This time of year can get so busy as we all make preparations for Christmas. But this Advent, we have several upcoming events at Haven of Mercy that are great opportunities to celebrate and prepare with your parish family.
The Carousel of Crafts will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Little Falls Community Middle School. The event is hosted by the Mary of Lourdes Parent and School Organization, and all funds are returned to the school. The event is a great way to shop for handmade crafts before Christmas, as there are about 70 craft vendors. There is also live entertainment from local youth, food, and a visit from Santa.
This is Matthew Derry’s third year coordinating this event.
“If you are a supporter of Catholic education, please come to this event,” he says. “This is a great way to support our local students.”
The St. Ann’s Christian Mothers will host their Christmas Bazaar at St. James from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 2. You don’t want to miss their homemade donuts, soup, and sandwiches. The event also includes a bake sale and raffle. Soup is available for purchase by the quart on Dec. 2 and 3.
“This is our only fundraiser to support the St. Ann’s Christian Mothers,” says Marie Drew, a member of the organization. “It’s been going on for more than 50 years.”
On Dec. 2 and 3, there is also the St. Mary’s Christmas Bazaar. Carolyn Rausch has been helping with this year’s event and invites everyone to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship for Advent.
“This is a great time to be with your parish family for Advent,” Carolyn says.
This event benefits the parish and will run from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday. There will be a meal, bake sale, cake walk, and other games and items for sale. Sunday will include a breakfast with homemade rolls. Raffle sales are happening now, with the drawing at noon on Dec. 3.
St. Nick Sunday at Our Lady of Lourdes will take place on Dec. 3. St. Nick comes to the 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses that day, with a gathering to follow both Masses in the school gymnasium. This is a tradition that Annika Klosowski remembers from her childhood, and she wanted to bring it back. So, two years ago, she helped make that happen. It’s important to her that her children have that experience of visiting with St. Nicholas at Mass.
“This is such an important event for young families,” she says. “I wanted to bring this back.”
Families can enjoy cookies, rolls, juice, and coffee along with the visit with St. Nick after Mass. It’s also a fantastic time for fellowship.
The Our Lady of Lourdes Kid’s Shopping Spree is typically held on the first Sunday in December at Our Lady of Lourdes. This year’s event is dependent on the basement renovation project. Children in eighth grade and younger can choose gifts for family members. Gifts are free or less than one dollar. Volunteers donate items, help kids shop, and wrap the items.
Don’t miss out on the many Christmas activities coming up on the weekend of Dec. 2 and 3 at our parishes. Enjoy fellowship with other parishioners as you prepare for Christmas!