Blog

From the Pastor’s Desk: 17 December 2023

Third Sunday of Advent

   This Third Sunday of Advent, we listen to the words of the Prophet Isaiah that his full joy is in the Lord, the joy of his soul (cf. Isaiah 61:10a). How do we apply his words to our lives? Do we rejoice in God? Is all we accomplish and do in our lives for the glory of God and His kingdom? God’s eternal Kingdom is in our midst, it will never pass away as this world will. Both Isaiah and John the Baptist remind us that it is God and His kingdom that are most important in our lives. Do we apply their words to our style of life, and do we spread this message in our surroundings? Let us prepare for the Coming of Christ, and help others to do so, by our words and actions.

A reminder that this Tuesday, December 19th, I will be available for Confessions in the church from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

“We’re not done yet:” a resounding theme of Father Gielow’s this past week during the Parish Mission. I hope that those of you who participated in these days of prayer and reflection recognize the need for continuing our Call and responsibility that we are never done in our work of bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. I wish to thank Father Gielow for his guidance and leadership during this Parish Mission, the ministers who assisted during the Masses, the Commissions who hosted the receptions and those of you who participated. Thank you for all you did during these days, especially for your welcome to Father Gielow.

An explanation of next weekend’s Mass schedule: Masses for the Fourth Sunday of Advent will be celebrated on Saturday, December 23rd at 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday, December 24th at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Masses for Christmas (a Holy Day of Obligation) will be celebrated on Sunday, December 24th (The Vigil Mass of Christmas) at 4:00 p.m. and on Monday, December 25th (Christmas Mass during the Day) at 10:00 a.m.