News - December 2021

Please Participate in Our Parish Survey

The Parish Council of Our Lady of Fatima Parish is conducting a parish-wide survey to assess how it can better serve the church community and carry out its mission. Participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged in order to get a representative response. Mail or return your completed survey to Our Lady of Fatima, 4020 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 or drop it in a collection box in church. The survey may also be completed online at www.fatimachurchabq.org. Please return or submit completed surveys by January 31, 2022. All responses will be confidential and are not associated with any individual unless you choose to list your contact information. Results will be published at a later date after responses are tabulated.

The Holy Family

by Very Rev. Stephen Schultz, Pastor

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Take a moment to look around the church some time. You will see families of all sizes, shapes, and descriptions. Some are the biological variety, with a dad and mom and children of different ages. Some may be blended or adopted, foster families or families with only one parent in the home. Sometimes it is grandparents who open their homes to their grandchildren, or siblings who share an apartment and function as a family. Maybe the time has come for an elderly relative to move into your home.

Fatima Parish Synod Meetings

The Synod, or assembly, is an initiative of Pope Francis seeking input from the worldwide church at the parish and diocesan levels to better understand how the Holy Spirit is leading us in communion, participation and mission. Our last Synodal meeting will be held in-person on March 9, 2022 in FGH Gym from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. All interested persons, regardless of religious affiliation or participation, are invited to attend. Pre-registration is not required.

End of Year Donations

For parishioners who wish to make an end of year donation to the parish, please do so by this Tuesday, December 28th, 2021. If you made a donation by mail and it is not received by December 30, 2021 it will not be counted towards your taxable donations for 2021. The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, December 27, 2021. Donations can be dropped off at the parish office during regular business hours (8:00am4:30pm) on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.

Parish Office Closed for the Holidays

The Parish Office will be closed on: Monday, December 27, 2021 and Monday, January 3, 2022.

4th Sunday of Advent

by Very Rev. Stephen Schultz, Pastor

Christmas is nearly here! It may be a very busy time for you, but please take the time to read the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. You will hear about Elizabeth, her husband Zechariah, the angel Gabriel, Mary and Joseph and the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. If you do this, you will likely be better prepared to celebrate with joy the birth of our Savior this Christmas.

2021 Advent Mission with Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

Join us for the 2021 Advent Mission, December 13, 14, 15 and 16, 2021. Hosted at and by Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Presented by Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR).

Saturday, January 1, 2022 is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be offered on December 31, 2021 at 5:30 PM, and on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM.

3rd Sunday of Advent - Gospel Meditation

From the Gospel of Luke 3:10-18. “From silly devotions and sour-faced saints, good Lord, deliver us!" St. Teresa of Avila We’ve all heard the adage, “Laughter is the best medicine.” In many ways, it really is. When was the last time you really laughed? The gift of imagination allows us to see possible things that are yet to be. Imagine a world filled with laughter. We take life too seriously sometimes. Fear, uncertainty, pressure, negativity, disappointment, and myriad other human experiences can rob us of the joy needed for laughter. God never promised us an easy road, and we do have to take the course of our lives seriously. However, there is a balance to be sought and a possible joy that can be brought even to the darkest and most challenging of encounters.

Las Posadas Processional on Sunday, December 12

Our Lady of Fatima Parish invites you to join us for a Las Posadas Processional Sunday, December 12 beginning at 5:00 PM in the Church. We will then continue in procession to various doors on the parish campus as Joseph and Mary seek a place to stay. The procession will conclude with a Pinata for the children in front of Fatima-Gallagher Hall and an opportunity for families to get Posole to take to their home.

Christmas & New Year Mass Schedule

View the 2021 Christmas and New Year Mass Schedule at Our Lady of Fatima.

2nd Sunday of Advent - Gospel Meditation

From the Gospel of Luke 3:16. St. Ambrose shares some wisdom on our need to prepare the way and open the door for Christ. “You see that when the Word of God knocks hardest on your door, it is when his hair is wet with the dew of the night. In fact, he chooses to visit those who are in tribulation and trial, lest one of them be overwhelmed by distress. So, his head is covered with dew, with drops, when his body is laboring hard. It is important to keep watch so that when the Bridegroom comes, he is not shut out. If you are asleep and your heart is not keeping watch, he will go away without knocking; but if your heart is alert for his coming, he knocks and asks for the door to be opened to him.” When life gets overwhelming and difficult and we find ourselves feeling a bit downhearted and miserable, these words can bring great comfort.

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