At this time each year, Hazel Ilustrisimo Luayon makes several batches of her light and airy macaroons and sweet and rich hazelnut brownie cupcakes with an extra ingredient: a large helping of prayer. Usually, Hazel Ilustrisimo Luayon brings these divine delicacies to a bake sale that she coordinates on the first weekend of December to benefit the Discalced Carmel­ites of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel in Morristown, also known as the Carmelite Sisters.

For nine days, from Dec. 15 to 23, faithful around the Diocese will join together for the Filipino tradition of a nine-day novena called “Simbang Gabi” during Advent in preparation for the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Masses will be celebrated in 16 parishes and one monastery as part of the inter-parish “Simbang Gabi,” also known as “Misa de Gallo” or “Dawn Mass,” coordinated by the Diocesan Commission for Catholic Filipino Ministries (DCCFM).

Bishop Kevin Sweeney made a pastoral visit to St. Simon Parish in Green Pond Nov. 26 where he celebrated the morning Mass for Thanksgiving Day. Concelebrating the Mass was Father Richard Bay, pastor.