Dear Parishioners,
We have officially entered the season of Advent. The word Advent comes from the original Latin word “adventus”, which means “coming” or “arriving.” As such, the purpose of this season is to prepare ourselves for Christ’s second coming at the end of time, and for the anniversary of His birth on Christmas. It is a time of waiting, conversion, and hope.
Symbols of the Season
We are offered several reminders of our duties of waiting, conversion, and hope throughout the season. For example, the seasonal liturgy brings to us the Advent wreath and its four candles. The candles symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love, and they are lit in that order on each Sunday of Advent. They also show us how Jesus is the light of our world, and as each candle is lit our anticipation for His return grows. The Sunday readings of the season also propose to us some models of hope and faith to reflect on: the Virgin Mary, her cousin Elizabeth, John the Baptist, and even the people of Israel.
Upcoming Events
We will be having special events during this Advent season to celebrate the models that the Advent readings tell us about. We would love for you to participate in any way you are able during this Advent. The information about these events can be found below.
Evening Organ Recital
Saturday, December 18th at 6:00pm
We are excited to offer an evening organ recital presented by our parish organists, Reid Simmons and Joseph O’Brien. A wide variety of music will be performed on the historic instrument at our church. Please consider attending if you are available.
This event is free and open to the public. A free will offering will benefit our music ministry.
Christmas Concert
Friday, December 24th at 3:00pm
Come celebrate Christmas with your friends and family by attending our Christmas Eve Concert prior to Mass. Carols will be sung and a variety of festive choral music will be presented. All are invited to attend.
This event is free and open to the public.
New Year's Raffle
Drawing Held on Friday, December 31st following the 4:00pm Mass
Tickets can currently be picked up at the rectory during office hours or on the tables in the back of the church. Tickets can be returned to the rectory or in the collection in a plain envelope.
One winner will receive 50% of the ticket sales. Ticket stubs are due to the rectory by December 29th, 2021.
This Advent, let us look forward to the traditions that help us focus on this season. We remember that we should be alert and ready for not only Christ’s return, but also His presence with us now. As Pope Francis says, “Advent invites us to a commitment to vigilance, looking beyond ourselves, expanding our mind and heart in order to open ourselves up to the needs of people, of brothers and sisters, and to the desire for a new world.” May we be rid of outside stresses as we pray for peace and hope in the coming of our Savior. Advent presents an opportunity to experience a personal conversion through the Sacrament of Penance, as John the Baptist reminds us “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Yours in Christ,
Monsignor Sweeney
Mass Schedule
Livestreaming Sundays at 9:00am, All Christmas and New Year’s Masses
Christmas Day: 10:00am
New Year’s Eve: 4:00pm
Confession Schedule
Saturday: 3pm
Sunday: 8:30am & 10:30am
Wednesday, December 22nd:
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday, December 24th:
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Anytime upon request
Devotions
Second Sunday of the month:
Holy Hour following the 11am Mass
Monday-Friday: 7:30am
Fridays: Following the 8:00am Mass