THE CHRISTMAS ONLINE MASS AT THE BORDER TOWN PARISHES (DECEMBER 25, 2023)

Recorded at St. Patrick's Church - Momence, IL

Calling himself a "B-Side Catholic" in an "A-Side Secular World," Fr. Pete references those Christmas Albums he fondly remembered in his days of youth (and played despite his family's detriment every July) and how that "B-Side" mentality helped him understand his relationship to God. Special thanks to Josh and Carly Cohn who modeled a type of Christmas grace in 2022 that set the tone for the homily preached at this Mass.

2022 Advent Highlights at the Border Town Parishes!!!

From our 2022 Advent Mission with Fr. Tom McCarthy to our Second Annual Pre-Christmas Festival, a great deal happened at the Border Town Parishes!!!

2022 Parish Advent Mission

with Fr. Tom McCarthy

ADVENT REFLECTION #1: THE CALLINGS OF THE ANGEL. The reflection is entitled, “The Three Callings,” based on the manner in which the Christian mothers of our communities reflect the example of our Blessed Mother and her response to the Archangel Gabriel in Luke 1. Thanks to everyone who modeled the life of faith that inspired Fr. Pete in his own ministry.

ADVENT REFLECTION #2: THE CALLINGS OF THE CHRISTIAN COUPLE. The reflection is entitled, “The Calling of the Christian Couple,” reflecting on the importance that the Catholic mother and father play within the "Domestic Church," often unrecognized by the community at large but essential in forming the lives of the most sacred gifts that the Lord has given us - the children of the next generation.

Original Music Created and Produced by Fr. Pete Jankowski for the Benefit of Those He Serves...

Fr. Pete's Christmas Reflection

entitled, "Mary's Song."

This reflection is called "Mary's Song," a simple hymn based on the Blessed Mother's wonderful response to the call of Gabriel in Luke 1 and her subsequent response that serves as the prototype in which all those of good will should live.

Fr. Pete's Christmas Song entitled, "A Child's Christmas Fanfare."

Inspired by Christmas Nativity plays offered throughout the world in Catholic parishes and schools, Sr. Joan O'Reilly and the students of St. James Catholic School in Savannah, GA were kind enough to provide their 2016 Nativity Play as part of this project.

Fr. Pete's Christmas

Reflection entitled, "Family."

Fr. Pete took pictures from the various places he ministered, as well as "classic" photos from the parishes he serves, to produce this video about the importance of supporting our family, our community and certainly God. Thanks to everyone who modeled the life of faith that inspired Fr. Pete in his own ministry.

Fr. Pete's Children's Christmas Video, "The Polar Bear Parade."

Fr. Pete chose to write this song as part of his Youth Ministry work at the parishes he served early in his priesthood. Featuring the parishioners of St. Patrick's and St. Anne's Churches in the Kankakee Border Towns!

Fr. Pete's Children's Christmas Video, "The Christmas Train."

In an effort to bring a little Christmas Cheer to the folks at the border town parishes, Fr. Pete Jankowski took some of his hand-written Christmas music (even priests need a hobby - even if they are lousy at doing it!) and found a Christmas train video to which he attached the music, based on his memories.

Fr. Pete's Children's Christmas Video, "The Midnight Song of Christmas."

Based on Psalm 96, Fr. Pete offered this Christmas Gift to the Parishioners of the Border Town Parishes in 2022. May you all have a Blessed Christmas Season!!!

Fr. Pete's Children's Christmas Video, "The Santa Song."

This is Fr. Pete's effort to bring back some Christmas Memories from his childhood, interspersed with vintage video footage from cartoons he used to watch during his childhood in Sandwich, IL on a television that could only get antenna television reception from three stations in Chicago!!!

Fr. Pete's Children's Christmas Vide, "A Child's Christmas Lullaby."

This reflection is called "A Child's Christmas Lullaby," based on Isaiah 60 (which is used during the Solemnity of the Epiphany). Fr. Pete offered this song at his Epiphany Mass and decided to highlight this psalm for the faithful of the border town parishes.