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We concluded MQOA's 31st Alpha a few weeks ago and we got results from their feedback.

Two of the themes of Advent are anticipating and recognizing the need for a Savior. This week's and last week’s readings remind us of an important fact about Jesus. He was not concerned about knowing when he was going to return. Paul underscores this too as part of his preaching and writing in various letters. He was more concerned that as his disciples we were ready for his second coming in light of his first. In our time the Eucharistic prayers remind us of this too. For example, the third Eucharistic prayer reminds us of this very clearly. “…We look forward to his second coming…”. And then after the Our Father, the priest says “…as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.” Each Eucharistic prayer reminds us that there is a direction that we are going in and it is towards the day when God completes the work here by sending Jesus for the second time.

Next Saturday, December 9th, we invite you to attend our Second Annual Bilingual Advent Retreat where we will prepare ourselves for the birth of the Savior of the World, but also for His return. Guiding us will be Sister Mary Marta, PDDM, who will share how we can look to Mary as our example in order to prepare our hearts for the coming of her son, Jesus.

Happy Advent and Liturgical New Year. It is time to turn our attention to another year of grace and to remember that because God has not sent his Son Jesus for the second time, we will once again reflect on the events of Jesus and dedicate ourselves to renewing our faith and preparing for the celebration of the coming feasts of Christmas, the celebration of the Holy Family, and Epiphany Sunday. This month, we also remember Mary three times, at the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, the feast of our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12, and the feast of Mary the Mother of God on January 1. We honor Mary in all her roles and titles throughout the year, but for us, it is important to remember that Mary was also a disciple among disciples and apostles. She is so important, but humbly followed her son to give us all an example of what humility and discipleship look like.

Today is the day I hope you will indicate your intentions to support the parish by completing commitment forms to our Grateful Discipleship Program.

THANK YOU to all of you! Thank you for being patient and for listening to the communications about the Grateful Discipleship Program our parish has engaged in for the past three weeks.

I'm John. I've been the Director of Music at MQOA for about four months

We have a Book of Remembrance located at IC Church.

On Tuesday, we conclude our 31st series of Alpha here at MQOA!

What do you think God’s kingdom is like? How do people treat each other in God’s kingdom?

We had another successful Community Sunday last Sunday!

God has given each of us special abilities and gifts to honor God and serve others. Jesus reminds us that we should do our best with the talents God has given us. Each of us must decide if we are going to use our gifts for God, and how we are going to do that.

Whenever I am asked about my time here, I think about the beginning of Catholic life in Salem. It was officially begun in 1826, and the building we are in was built in 1859 using part of the torn-down wooden church initially built for worship in 1826. Eventually, St. James (1891, rebuilt 1898) and all the other churches were built to accommodate the growing faith in this area. We go back a long way and there have been times when I am sure that pastors prepared things and invested in building and buying land with an eye for the future. It is humbling to think that we are that future they had in mind.

We welcome you to Community Sundays, our monthly gathering of our community with food and drink.

We are updating our records especially what is required for volunteers at any parish in the Archdiocese of Boston. All volunteers must complete an annual CORI and attend a Protecting God’s Children Training (Virtus) at least once.

We continue to be a welcoming parish to our guests and visitors and take a look at what small changes you can make to be more welcoming to young families.

Prepare yourself and your family for this Sunday's Gospel Message.

We want to thank all the volunteers who helped make October our most welcoming month!

In an urgent appeal, Cardinal Sean is asking SVdP to help collect donated winter coats, boots, socks, and other clothing items for families arriving in Massachusetts from warmer climates. The Cardinal has described this influx of immigrants as a major humanitarian and social crisis within the Archdiocese. 

We are excited to bring another weekend of volunteering to you this year!