morning Masses.Thank you, Knights of Columbus! 
• Sharing Sunday - December 17 and 18. Thanks for your donation of non-perishable food items for St. Lucy's Project!
• Lessons & Carols - Sunday, December 18, 4:30pm. Enjoy a celebration with scripture readings and music in preparation for Christmas!
• NO Religious Education Classes this week: December 18, 20, 21 and 22.

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Subscribe to "2Minutes2Virtue"
Take the Challenge! Exciting 2 minute video series to help build the virtues you wish you already had. Our own Father Tom Ferguson will be offering the reflections for the four Sundays in December! Sign-up HERE (From the Diocesan Office for Family Life.)
 ______________________________________
  
Volunteer Opportunities and Event for Teens 

• Holiday Babysitting - Saturday, December 17, 1-4pm. Watch school-age children while parents finish their Christmas errands. Proceeds will fund the HS WorkCamp 2017. Contact: youthministry@gs-cc.org
• Gift Wrapping - Wrap-It-Up for Alice's Kids Saturday, December 17, 1 - 4pm Wrap presents to raise money for Alice's Kids, a local organization that benefits children and teens in the Mount Vernon area. Contact: youthministry@gs-cc.org   
• Decorate the Basilica of the National Shrine - Monday, December 19, 4:45 - 9pm. Sign up by December 11! Permission forms HERE
• Movie Field Trip: Star Wars Rogue One - Tuesday, December 20. Join us for a fun trip to Regal Movie Theaters at Springield Town Center. Permission form HERE
• For more opportunities, visit the MSHS Faith Formation page HERE

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End-of-Year Giving with Faith Direct
It isn’t too late for a year-end gift! 

• If you have a Faith Direct account: Click Here to log in to your account. Once logged in to your account, in the Upcoming Gifts section, click on the One-Time Gift button to make your one-time payment. Real time credit/debit card payments processed online until midnight on December 31st will be credited as a 2016 donation.
• If you don't have an account: make a One-Time Gift Donation to Good Shepherd Catholic Church HERE  

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Simbang Gabi Mass
Tuesday, December 20th, 7:30pm - St. Louis Church
Rosary will start at 6:30pm, 
The Filipino-American community at St. Louis Catholic Church cordially invites you to a traditional Filipino spiritual preparation for Christmas. Rev. Matthew H. Zuberbueler will be presiding. A reception will follow the Mass at McClunn Hall.
 
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"Loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves."
 ​

​
    Feast of the Immaculate Conception
    Holy Day of Obligation
    TODAY Thursday, December 8
     Mass at 6pm 
     (7:30pm in Spanish)

 
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This Weekend at Good Shepherd  

• Third Sunday of Advent - Sunday, December 11.
• Journey to the Manger - Saturday, December 10, 6 - 8pm. Family games, fun and food! Space is limited. Register HERE. 
• Altar Server Training for NEW Servers - Sunday, December 11, 3:30 - 5pm. For students in 4th grade or older interested in serving! Confirm attendance or direct questions to Mike O'Neil, michaeloneil825@aol.com
• The Giving Tree - Final Weekend! Return your donations of new unwrapped gifts for area children in need.

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We Welcome Bishop Burbidge to Good Shepherd
We are honored and pleased to announce that Bishop Burbidge will celebrate Mass at Good Shepherd on Sunday, December 18 at 9am. (Bishop Burbidge is also scheduled to celebrate Mass throughout the Diocese in January. SCHEDULE HERE)
 ______________________________________
Subscribe to "2Minutes2Virtue"
Take the Challenge! Exciting 2 minute video series to help build the virtues you wish you already had. Our own Father Tom Ferguson will be offering the reflections for the four Sundays in December! Sign-up HERE (From the Diocesan Office for Family Life.)
 ______________________________________
 
Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe 
Patroness of the Americas 
Monday, December 12, 9am 
Mass in Spanish: 5am (with Mariachis) and 7pm (followed by Food Sale)
All are invited to honor Our Holy Mother!
 
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Advent Evening of Reconciliation
Wednesday, December 14 
4:30 - 5:30pm and 6:30 - 8pm
English and Spanish speaking priests available.
 
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Volunteer Opportunities for Teens 

• Journey to the Manger - Saturday, December 10, 6-8pm. Help needed with food, crafts, actors and more! Proceeds of the food sales will fund HS WorkCamp 2017. Contact re@gs-cc.org
• Holiday Babysitting - Saturday, December 17, 1-4pm. Watch school-age children while parents finish their Christmas errands. Proceeds will fund the HS WorkCamp 2017. Contact Miguel
• Gift Wrapping - Wrap-It-Up for Alice's Kids Saturday, December 17, 1 - 4pm Wrap presents to raise money for Alice's Kids, a local organization that benefits children and teens in the Mount Vernon area. Sign up HERE. 
• Decorate the Basilica of the National Shrine - Monday, December 19, 4:45 - 9pm. Sign up by December 11! Permission forms HERE
• For more opportunities, visit the MSHS Faith Formation page HERE

 ______________________________________

 
"Loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves."

Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Holy Day of Obligation
NEXT Thursday, December 8
Mass at 6:30am, 9am, and 6pm 
(7:30pm in Spanish)

 
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Advent: Then and Now TODAY, Thursday, December 1, 7pm 
Learn about the history of this special season and suggestions for making your Advent a time of spiritual growth and renewal. Join us tonight for this talk with Father Ramon. 
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First Friday Adoration 
Friday, December 2
All are invited for 9am Mass followed by Eucharistic Adoration.
(Adoration and Mass in Spanish, 7 and 7:30pm)
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Advent Retreat "O Come, Divine Messiah" - Register TODAY
Saturday, December 3, 9am - 2pm 
This Advent, Father Ramon Baez will lead us in drawing closer to Jesus. Cost is $15, lunch provided. There's still time to sign up! Register HERE.
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Children's Nativity Party CANCELLED
Saturday, December 3, 9am, Knights of Columbus Hall, 8592 Richmond Hwy
Pancake breakfast, crafts and a visit with Santa! 
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This Weekend at Good Shepherd  

• Second Sunday of Advent - Sunday, December 4.
• Sharing Sunday - December 3 and 4. Thank you for your donations of non-perishable food to fill the shelves at United Community Ministries!
• Coffee and Donuts - Sunday, December 4. Join us for fellowship after all morning and noon Masses! (Thank you to our Youth Ministry volunteers!)
• Christmas Cards for Sale - Final Weekend! Beautiful religious Christmas cards for sale from the Knights of Columbus! Stop in the Commons after Mass.

 ______________________________________
Subscribe to "2Minutes2Virtue"
Take the Challenge! Exciting 2 minute video series to help build the virtues you wish you already had. Our own Father Tom Ferguson will be offering the reflections for the four Sundays in December! Sign-up HERE (From the Diocesan Office for Family Life.)
 ______________________________________
 
Watch the Mass of Installation of Bishop Burbidge 
Tuesday, December 6, 2pm
The Installation Mass is NOT open to the public due to limited seated
Join us in Creedon Hall to watch a live-stream of the Mass or you can watch it at home:

• information and details HERE
• download the Mass program at arlingtondiocese.org
• stream it LIVE: youtube.com/arlingtondiocese OR arlingtondiocese.org
• listen to the radio LIVE: WMET 1160am
• follow it LIVE on Twitter: @arlingtonchurch

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Adult WorkCamp Meeting 
Tuesday, December 6, 7:30pm Classroom 7
Every summer, a team (or sometimes two teams!) serves for a week with the Christian Appalachian Project. Teams have worked to make houses weather-proof and accessible. No previous experience or carpentry skills necessary! Contact Don Fischer.
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Holy Hour For Peace 
Wednesday, December 7, 6pm
Join Father Tom and fellow parishioners for a special Holy Hour for peace, as we remember victims of violence and pray for healing and peace in our nation. 
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Journey to the Manger - RSVP Today!
Saturday, December 10, 6 - 8pm
Visit Bethlehem the night of Jesus' birth. Meet Mary and Joseph and hear their story in the stable and a visit from the three Magi. Family games, fun and food! Spaces are limited. Register HERE. 
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"Loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves."