HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the day the Church celebrates the conception of Mary, Mother of God. As explained by the Catechism of the Catholic Church,

490 To become the mother of the Saviour, Mary “was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role.” The angel Gabriel at the moment of the annunciation salutes her as “full of grace”.  In fact, in order for Mary to be able to give the free assent of her faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary that she be wholly borne by God’s grace.

491 Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, “full of grace” through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854:

The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin. 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

To celebrate this most joyous occasion, Our Lady of Guadalupe – Helotes will be offering the following:

Masses (All in English)

• Tuesday, December 7 – 6:30 PM Vigil
• Wednesday, December 8 – 8:30 AM
• Wednesday, December 8 – 12:10 PM

Living Rosary

• Wednesday, December 8 – 9:30 AM

Please join our Adoration Ministry for a living rosary in honor of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There will be approximately 55 participants, and each participant will be able to recite the prayer. After reciting the prayer, the participant will offer a white rose to the Blessed Mother. Roses will be provided by our adoration ministry. Participants are welcome to bring their own statue of the Blessed Mother, but will have to take it home after the prayer. Sign up sheets will be available in the foyer of the church starting November 29.

On this day, adoration will end at 6:00 PM for the Spanish Mission, which will also include mass in Spanish.