Greetings from Fr. Dave

Advent! Although Christmas “stuff” has been out in the stores for weeks, we officially begin our preparation for Christmas this weekend. And, as you know our focus is a bit different from the commercial focus!

As we prepare for the annual commemoration of the Nativity of Jesus in our Catholic tradition, we focus on the universal human longing for the ONE who is to bring all existence into fulfillment: the Messiah-Savior-Redeemer.
 
The more we open ourselves to Him, the richer our lives become, the better equipped we are to face the ups and downs of daily life, and the more confidence we have in the gift and promise of Eternal Life in Heaven. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!
 

Our Advent Reconciliation Service is this coming Saturday afternoon, December 7, at 4:00pm. Following a brief reflection and examination of conscience, four priests will be available to hear individual confessions and extend absolution. I invite you to use this experience as a way to enter more deeply and spiritually into the meaning of the Season!
 
We have an unusual scheduling this Advent with December 8 ^th falling on a Sunday. Normally the 8 ^th is a Holy Day in honor of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Advent Sundays take precedence over that, so the commemoration of this feast is moved to the following day and is not a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses on Saturday evening the 7 ^th and Sunday the 8 ^th are all Masses for the 2 ^nd Sunday of Advent. Our school Mass is moved on this week from its normal Wednesday afternoon to Monday (the 9 ^th) at 2:15pm and will be an additional Mass in honor of the Immaculate Conception.
 

And, looking ahead, here is our schedule:

Dec. 9 — Immaculate Conception of Mary: Masses at 8:15am & 2:15pm
Dec. 10 — School Christmas Concert in the church at 6:00pm
Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve Masses at 3:00, 5:00, and 9:00pm
Dec. 25 — Christmas Day Mass at 9:00am
Jan. 1 — New Year’s Day Mass at 9:00am
Jan. 5 — Epiphany Party at 12:15pm in the cafeteria