Did you ever think about the lengths God went through to show how much He loves you by becoming a human being?

Jesus is God’s way of reaching out to you and me. By sharing our humanity, He’s letting us know how very special we are, that He wants to be one with us, that He understands us, and that He’s someone we can relate to.

During this season, we’ll probably hear more than once the familiar song: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” But, for some among us, it’s really not. If anything, they might say just the opposite. That’s because this time of year is very difficult for them. There are a number of circumstances that can make it so. Some people are grieving the loss of a loved one. For these folks, this season brings back some fond memories, but they are tinged with sadness. Other people are facing financial hardship and are unable to provide gifts for their family members as they usually do.

Back in 2021, we began to offer a monthly 5 pm Mass on Sunday in response to the need expressed by many parishioners for a time that makes Weekend Mass more accessible to active families. The attendance at it indicated that it indeed filled a need, not only for young families, but for young adults and many others as well. And so, a year later, as this Mass became more popular, with the support of the Parish Pastoral Council and the cooperation of our Senior Assistant Priest at the time, Fr. Bill Williams who agreed to alternate with me celebrating this Mass, we decided to offer it on a weekly basis.

The following is an excerpt from Archbishop Richard Henning’s “I Believe” column in the November 28 edition of the Pilot newspaper entitled, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” He invites us to consider this time of Advent as a time of spiritual preparation for the Coming of Jesus that involves some penitential practice.

He writes, “As I reflect on these powerful readings for the beginning of Advent, I feel moved to speak of penance. When we see the depth of God's love and recognize the magnitude of His grace, it is right to turn away from sin and towards the light of Christ.