This Sunday we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent. It is a tradition in the Diocese of Syracuse to celebrate the Immaculata Awards on this Sunday in the Cathedral in Syracuse. This award honors people who volunteer their time and talents for their parish. We are blessed to have many people who generously give of their time, talent and treasure. Our parish is much richer because of the many people who volunteer their time. This year we will be honoring Alfred and Joanne Kumpon with the Immaculata Award from our parish. Al and Joanne have been members of Saints John and Andrew Parish for many years and have served our parish in many capacities. Joanne is an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and also serves as a lector at Mass. She proclaims the Word of God with calm and clear diction, respect and reverence. Over the years Al and Joanne have been trusted and faithful counters of the Church collection. Joanne is a dedicated volunteer at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. Moreover, Joanne is a senior altar server who serves at funerals who can be called upon when needed to serve with reliability and heartfelt compassion. Al and Joanne are a wonderful example of stewardship sharing their time, talent and treasure for our parish community. They are two well deserving recipients of this year’s Immaculata Award. I would like to thank them for their service and offer them heartfelt congratulations. December 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the Patron Feast of our Country and Diocese. Since December 8 falls on a Sunday, we are obligated to celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent on that day. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is transferred to December 9 and is still a Holy Day of Obligation for all Catholics in our country. Saint Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament will offer Mass that day at 9:00 am. Masses at Saints John and Andrew will be on Monday, December 9th at 6:30 am, 9:00 am school Mass and at 5:15 pm. Please make every effort to come together to honor Mary and celebrate all that God has accomplished through her by attending Mass that day. HAVE A GREAT WEEK! Father Jim