Brothers and Sisters in Christ –
Advent begins this weekend. It’s a season of joyful expectation as we look forward to the Second Coming of the Messiah. As we prepare to commemorate the Solemnity of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, we need to spend these next four weeks preparing ourselves spiritually.
Advent is a good time to look at our spiritual journey. Who taught us about Jesus? Who were our spiritual companions that helped us grow in the faith? Do we remember these persons in prayer? How are we honoring the gift of faith that they passed onto us? As we recall our past we also look forward.
Are our souls a fitting dwelling place for Christ? Are we persons of mercy, love, forgiveness, and generosity? Do we strive each day to align our lives with God’s Word? Are we renewing our faith, hope, and love for God each day and sharing it with others?
While Advent is a short four-week liturgical season, it’s a beautiful time to truly commit ourselves to deepening our prayer lives and our relationship with the Lord. It’s a time of quiet reflection, communal prayer, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Use those opportunities listed in this week’s reflection to center yourself on the Lord during these holy days. Don’t allow the secular trappings of this holiday season to consume you. Make some extra time for the Lord and a deepening of your relationship with him.
May these four weeks of Advent be a time of wonder and awe. May you find yourself filled with spiritual joy. May we, as a parish family, grow closer to the Lord and one another during this beautiful season.
Happy and Blessed Advent!
A few announcements:
On the table in the vestibule are Advent Reflection Booklets for your personal prayer and reflection. Please help yourself to one. If you know of a family member, friend, neighbor, or a homebound loved one who would spiritually benefit from one, please bring it to them on behalf of the St. A’s parish family.
Advent Lessons and Carols will be held on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 7:15 p.m. in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Notre Dame) with the Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades presiding.
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. In this service, we listen to nine Scripture lessons which recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson's message and a brief prayer.
This service will feature the Basilica choirs - Folk Choir, Liturgical Choir, Magnificat Choir, and Basilica Schola. All are welcome!
Advent Penance Services … As we enter into this holy season, I invite you to prepare yourself spiritually for Christmas through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I will be one of numerous priests hearing confessions at these Penance Service.
Monday, December 4 (7:00 p.m.) --- St. Joseph Parish in South Bend
Sunday, December 17 (3:00 p.m.) --- Corpus Christi Parish in South Bend
Tuesday, December 19 (6:30 p.m.) --- St. Pius X Parish in Granger
Advent Taize Adoration will be celebrated at Holy Cross Parish (Wilber Street) on Monday, December 11 & 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Adoration will be augmented with a simple, chanted prayer style. The service will last for an hour.
November Collections … THANK YOU for your generous donations to St. A’s totaling $9,247.31 this past month.
Please remember in your prayers the reposed of the soul of Bobby Newbill. May he rest in peace and may the consolation of the Lord be with his family.
Winter … the snowfall this week was a reminder of what needs to take place at the parish in order to ensure everyone’s safety. I will be sure to have ice melt and shovels by the doors. Let’s all take responsibility for our spiritual home and pitch in when snow falls, and ice accumulates on the sidewalks. Thank you!
Looking Ahead …
On Thursday, December 7 we celebrate the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day of obligation, Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m.
On Sunday, December 24 we will only have one Mass at 10:30 a.m. for the 4th Sunday of Advent.
Our Christmas Eve, Masses will be at 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The 4:00 Mass will have the Children’s Pageant and the Gospel Choir will sing at the 9:00 Mass.
On Christmas Day, Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.
St. Augustine, pray for us!
Fr. John, C.S.C.
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