I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, giving thanks to God for all the wonderful blessings we have received from God. Being from MA. I know the pilgrims were thankful for the food and help they received from the Native Americans to survive that winter. The payback wasn’t so wonderful.
It is hard to believe we are already in December and celebrating the First Sunday of Advent. Next Sunday, Dec. 8 is the day we usually celebrate the Patroness of the USA with a Holy Day of Obligation, The Immaculate Conception. It will be celebrated on the 9th and it is not a Holy Day of Obligation. We also celebrate St. Nicholas on the 6th. St. Nick later became known as Santa Claus. In honor of St. Nick we have several Advent helps for you in the foyer including Advent Calendars, holy cards and booklets to help you pray daily during Advent as we prepare for the coming of Christ. Be sure to pick them up as you leave church.
Our first reading today talks about the coming of the Lord. He will call all nations to himself and bring about peace: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” Let us pray for that day.
In the Gospel Jesus tells us: “So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect the Son of Man will come.” Some say this is talking about the end of the world and it may be, but it is also talking about the here and now and seeing Jesus in our neighbor.
In our second reading St. Paul tells us the hour is near because the hour of building his kingdom is now, by helping our brothers and sisters. Come, Lord Jesus! Maranatha!
The Parochial Council is in the process of reorganization. We are looking for new members. The Council usually meets the second Sunday of the month at 12:15 PM in the foyer to discuss the happenings in the parish and to suggest new ideas. The Council advises me in all matters dealing with the parish. If you are interested in participating in the Council or have questions about it, please see me or one of the Council members, who are listed on the front of this Bulletin or just come to the next meeting. Next meeting: Dec. 8 at 12:30 PM.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Venerable Father Tolton Prayer: Father in Heaven, the Venerable Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.