Come celebrate the Nativity of the Lord with our parish family! Invite your loved ones, especially those who may be returning to church for the first time in a while. All are welcome!

Christmas Vigil – Wednesday, December 24, 2025

• 4:00pm – Christmas Vigil Mass at Lourdes (Family-friendly Mass, ideal for children and young families)
• 6:00pm – Christmas Vigil Mass at Rosary
• 11:00pm – Christmas Mass During the Night at Lourdes (With full choir and orchestra)

Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25, 2025

• 8:15am – Christmas Mass at Dawn at Lourdes
• 10:30am – Christmas Mass During the Day at Lourdes

“Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord!” | Come, let us adore Him!

December 20th & 21st at all Sunday Masses

On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, our parish family will join a beautiful Roman tradition known as the Blessing of the Bambinelli. Each year in St. Peter’s Square, children and families present the tiny figures of the Baby Jesus Bambinelli from their home Nativity scenes for a special blessing from the Holy Father. This simple, joyful custom began several decades ago as a way to reconnect families, especially children, to the heart of Christmas: welcoming Christ Himself into our homes and hearts.

We are delighted to bring this same tradition to Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish.

At all Sunday Masses the weekend of December 20th/21st, parishioners of every age are invited to bring the Baby Jesus figure from their manger scene at home to be blessed at Mass.

If your family has multiple Nativity sets perhaps one for the children, one in the living room, or one passed down through generations feel free to bring each Bambinello. Families may also hold their Bambinelli in their hands during the blessing as a sign of love and expectancy for the Christ Child.

This blessing is more than a lovely Christmas custom. It is a moment of catechesis that invites us to ponder the mystery of the Incarnation. God chose to enter the world in the littleness of a child helpless, vulnerable, and totally given in love. Blessing the Baby Jesus from your Nativity scene helps each of us remember that Christ desires to be born again in our hearts this Christmas. When you return your Bambinelli home and place it gently in the manger on Christmas morning, let it be a tangible reminder that Jesus longs to dwell with your family, bringing peace, unity, and joy.

Parents and grandparents: this is a wonderful opportunity to teach children about the true meaning of Christmas. Encourage them to carry their Bambinello with reverence, to pray for a heart ready to receive Jesus, and to place Him in the manger on Christmas Day as a personal act of faith and love.

Please mark your calendars and bring your Bambinelli to Mass on December 20th/21st.

May this cherished tradition help us prepare our homes and our hearts to welcome the newborn King!

Hospitality Committee: Remembrance Christmas Tree.

During this holy Christmas season, the Parish Hospitality Committee invites you to place an Ornament of Remembrance on one of the small Christmas trees located in front of the Jubilee Cross, near the icon of St. Carlo Acutis.

Parishioners are welcome to bring an ornament from home or use one provided near the trees. The trees will be ready for decoration beginning the weekend after Thanksgiving. May this simple act of remembrance bring comfort and peace.

Our Hospitality Committee wishes you and your family a very blessed and joyful Christmas.

Join Santa and his little elf on Saturday, December 13th from 2:00 - 3:30pm in the Seton Center.

• Meet Santa and join in on the fun making arts and crafts, Frosting Christmas cookies and playing holiday games!
• Everyone gets a gift!
• Free of charge!!

Sponsored by The Men’s Club.

The Season of Giving has started and our Star Christmas Outreach Stars will be displayed on trees once again this year at Lourdes and Rosary. Start looking for your STARS Thanksgiving weekend. We have already been busy taking phone calls from the community and this year looks to be busy.

All presents must be returned unwrapped to the churches with the STAR attached to the gift(s).

Please return your unwrapped gifts by Sunday, December 14th at the latest.

The generosity of our parish community shines brightly during the holiday season. Thank you so much for your continued willingness to share your blessing with others.

Monday, December 15th from 4:00–7:00pm at Lourdes Campus

Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish is honored to host this year’s Advent Light Is On Campaign for the entire Greater Utica Area.

On Monday, December 15th, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm, all of the priests from our local region will gather at the Lourdes campus to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation widely available to the faithful during this holy season.

This annual diocesan initiative invites every Catholic to experience the tender mercy of God as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Whether it has been a few months or many years, this is the perfect opportunity to return to the Lord and receive the healing grace of Confession. We warmly encourage all parishioners and families to take advantage of this beautiful evening of prayer, quiet, and renewal.

Please plan on celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation as part of your Advent journey this year. Come, encounter His light. Come, receive His mercy.

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, Mary, Mother of Our Savior along with the other Diocese of Syracuse Parishes will be taking up a financial contribution that parishes make to their bishop to support the diocese.

This financial contribution from parishes to the bishop represents a symbol of unity and support for the broader diocesan community. This also reflects that parishes are not isolated but are connected to the larger body of the diocese and to provide tangible support for the bishop's pastoral work.

Thank you for your support as always.

December 2025: Family Catechesis Newsletter

Saint of the Month: Saint Nicholas of Myra

Session 2: Sunday December 14, 2025: Jesse Tree Live! Play

Families will learn about the Christmas tradition of the Jesse Tree. Children will put on a play titled “Jesse Tree Live!”

Scripture Verse of the Month

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38

Faith at Home Family Prayer Challenge:

Pray this section of the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.....”

Activity Suggestions:

Light a candle on the advent wreath each Sunday during the Advent Season.
Read the biography of St. Nicholas of Myra.

A Family of Faith Lessons at Home:

December activities are found on pages 63-82 of the Activity Book. December lessons are found in the Parent’s Guide pages 72-97.

January Sessions:

• Session 1:
  January 11, 2026 from 9:15-10:15 AM at Notre Dame Elementary School
• Session 2:
  January 25, 2026 from 9:15-10:15 AM at Notre Dame Elementary School

Contact Information Jill Grise Catechetical Leader Pre-K-6 Email: jgrise@syrdio.org

The Annual World Marriage Day will be celebrated on February 15th at 2:00pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse.

The Rev. Douglas J. Lucia will celebrate Mass and invite all couples in attendance to renew their commitment to Holy Matrimony.

If you are celebrating your 25th, 50th or 50+ anniversary in 2026 and would like to join in this wonderful celebration please contact our Parish Office (315-724-3155) or email Christine DeSanctis at cdesanctis@syrdio.org.

Please leave your Name(s), Address and Years Married so that a personal invitation from the Bishop can be sent to you. This is a beautiful way to celebrate your marriage.

Youth Ministry Nights – Open to All Area Teens

Teens from all parishes in the Greater Utica Area are invited to join us for Youth Ministry Nights every Monday at 6:30pm at the Seton Center at Mary Mother of Our Savior Parish, 2 Barton Ave., Utica.

We have a dedicated youth ministry space where teens can encounter Christ, grow in authentic friendships, and have fun in a welcoming environment.

All teens are welcome Catholic, non-Catholic, or simply exploring faith. Invite your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or neighbor to come and see!

For more information or questions, please contact Nate Discavage at ndiscavage@syrdio.org.

“Every Gift Counts Let’s Reach 100% Participation!”

The HOPE Appeal is our annual opportunity to come together as one family of faith uniting Catholics across the Diocese of Syracuse in love and service to those most in need.

Your gift no matter the size makes a real difference. It helps feed hungry families, resettle refugees, form our youth in the faith, support campus ministry, and educate our future priests. This year, our goal is not just financial it’s full participation. Imagine the impact if every household in our parish gave something. Whether your gift is large or small, it matters. Remember the story of the widow’s mite God sees the love and sacrifice behind every offering.

Please prayerfully consider making your gift today.

Pledge cards are available in the bulletins and at the church entrances, or you can give online.

Together, let’s show that when every heart contributes, every need can be met. Every gift counts especially yours.

Monthly Memorials for December

• The gift of Bread has been given in memory of the Thomas Larkin, Sr. by Wife, Children and Grandchildren
• The gift of Candles has been given in memory of Albert Edward Anken by Rose Butler and Ann Anken
• The gift of Wine has been given in memory of Bob Jakubowski (15th Anniv.) by Wife, Barb

Catholic Women throughout the area are welcome to join the Catholic Women’s Club. Building new friendships, listening to varied educational presentations and enjoying a catered luncheon are just a few of the wonderful benefits.

The Club meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from September thru June.

Our meetings begin at 12:30pm and are located in the Seton Center of Mary, Mother of Our Savior, Lourdes Campus.

If interested, please contact the Parish Office.