Dear Friends in Christ,

I hope that your family was able to take a moment at Thanksgiving to reflect upon what you are especially grateful for in your lives.  As your Pastor, I am thankful for your commitment to discipleship which includes your presence, prayers and support of our Annunciation Catholic Church parish family.  During this past year, we have continued to journey together with great hope.  I appreciate your dedication to selfless stewardship which helps to make our parish a very special place to know, love and serve God by loving and serving others.

This weekend, we will begin a new liturgical year with the celebration of the First Sunday of Advent.  A spiritual aid, Pope Francis: Living Advent With Joy And Peace, was mailed to all Parish families and should arrive shortly.  I pray that it will assist you and your loved ones this Advent.  Each day, a brief reflection is provided which you may wish to ponder individually, with your family or with friends.  I suggest that you place this spiritual aid in a convenient place in your home (perhaps the kitchen table?) so that you are inspired to grow in faith during these days of preparation for the feast of Christmas.

Where do we find our Joy and Peace?  I hope that you will reflect upon this question in your private prayer time.  Joy and Peace are much deeper emotions than happiness and contentment.  They are gifts from God, the Father Almighty, that come to us in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  I pray that He may enter into your hearts and souls this Advent Season, throughout Christmas and into the New Year.  I invite you to participate in the activities and prayer opportunities listed on the back of this letter in the hope that they lead you closer to our Lord during this holy season of expectation.  I look forward to sharing this special time with you.

Each week, I stand before you and ask for prayers for myself as well as the Priests and Religious Sisters who serve our parish.  Your prayers for us provide encouragement and strength and also bind us together as a family of faith.  Know that we are praying for you, your loved ones and your intentions.  As we seek the presence of God in a renewed manner this Advent, may we Rediscover Joy and Peace by reflecting upon our call to be witnesses to the beauty of our Catholic faith!

In Joyful Hope,

Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor