We would like to have a Senior Women Reflection Group during Advent. If you are interested please fill out one of the surveys near the Bulletin.
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.
As we near the end of the Liturgical year, our readings talk about the end of the world. In our first reading the Prophet Malachi warns of “the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire.” “But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.”
Jesus sounds the same in today’s Gospel when he says the temple will be destroyed, which we know happened later. Jesus also says “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” There will be persecutions as well. Jesus says the end will come but we need not spend all our time trying to figure out the date. “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
In our second reading today St. Paul tells us to go on with our lives following Christ each day and not worrying about the end times. The Second Coming will come but Jesus is with us day in and day out in our daily lives.
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.