On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Bishop Steven Raica celebrated the 8:30 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church (OLS) in Homewood. During his homily, he spoke of the humble town of Bethlehem and urged the congregation to humbly embrace the mystery, wonder, and importance of Christ’s coming. Also during the morning Mass, parishioners participated in a long-standing parish tradition. Many of the faithful walked up to the altar during the offertory to place their tithing pledge cards in a white basket.

The day also saw more than 100 children, parents, and others attending the Birthday Party for Jesus and Her Choice Birmingham Women’s Center Benefit. The festivities included parishioners donating a mountain of baby items to the center which were accepted by its director Joy Pinto and her husband Jim Pinto. Her Choice Birmingham Women’s Center helps save babies in danger of being aborted. During the event, the crowd also watched children enact the Nativity as told in Luke’s Gospel. The gathering was hosted by the OLS Madonna and Child Guild and the Children’s Liturgy Committee.