As the Church prepares to celebrate Christ’s birth, the Sacrament of Anointing will be administered in Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church, 420 McKinley Avenue, East Vandergrift, on Sunday, December 3, immediately following the 11 a.m. Mass; and in Saint James Church, 109 Owens View Avenue, Apollo, on Saturday, December 9, immediately following the 4:30 p.m. Mass. If you, or someone you care about is sick, dealing with the problems that come with aging, facing surgery, or struggling with a mental or emotional problem, please come and share in the Lord’s healing and strength.

Members and friends of Our Lady, Queen of Peace and Saint James Parishes [must be at least 21 years of age] are invited to a day at Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, January 9. The motor coach will depart from the Saint James Church parking lot at 9 a.m. Participants will be at the casino for 5 hours. The cost is $35 which includes gratuity for the bus driver and $10 in free play. All participants will need a state-issued photo ID to receive the free play. To sign-up contact the parish office at (724) 478-4958.

On Friday, December 8, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. This solemnity celebrates the dogma of our Catholic Faith that Mary was sinless from the very moment of her conception in the womb of her mother, Anne. This privilege was granted to Mary because of her mission to be the Mother of our Savior, in order to make her a worthy dwelling for Him. Our Lady, under the title of The Immaculate Conception, is the patroness of the United States. Holy Day Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church at 12 p.m.; and in Saint James Church at 6:30 p.m.

Toddlers through 5th grade children in our partner parishes are invited to this event in the social hall of Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish on Sunday, December 10, beginning at 2 p.m. The event will include ice fishing; Christmas bingo; a craft; games; a visit, photo and sing-along with Santa; pizza, cookies and hot chocolate; and more! The cost per child is $5 for registered parishioners and $10 for guests. Sign-ups are necessary through the parish office by Monday, December 4.