Friday, December 8th is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. It is a patronal feast of the United States of America and a holyday of obligation. This holyday celebrates the creativity of God's grace that touched Mary's life from the first moments of her existence, preparing her to be the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we honor the mother of Jesus, the day invites us to contemplate how God's grace has wonderfully and often mysteriously shaped the course of our lives. We will celebrate Mass on Thursday, December 7 (Vigil Mass) at 7:00 pm and Friday, December 8 at 9:00 am.