Dear Parishioners:
This weekend, we light the pink or rose candle on the Advent wreath. This signifies a change in Advent. While the first two weeks of Advent focused on the coming of Christ at the end of time, we now turn our focus to the coming of Christ at Christmas. This Sunday is often referred to as “Gaudete Sunday.” “Gaudete” means rejoice. You may note that in our Second Reading today, St. Paul states: “Brothers and sisters, rejoice always!”
We still have 10 more “praying days” until Christmas but time is getting short. We have a special “Advent Stations” this Tuesday evening (December 17th) and a special preacher focusing on the figure of John the Baptist this Thursday, December 19 at 6:00 PM.
This weekend we also say “good-bye” to Fr. Abraham. Fr. Abraham was with us for almost six years and his priestly presence was a great blessing to us. I think it is important as a parish to thank our priests. As you know, priests do not marry and, thus, priests do not have children, grandchildren, etc. Our parish family becomes our family! You invite us into your lives, in good times and in difficult times. Fr. Abraham has been a part in the lives of our families for almost six years. Let us thank him for his service to all of us.
Also, don’t forget the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday, December 23rd from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. We will have two priests hearing Confessions throughout that time period. Let’s prepare to welcome Christ with a grace-filled heart because Christ has removed our sinfulness from our souls. Just as we do a lot of cleaning for the holidays, let’s “clean” our hearts and souls by receiving this great sacrament of peace.
We also have a collection of Nativity sets from countries around the world on display in the School lobby. If you have not seen the Nativity sets yet, stop by the school lobby and see them. It is interesting to see how the birth of Christ is depicted in different cultures. The Nativity sets will be there until the end of the Christmas season (January 12th, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord).
Remember: Together, we can do something beautiful for God.
In Christ,
PS: Don’t forget to hand in your chances for our 50/50 drawing which will take place after Christmas. Send them in by mail or drop them off at the rectory. Tickets are $25 each or 6 tickets for $100. As the saying goes, you have to be in it to win it! So, be in it to win it! Think about giving the chances as a Christmas gift to your family and friends. It will be a nice way to help the parish at the same time. Give them as Christmas gifts to your adult children! The drawing will take after the 12:00 PM Mass on Sunday, January 19th.