“It is not among the palm trees that I wish to die, but among the poor who are Jesus Christ.”
–St. Luigi Orione
Sunday readings for November 23, 2025- Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
First Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122:1-5
Second Reading: Colossian 1:12-20
Gospel: Luke 23:35-43
Announcements
Holy Redeemer School’s Food Drive
Holy Redeemer School is holding its annual food drive to provide food for food pantries affiliated with the Archdiocese. Parishioners are invited to bring non perishable food to church between now and Thanksgiving.
Christmas Gift Collection for Nursing Home
This Christmas Eve, the Holy Redeemer Youth Group will visit Echelon, a nursing home in Voorhees, NJ to sing Christmas carols and give each resident a Christmas gift. Simple gifts are appreciated: word puzzle books, adult coloring books, decks of cards, stuffed animals, 2025 calendars with pictures, socks, warm scarves or lap blankets. Please consider buying a few gifts for the residents and drop them in the box located in the back of church through this season of Advent. Gifts will be wrapped by HR’s Youth Group. Please do not give food or candy.
Advent Bible Study
All are invited to join an Advent Bible Study, led by Deacon Luke on the following Saturdays- December 6, 13, and 20. We will be studying the Infancy Narratives of Jesus. We will start at 5pm following by a potluck dinner in the Angelus House.
Holy Redeemer Fundraising Banquet
Thank you to everyone who attended or donated to the 2025 banquet. The total amount of money collected was $166,097. Expenses (restaurant, invitations, postage, award, etc) were $20,452. The total profit after expenses was $145,645.
This is an amazing result and it is because of the generosity of Holy Redeemer’s parishioners, friends and alumni.
To my knowledge, this is the most that we have ever received from our annual banquet.
Special thanks to Ms Leung for the organizing and bookkeeping and thanks to our committee of volunteers who did the work to make the event such a success.
Second collection December 7th
This second collection is for elderly and sick Sisters, Brothers and priests of religious Orders, including the Capuchin friars, Father Tom’s religious Order.
Thanksgiving Mass Schedule at HR
Thanksgiving Mass will take place at Holy Redeemer on Thursday, November 27 at 9 AM English and 11 AM Chinese
Saint Charles Seminary Collection
The annual collection to support Saint Charles Seminary will be this Sunday, November 23rd. Saint Charles prepares men to be priests and deacons and also prepares lay Catholics for roles of leadership in the Church. Please be generous.
Advent Eucharistic Adoration at Holy Redeemer
There will be a day and a half of Eucharistic adoration beginning after the 12:30 Mass on Sunday, December 14 and ending on Monday, December 15. Both nights there will be a closing prayer and benediction at 6 PM. More details to follow.
Community Survey (from parishioner, John Chin)
As a member of the Philadelphia Police Department’s Strategic Planning Community Advisory Committee, I am helping PPD increase their understanding of the issues and concerns at the community level. Since meeting at the beginning of summer, the following themes have risen to the top. PPD is intentional about bottom-up planning and want to hear from you.
- Strengthening community partnerships
- Evidence-based prevention, intervention & enforcement
- Innovation and responsiveness
- Investing in workforce wellness, development, and retention
Help shape the future of policing in Philadelphia — take the Strategic Plan Survey today.
Gospel of Matthew Class
Retired Villanova Professor of Scripture, Paul Danove, will offer a weekly Zoom class on the Gospel of Matthew beginning Wednesday, December 3 from 7-8:30 PM. Recordings are available for those who can’t be online for the class. Professor Danove’s classes on the Gospels of Mark and Luke were appreciated by his students. If you wish to receive Zoom invitations, please email Father Tom at pastor@stjohnsphilly.com.
Holy Redeemer School Spotlight
As we approach the long Thanksgiving break, I am reminded of how quickly time passes. It feels as though the school year only just began, yet here we are already entering the holiday season. Moments like these are a beautiful reminder to pause, reflect, and cherish the people around us.
This is a wonderful time for family gatherings, gratitude, and connection. Whether you are traveling, hosting, or simply enjoying quiet moments at home, I hope this break gives you the chance to slow down and appreciate the blessings in your life. May it be a time of warmth, joy, and meaningful reflection for you and your loved ones.
Wishing all our families a peaceful and restorative holiday break.
Barnes Foundation Trip – Monday, 11/24
This is a friendly reminder that our field trip for Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade students will take place this Monday, November 24.
Students must bring a packed lunch and should come to school in their gym uniforms for comfort and safety during the trip.
Can Drive Ends Wednesday, 11/26
- Our annual Can Drive wraps up on Wednesday, November 26. Thank you for your generosity and support
- Don’t forget—we are racing to see which grade will win the Breakfast Party and Dress Down Day!
- Every donation counts, so keep those cans coming!
Early Dismissal – Wednesday, 11/26
Please remember that Wednesday, 11/26 is an 11:40 AM early dismissal.
No School – Thursday, 11/27 & Friday, 11/28
There will be no school on Thursday and Friday, 11/27 and 11/28, in observance of Thanksgiving. We wish all our families a wonderful and restful holiday weekend!
Important Upcoming Dates
No School – Monday, 12/1
- There will be no school on Monday, December 1 in celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- Classes will resume on Tuesday, December 2.
Dress Down Day – Tuesday, 12/2
- Tuesday, 12/2 is Dress Down Day to support the building of a school facility in Ghana. Thank you for helping us make a global impact!
Early Dismissal & Cozy Dress Down – Friday, 12/5
- On Friday, December 5, students will have an 11:40 AM early dismissal.
- It is also Cozy Dress Down Day to support the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Thank you for helping us spread warmth and kindness!
Parent Ambassadors Needed
- We are looking for at least two Parent Ambassadors from each class to help communicate, plan, and support events for all of our children here at Holy Redeemer.
- This is a wonderful way to serve as a liaison between families and the school and to strengthen our community.
- We will hold monthly meetings to help guide these discussions and support Ambassadors in their roles.
- If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly.
Help Us Grow – Refer a Family!
- Please consider recommending Holy Redeemer to your friends and relatives. We offer generous financial aid, and your referrals strengthen our school community.
Communication Updates
- Weekly email updates will continue, along with daily communication through ClassDojo. Please stay connected!
Follow Us on Social Media!
Stay connected and see what’s happening at Holy Redeemer by following us on:
- Instagram: @HRS915_phl
- Facebook: Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic School
- LinkedIn: Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic School