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From the Pastor's Desk
November 21, 2007Dear Brothers and Sisters in Baptism,
Greetings in Christ! I pray that this letter finds you all well and in good spirits. As the new liturgical year begins with the holy season of Advent, let us all take a moment to give thanks to God for another year of grace. Hopefully this past year was a time that we all grew closer to our Savior through our struggles and triumphs, as well as our disappointments and joys.
Advent is a short but very blessed season. It is a season that is marked by a spirit of waiting and hope. Advent is a period of time in which we long and hope for the celebration of the Incarnation—the death in despair. We, however, have much in which we can find hope like family and friends; but, this Holy Season of Advent reminds us where we find true hope, Jesus.
I have enclosed a prayer booklet entitled “Daybreaks” for you to use at home as you prepare for Christmas. During this busy time of year, it is easy to get distracted from the true purpose of Advent. Therefore, I encourage you to use “Daybreaks” with your families or by yourself as you prepare for Christmas.
We have received the new Parish Calendars for 2008. They will be passed out after all Masses on the First Sunday of Advent, December 1st and 2nd. Please take only one calendar per a family.
During the period of Advent there is one Holy Day of Obligation—The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This year it falls on Saturday, December 8. Because it is Saturday, we will have a 6:00 pm Vigil Mass Friday, December 7. Saturday morning we will have Mass at 7:45 am and 12:00 noon. Please note that Saturday morning confessions will be cancelled this day.
Our Advent Penance Service in preparation for Christmas will be Wednesday, December 19 at 7:00 pm. Approximately 12 priests will be available to celebrate individual confession with you.
It is with great joy that we get to celebrate Christmas in our new building this year. Christmas Eve marks the Fourth Anniversary of our first Mass as a parish. The Christmas Mass schedule is as follows:
Christmas Eve, December 24th-- 4:00 pm Prelude (Hymns & Carols)
4:30 pm Mass (Children’s Choir)
6:30 pm Mass (Youth Ensemble)
8:30 pm Mass (Cantor & Accompanist)
11:00 pm Prelude (Carols and Hymns)
Midnight Mass (Adult Choir)
Christmas Day, December 25th-- 7:30 am Mass (Cantor & Accompanist)
9:30 am Mass (Cantor & Accompanist)
11:30 am Mass (Adult Choir)
Finally, January 1st is a Holy Day of Obligation—The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. We will have Mass at 7:45 am, 12:00 noon, and 6:00 pm. There is no better way to start the new year than with the sacrifice of the Holy Mass.
I pray that you all have a blessed Advent, a glorious Christmas, and a happy New Year! May God’s blessings descend upon you and remain with you always.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Marc Howes