A Word from Your Pastor November 28

A Word from Your Pastor

Dear Parishioners:

With the beginning of Advent, we come to a new season in the celebration of our Faith. Christianity rests on two key Mysteries: The Mystery of the Incarnation and the Paschal Mystery. Advent and Christmas celebrate the Incarnation. Lent, Easter, Ascension and Pentecost plunge us into the Paschal Mystery.

If you think about your experience of Faith, I am sure you will find that God has two central messages for you. First, God is with you in your life. Second, God gives you the grace to get through the difficult times and brings you through to something beyond your expectations.

As we enter into Advent in our observance of the “Year of Prayer,” I invite you to consider the meaning of the Incarnation for you personally. How does God reveal His Presence in your life? Are you aware if the fact that God wants you to bring Him to others? How do others come to know of God through you?

During the Season of the Incarnation, we spend time with family in person or in thought and prayers. As you enter into your annual routines of shopping for gifts, sending cards and gathering with family and friends, be sure to look at everything through the eyes of Faith. See the choice of God to be with even those who do not seem to know Him. See the strength and grace that is offered to anyone in need. In your own heart, gather it all in, and bring it with you to the Masses of Christmas.

Do invite all your family and friends to “Come Home for Christmas.” Let them know the many good things that are happening in our Parish Family. In particular, this year as you review your family albums and keepsakes, look for those that help to tell the story of our Parish Family. Next Christmas will be our 50th as a Parish. Let’s start preparing for it now!

A Blessed Advent to all. We especially welcome those who join us as Catechumens and Candidates through the Rite of Welcome at the 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Masses this weekend.


The Year of Prayer: Advent I Collect

Stir up thy power, O Lord, and come,
that by thy protection we may be rescued
from the dangers that beset us through our sins;
and be a Redeemer to deliver us;
Who livest and reignest with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
ever one God, world without end.

(May be said while lighting the first Advent Candle)