Rejoice!

12-12-2021Pastor's CornerRev. Robert J. Deehan, V.F.

As we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent this weekend, Gaudate (Rejoice) Sunday, we grow in anticipation and joy at the coming celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Still, some of us might be in panic mode because there's still a lot of shopping and other preparations to take care of before Christmas.

Hopefully, you've built in some time to make some spiritual preparations for Christmas. Have you used the Advent daily reflection booklet we have available for you to take home at the doors of the church? There are still some available. There is wonderful food for thought and prayer there.

Another opportunity to "prepare the way of the Lord" and get ready for Christmas is the Sacrament of Reconciliation - Confession. Have you been recently? Besides the regular Confession times on Saturdays from 4:00-4:45pm, we'll have some extra opportunities for you to go to Confession before Christmas. One is at the conclusion of Fr. Mark Schramm’s Advent Evening of Reflection this Tue, Dec 14 at 7:00pm in the church. Other visiting priests will be available, too. Also, Fr. Bill and I will offer the opportunity for Confession in the church Reconciliation Room and chapel on Tue, Dec 21 and Wed, Dec 22 from 6:30-8:00pm. Free sacramental grace of God’s forgiveness, healing, renewal and peace... a bargain! It's the best deal you'll find this season!!

A Prayer for Our Advent Journey with Christ by Pope Francis

Jesus, in you I am never alone, even at difficult moments, even when my life's journey comes up against problems and obstacles that seem insurmountable. I accompany you, I follow you, but above all, I know that you accompany me and carry me on your shoulders. This is my joy, this is my hope that I must bring to this world. Teach me to see with your eyes, to live life as you lived, to understand life as you understood it. Help me be ready for an encounter with you, which means being able to see the signs of your presence, keeping my faith alive with prayer and the sacraments, and taking care not to forget about God.