First Sunday in Advent

12-03-2023Pastor's CornerVery Rev. Robert J. Deehan, VF

Today, the First Sunday of Advent, marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. This year’s Season of Advent is rather short because Christmas occurs the day after the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The Church’s Universal Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar #39 explains the season in this way. “Advent has a two-fold character, for it is a time of preparation for the Solemnities of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered, and likewise a time when, by remembrance of this, minds and hearts are led to look forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time. For these two reasons, Advent is a period of devout and expectant delight.”

Today’s Gospel highlights the need for us to be alert and watchful, ready for whenever the Lord may come. Would you be ready, anticipating the Lord with “devout and expectant delight?” We have several opportunities for you to get ready, offering spiritual preparation for the coming of Christ. There are Advent prayer booklets for adults and children available at the doors of the church for your reflection and spiritual enrichment. In addition, information about the multi-faceted Hallow app is available. Dynamic Catholic offers a new “Best Advent Ever” email series; today’s bulletin has details. This Friday, December 8, we’ll celebrate our Blessed Mother Mary’s Immaculate Conception, a holyday of obligation, with Masses at 8:15 am and 6:00 pm. On Tuesday, December 12 at 7:00 pm, our own Deacon Don Larose will provide an engaging reflection on the season of Advent. Several visiting priests will be on hand that evening to hear confessions at the conclusion of his presentation. Fr. Bill and I will offer an additional opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) before Christmas on Tues., Dec. 19 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm in the Reconciliation Room and chapel. Sat., Dec. 23 from 3:30 – 4:45 pm will be the final opportunity to go to Confession before Christmas. On that same day at 4:30 pm, our parish choir will offer a mini Christmas concert in the church before the 5:00 pm Mass. Check out the Advent Conspiracy website www.adventconspiracy.org and join the movement of Christians committed to making Christmas what it should be – a joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth that enriches our hearts and the world around us! I hope that you will make a special effort to come and take part in one or more of these special activities planned to help you enter into the spirit of the season. Prepare the way of the Lord!

God bless you!

Fr. Bob