A word from Pope Francis ~ “The Holy Spirit draws us into the mystery of the living God and saves us from the threat of a Church which is gnostic and self-referential, closed in on herself.”
Today, we celebrate the Fourth and final Sunday of Advent. We are in the second and final phase of our preparations. Earlier, the Advent Scriptures challenged us to prepare for the Lord’s final return in glory and to recognize his presence already among us today. We have responded to John the Baptist’s call to repent, and we will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a community on Monday evening. Additional Reconciliation times are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. This year, our Fourth Week of Advent lasts a full week. Our daily Scripture readings are helping us to retell the story of how the Lord came among us in the past through his birth as one of us. On Saturday evening, we begin the great celebration of God’s presence among us.
Our Christmas Eve Mass start time has changed to 3:00 pm this year – and Masses will be celebrated at that time both in the Church and in the Chapel. A year ago, we were given the option of celebrating the first Christmas Mass at 3:00 pm. Many families with small children attend that Mass, so we thought it best to change the time. Both Church and Chapel – Christmas Eve Mass at 3:00 pm.
The celebrations of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Monday, December 12, were wonderful. The same was true with the Filipino Simbang Gabi celebration on Friday night. Both the Hispanic and Filipino communities bring much to our community. We are blessed to have both of these communities connecting us to our larger church.
Many of our college students have already made their way home for Christmas break. Congratulations on the completion of your Fall semester. We are very happy to have you home with us!
As we gather again next Saturday evening or Sunday for our celebration of the Feast of Christmas, I ask that each family be as generous as possible in remembering your Christmas gift to our parish. Like everyone else, we are facing increases in our fixed expenses. I am very grateful for your faithful support throughout the course of the year, and I thank you in advance for your continued support at Christmas.
Our Parish Offices will close on Friday, December 23, at 1:00 pm and reopen on Monday, January 2. It is important that our parish staff have the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with their families. Please note that our weekday Masses during Christmas week will be celebrated at 7:00 am only.
As we complete our observance of Advent and begin our celebration of Christmas next weekend, please know that all of you are especially remembered in our prayers. We ask God’s blessings on those who are traveling and will be away at Christmas. Wherever Christmas may find us, may our celebration this year renew our hope and restore our peace as we recognize God’s closeness. As always, may God continue to bless us with all that we need, and more.
Father Jim Murphy