Dear Friends,
We pray that everyone had a happy Thanksgiving! With the start of Advent the Church begins the new liturgical year. So, I wish you a happy new year! Are there any new year’s spiritual resolutions on your horizon? To get you thinking…
Advent reminds us of the coming of Christ. There are various ways that we understand Christ’s coming: in our daily life such as when He comes to us in the Eucharist as well as in our neighbor; when He will come at last in His glory; and, of course, as He did in the flesh 2,000 years ago. Advent captures all of these. Where is Christ coming to meet you?
Advent is a very merry Marian season. Mary can show us how to live with an “Advent spirit” that is, how to live with expectant faith in Christ’s coming. Praying the joyful mysteries of the Rosary can help with this as can learning a new Marian prayer. In Advent, the Church prays the “Alma Redemptoris Mater”:
Loving Mother of the Redeemer, gate of heaven, star of the sea, assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again. To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator, yet remained a virgin after as before. You who received Gabriel's joyful greeting, have pity on us poor sinners.
On December 6th at OLC from 4:30-7:30pm, you can drop off toys or other donations in support of the Knights of Columbus St. Nicholas Toy Drive for Hurricane Helene victims.
On December 8th at OLC after 10:45am Mass, there will be breakfast with Santa! Admission is $5 (or free if you make a donation to the above!)
On December 9th, we will celebrate the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. This is a Holy Day of Obligation. Please join us for one of our Masses!
On December 11th at St. Jane Frances, all are invited to the Pastorate’s night of Reconciliation. In Advent we often pray, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Reconciliation is a beautiful way to prepare the way for Jesus entering into our souls.
On December 14th, a new priest for the Archdiocese! Deacon Ron Howard of Glen Burnie will be ordained to the priesthood at 10am at St. Ignatius in Ijamsville. All are welcome! Let us pray for Dcn. Ron!
Lastly, please take note of our Christmas Mass schedule. We look forward to having you and your families at one of our many celebrations!
Let us pray for one another as we prepare the way of the Lord this Advent season. Happy new year!
Fr. John
