First Sunday of Advent

My dear Friends in Christ,

We begin the new Liturgical Year in the Church on this First Sunday of Advent. The Advent Season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the Scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready. We should not overwhelm ourselves with Christmas cards to write, a Christmas tree and decorations to put up, and shopping to do. Will we have time to get some prayerful rest? How do we get through all of this and at the same time, be aware, be prepared and be vigilant at all times? Of course the main focus of all of this is to realize that the only reason for this season is the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ! We prepare for the coming of the Son of Man, the promised Emmanuel, who is yet to come!

We will have the Blessing of the Manger and of the Parish Christmas Tree outside the front of the Church next Saturday evening, December 4th, immediately following the 4:00 PM Mass. Please join us.

We released the end of our fiscal year Annual Financial Report last week. It is a constant struggle for our parish to maintain operating costs below budget. I can only rely on your generosity and love in keeping us viable and strengthening our position for the future.

May God bless you all,

Father John