As we begin the new Liturgical Year, we need new lists for “Coffee &”, Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Hoy Communion. Please see Jeri Smith, if you would like to be added to the “Coffee &” list. We really do need more people to participate.
With the Lector and Holy Communion Lists, please see Father Len. If you are on the list and want to stay on, no problem. If you are on the list and want off, please see me. If you would like to become a Lector or Holy Communion Minister, please see me. The new lists for January – June will be coming out in the middle of December.
Yes, we are already in December, celebrating the First Sunday of Advent. Today’s readings emphasize the fact that we are waiting for the Second Coming of Christ.
The first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah promises salvation for God’s people by raising up “a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land.”
Jesus in today’s Gospel talks about his Second Coming. He talks about the signs n the sky and that “People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world.” That is pretty scary. But he also says he will come upon the clouds to save his people.
In our second reading St. Paul tells us how to live with one another. “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all.” He urges us to be blameless and holy.
Saturday, December 8this the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is the Patroness of our country and so this is a Holy Day of Obligation. We will have Mass at 9 AM, since the Solemnity falls on a Saturday. The Immaculate Conception celebrates the fact the Mary was conceived sinless. The Church teaches this because she was to be the Mother of Jesus, her son and the son of God.
The Church celebrates two well known saints this week. On Monday the Church celebrates St. Francis Xavier, Priest. He was one of the founding Jesuits who preached in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Japan.
On the 6th, the Church celebrates a much earlier saint, St. Nicholas, Bishop. He was bishop in Myra in Asia Minor during the 4thcentury. He has been popularized as Santa Claus (anglicized from the Dutch “Sinter Claus”). So, Santa Claus was not a jolly old elf, but a real person who lived many years ago and is a saint of the Church.
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 Father Tolton Prayer:Father in Heaven, 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.