Today we begin a new Liturgical Year with the First Sunday of Advent. Happy Liturgical New Year! Our first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah points us towards Christmas: "The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah." This is the promise fulfilled with the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. In the Gospel Jesus points us towards his second coming at the end of time: "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay." "And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand." At the end of time Jesus will come to bring all his children home to his Father. Come, Lord Jesus!
In our second reading St. Paul tells us how to live: "May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all." As is clear we live in an in between time, between his first and second coming. We use violet as our liturgical color. We light our Advent Wreath each week as we count down to Christmas. We are asked to pray a little more during this time. We have provided Advent Calendars with daily prayers to help us with this. Come, Lord Jesus!
Our Synod preparations are underway. See Cheryl Ashe for more details. There will be a brief presentation after each of the Masses on December 12 to get your feedback. This is for the Synod of Bishops that Pope Francis has called for 2023. He wants to hear from all of us.
The Notre Dame Federal Credit Union once again made a much appreciated gift of $5,000.00 to the parish. Diane Freeby, their ELEVATE Liaison, came by with the check and met with me and the Harris' to explain their ELEVATE program. This is a program where they donate to the parish when a parishioner meets with them and opens a new auto loan or debit or credit card. If you are doing either with the NDFCU be sure to mention the parish. A Third offering sounds really good. It is called a financial check up and it is free. For a 30 minute meeting with their representative, they will help you understand your finances better. They will also donate $150.00 to the parish in your name. For more info call them at 844-230-6611 or email them at [email protected].
An Evening of Hope and Healing for those struggling with infertility will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Therese, Little Flower Church in South Bend. This special gathering will focus on the Advent spirit of waiting with hope, and will feature a reflection, inspiring music, Eucharistic Adoration, and an opportunity to receive healing prayer as individuals or as couples offered by members of the prayer ministry team. Sponsored by Marriage & Family Ministry, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. For more information, contact Lisa Everett at [email protected] or call 574-234-0687.
We continue to have Sunday Mass at 8:15 and 10:30 AM. If you are not vaccinated, we ask you to wear a mask. If you are vaccinated, you don't need one but certainly can wear one if you are more comfortable doing so. If you are ill, please stay home and watch our Mass on our web page later in the day. We do have Children's Church during the 10:30. The Sacraments Class is at 9:30 AM as is the Good Shepherd Program. The Confirmation Class meets on Tuesdays at 6:45 PM in the hall. The Soup Kitchen is open MWF 11 AM - 12:30 PM. Our Saint Vincent de Paul still brings food to the shut ins. We are always looking for more volunteers for both.