Third Sunday of Advent  – December 14th 2025
Today is the Third Sunday of Advent.
Traditionally, this Sunday is called Gaudete (gow-day-tay) Sunday, which comes from the official entrance chant for this day:  “Rejoice in the Lord, Always!”
Today we pause to acknowledge that our Advent season of preparation is not about the gifts and decorations, but rather the joyful expectation in the coming of our Savior!
May our prayer today help us to focus on the Joy of the Coming Lord!
Also a special note…It is with sincere regret that we inform you that this year’s Christmas pageant has been canceled due to insufficient participation. We hope to offer this event again next year and look forward to the possibility of greater involvement from our parish community.  Thank you to all who signed up and expressed interest. We truly appreciate your support and are saddened that we are unable to continue this tradition at this time.

  • (Sunday 9:00AM Only) Please join the Knights of Columbus right after Mass in the church, as they will be praying the Holy Rosary.  Rosaries are available if needed.  Also, the outdoor rosary with the Knights will be rescheduled to December 22nd with the English Mission happening that evening.
  • This weekend, we will have hand-carved olive wood religious items available for purchase after all Masses. Proceeds from the sale of these items help support the families of Catholic artisans who are having a difficult time due to lack of pilgrim groups journeying to the Holy Land. Cash, check or credit card will be accepted.
  • The Gala committee is selling Winter Wonderland Gala tickets in Bethany Lobby today.  These tickets are also available online and at the parish office.
  • (Tomorrow Sunday/Today) the Knights will have a free all you can eat Breakfast with Santa.   The Knights will be taking and providing free pictures with Santa.
  • This Sunday December 14th through revised date of Monday December 15th, our Parish will have our 2-Day English mission at 7:00 PM led by Father John McNamara with the topic of the virtues.  We hope that you can join us.
  • Simbang Gabi is celebrated with the Fox Valley Filipino-American Catholic Ministry.  There are multiple Masses throughout the Diocese of Rockford. On Thursday, December 18th at 7:00PM, Mass will take place at St. Margaret Mary. All are welcome to attend.
  • This weekend of December 13th and 14th, we will be collecting non-perishable food donations for the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry.
  • If you were kind enough to have taken a tag from the Christmas Giving Tree, please return the gift to the church with the tag firmly attached no later than Monday, December 15th.
  • The Knights Christmas Tree lot is now open, please stop in for a Christmas Tree, wreath, and nativity or joy yard scenes.  The Knights are now offering 20% off on Trees and 50% off on wreaths.
  • Join us for a Christmas Movie night next Sunday December 21st doors open at 5:00 PM and the  movie starting after 6:00 PM in McDonnell Hall.  Some Food, Popcorn, and even a cookie competition, so come join us for a wonderful joyful Christmas activity.
  • If you grabbed a baby bottle for life, please return to the church by December 14th.
  • Oplatke are now available in the church office for $2.00 each.
  • Please help support the decoration of the Parish at Christmas with Poinsettia plants, donation envelopes are available in the lobby.
  • Do you love to keep fresh flowers by Mary? Help us in this mission as we are accepting donations to fund flowers for in front of the Blessed Mother Statue. Our Arts & Environment Team is committed to making our church beautiful all year round and your donation supports this.  Envelopes are in the parish office or on the table in the lobby.
  • Do you know someone who has shown some interest in joining the Catholic Church? The Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) begins at St. Margaret Mary Parish on September 28th. We would love to talk to these people to inform them about OCIA. Just call or visit the parish office.
  • Stop into the The Walking Together Resale Shop to see the specials of the week.
  • If you are looking to advertise in our bulletin, instructions can be found in the bulletin.
  • Sign up for the Raise Right program now, directions are in Bulletin and the Lobby.
  • Donations to St. Margaret Mary can be made weekly through the offertory at the entry to the church or can be made online through give central.  We thank everyone for their generosity to help support our parish at St Margaret Mary.