As we soon approach the New Year, a ritual that takes place in every parish office is the opening of the Mass Book for the new year. The Mass Book is the book that holds the intentions of each Mass that is celebrated in our parish throughout the year. While every Mass is offered for the intentions of all the faithful, there is also allowed by the Church to offer Mass for a particular intention of the donor for the Mass. In the Diocese of Syracuse, there is usually a donation of $15.00 given for each Mass. This donation is given to the celebrant of the Mass and is included in the salary of the parish priest. Each priest is allowed to receive a donation for one Mass per day. The norm is that one intention is offered for each Mass. The Church does allow for us to offer Mass for multiple intentions. The Diocese of Syracuse allows this to happen at two Masses per week in each parish. In our parish, our weekend Masses are offered for multiple intentions. These intentions are listed in the bulletin. Even though there are multiple offerings made for these Masses, the priest celebrant is allowed to receive an offering for only one intention. The other offerings are used for different parish needs. Each priest is also asked to say a Mass for the People of the Parish each week. This Mass is scheduled at 6:30 am on Wednesday mornings at Saints John and Andrew Parish and is offered for the People of Saints John and Andrew Parish and the People of St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Parish. In this weekend’s Gospel Reading, Jesus reminds us about the end times. He tells us that the world, as beautiful and wonderful as it is, will come to an end. We are all called to remember and reflect upon this and to be prepared for the day that we will have to give an accounting of our lives to our Lord Jesus. HAVE A GREAT WEEK! Father Jim