✙ Gracious God, please pour your love upon those who have asked to be remembered in our prayers:

Desi Forenza – resident at Alexander House . May she feel your ever present love as she faces the challenge of her illness.
Family of Fay Bashir- as they mourn the loss of their mother.
John Mazzoni - For your tender mercy during his time of illness and suffering.
James Ondimu Ochoki – For healing for this beloved father, grandfather, father in-law, brother in-law, and uncle to many.
Jessica Brittain - 6th grader from Sparta undergoing brain surgery. For successful surgery & recovery and for the medical staff.
Gary – Cousin of Cheryl Slate, for strength in suffering and return to health
Michael Gerardi – For patience and a positive outlook as he heals from a recent accident.
Gunnar Anthony – infant grandson of Kathy Vermulen , with thanks for prayers answered.
Lucy Cox- May the Lord grant consolation and recovery to health.
Jack McCarthy - Father of Debbie McCarthy from the Gruenert Center. For a return to health.
Tara McKewen – as she seeks to discern the work she is being called to
Michele Smith – “People Need Friends Volunteer” as she grieves the loss of her mother
Chuck Emering – Brother of Kris Bulas , as he recovers from his injuries. For patience and endurance during his healing.
Wally Camacho - May the love of God, family and friends sustain him as he undergoes dialysis 3 days a week.
Carol Murray – for courage, strength and perseverance as she works toward a full recovery
Sharon Zuckerman - For strength and comfort as she undergoes treatment for breast cancer
Burt Foley – For his recovery from heart surgery
Patrick Powis – Father of Art Powis , for comfort, strength and courage as he faces his illness
Anthony - a young man of 23 whose lungs are not in good condition, may God draw him near as his final hours approach and for comfort for his loving family.
Rosa Bascietto – Mother of Joanne Rossi. That the love and respect of her family helps to sustain her and bring her joy.
Donald – Son of volunteer Barbara Mahler, may God watch over him during his illness
Colette – Sister of Julie Tatti for strength in suffering and improvement in health
For peace, justice and hope in our world

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Suzan Avedesian - mother of Fay Bashir
Barbie – Cousin of Cheryl Slate
Carmella Petruccelli – Mother of Frank Petrucelli ; longtime member of Education in the diocese.

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✙ December 6 – Feast of Saint Nicolas
One of the most well-known and beloved Saints is thought to have died on this day in 343 A.D. St. Nicholas was born circa 280 in Patara, Lycia, an area that is part of present-day Turkey. He lost both of his parents as a young man and reportedly used his inheritance to help the poor and sick. A devout Christian, he later served as bishop of Myra.
There are many legends about St. Nicholas of Myra. One story tells how he helped three poor sisters. Their father did not have enough money to pay their dowries and thought of selling them into servitude. Three times, St. Nicholas secretly went to their house at night and put a bag of money inside. The man used the money so that one of his daughters could marry. On the third visit, the man saw St. Nicholas and thanked him for his kindness. He also reportedly saved three men who were falsely imprisoned and sentenced to death. Other stories are told about Nicholas. It's said that God worked through Nicholas's prayers to raise children from the dead—some who had been killed in a fire and another child who had drowned. All of these stories tell us the same thing about St. Nicholas. He lived for God, which means that he lived for love. If people were in need and he was able to help, St. Nicholas gave them hope and strength. St. Nicholas never paused for a minute to wonder what he should receive in return for his help. He always thought about what he could give to those who needed him.

December 6 – Hanukkah begins at sundown
Hanukkah means “rededication” and it commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by foreign forces. The story of Hanukkah (the 8 day festival of lights) is one of revolution and miracles: Greek influence over the Jews in the Land of Israel circa in 167 B.C. was getting out of hand. Hellenism was spreading, an affront to Jewish culture and religious practice. When the Greek ruler of the time, Antiochus, forbade Jewish religious practice, a small group of Jews, the Maccabees, revolted. The Maccabees were successful and, as a first order of business, restored the desecrated Holy Temple. The menorah in the Temple needed to be lit. Traditionally, the menorah burned continuously. The Temple liberators searched high and low but could find only one vial of olive oil, which seemed to be enough for just one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, which was just enough time to receive a new shipment. To celebrate the miracle, Hanukkah was instituted.
Hanukkah is the most widely celebrated American Jewish holiday, possibly because it is a fun, child-centered occasion. It is celebrated with excellent food, an exchange of gifts, and the lighting of beautiful menorahs (special Hanukkah candelabras) filled with brightly colored candles. Unlike some of the other Jewish holidays, which require intense spiritual reflection or elaborate preparation, it is easy to celebrate. Happy Hanukkah!