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December 1, 2023 | Father Michael Penn | ,

From the Pastor’s Desk: 3 December 2023

First Sunday of Advent

   This time of the year it is hard not to notice houses and buildings decorated for the Christmas Season.  It is also not hard to notice the effort that has been made by many to make their buildings shine during these days.  It gives one the opportunity to pause and reflect on the why of doing this when we often neglect the building (the Temple) of our bodies to make them clean, shining and bright, as we, by our Baptism, are made dwelling places of the Lord.  This Advent Season (the shortest one possible this year) challenges us to make haste and prepare ourselves for the Coming of the Lord in history, mystery and majesty.  Wake up and be prepared, for the Coming of the Lord is at hand!

   This Tuesday I will be available for the Sacrament of Penance from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the church.  There will be no Communal Penance Services this Advent here at Our Lady of the Lake Church.  Other opportunities for Confession will be held on Friday, December 15th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, December 19th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  As always, I am available for this sacrament by appointment in my office and the regular Saturday schedule from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the church.

   A reminder that this Friday, December 8th, of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation.  Masses to fulfill your obligation in this parish are as follows: Thursday, December 7th at 6:00 p.m. and Friday, December 8th at 8:00 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. The office will be closed as well.

   I am looking forward to the upcoming Parish Mission that will be held in our church beginning Saturday, December 9th with the 5:00 p.m. Mass and continuing through Wednesday evening with Mass at 7:00 p.m.  Note that on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Mass will be celebrated in the church at 7:00 p.m.  There will be no Masses celebrated on Tuesday morning.  The Parish Mission will be led by the Reverend Richard Gielow, C.M., and I am confident you will enjoy these days of prayer and reflection for this Advent Season.  A reception will be held in Fellowship Hall following the Masses on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.