The Pastor's Message

Dear Parishioners,

On this Second Sunday of Advent our focus is on John the Baptist.  John was sent ahead of Jesus to prepare the way for the Lord.  This takes place at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, and it reminds us to always be ready to meet the Lord.  John’s message was one of repentance and a call to prepare the way for the Lord.  This message is just as important for us today as it was when he proclaimed it to the people over two thousand years ago.

We live in a world with many distractions and at a time when the secular society is challenging who we are as Catholics, so we need to hear John’s pleas to make ready the way of the Lord and make straight the pathways.  Advent is a time to stop the busyness and chaos around us and reflect on the gift of our salvation that we receive through the birth, life, suffering, and death of Jesus.  We have the opportunity each day to reflect on God’s goodness to us, and in this season especially, we are called to prepare for His coming into our lives.

This week we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in which we remember that Mary, our Blessed Mother, was conceived without the stain of original sin.  Wednesday Dec. 8th is this Feast Day, and it is a Holy Day of Obligation.  

MASS SCHEDULE

December 7 - Holy Day Vigil

4:00PM (English)

6:00PM (Spanish)

December 8 - Holy Day

7:00AM, 9:00AM, 12PM (English)

7:00PM (Vietnamese)

Wednesday the 8th is also our monthly day of adoration in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.  The Monstrance will be placed on the altar for adoration throughout the day when Mass is not taking place.  Adoration will conclude at 8:45 Thursday morning.

Fr. George P. Blais

Dear Parishioners,
 
Today is the First Sunday of Advent and marks the beginning of a new liturgical year.  During this time of Advent, we are called to prepare for the coming of Jesus into the world.  We look back to His birth, when He first came into the world, and we look forward to when He will come again.  In this time of preparation, we must also recognize the importance of being ready to meet Him every day of our life. 

This year our Gospel readings will come primarily from the Gospel of Luke.  On this First Sunday of Advent, it appears that the focus of the Gospel is not on His birth, but on the end times and the distractions of the world.  This sounds like gloom and doom; however, it is not meant to frighten us, but rather to help us to stay awake and be prepared to meet the Lord when He comes again.  The best way that we can prepare for His second coming is to be ready to meet Him every day of our lives. 

During this season of Advent, many people get preoccupied with preparing for Christmas with shopping, decorating, baking, writing Christmas cards, etc. and our spiritual preparations often take a back seat.  To assist in keeping our focus on the spiritual meaning of Advent, we have Advent reflection guides as a gift to you, our parishioners.  Please take one per family and spend some time each day during Advent to focus on the true meaning of this season. 

As we begin this new year, we also have new Missals available for the entire year.  Please take one with you and bring it with you every time you come to Mass.  This Missal is yours to keep for your personal use throughout the upcoming year.  Do not leave it in the pew and maybe place your name and phone number in it so that it can be returned to you if it is left behind.  Have a Blessed Advent.

Fr. George P. Blais