Dear Friends in Christ,
This past week we celebrated our very first campus tree lighting and a celebration of Starry Night that included various activities to help enter into the season of Advent. I am very grateful to all who planned and participated in this joy-filled evening. I also ask you to pray for the children of our parish family who went to the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time this weekend. Do you remember the first time that you went to Confession?
As we continue through Advent I hope that you are truly finding a spirit of Joy in the Waiting! As a parish family we have many opportunities to truly enter into these sacred days that lead us to the remembrance of the Nativity of the Lord and also help us to be ready for the day that we meet Christ. This upcoming week I invite you to consider finding JOY…
…in the spirit of forgiveness as we host an Advent Reconciliation Service on Tuesday, December 10 at 10am and 7pm. If you are not familiar with How To Go To Confession or would like to review the Examination of Conscience in preparation, please visit www.annunciationorlando.org/go-to-confession/.
…in the devotion of the Rosary and the gift of music at the Living Rosary and Songs of Mary Concert on Thursday, December 12 (Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe) at 7pm. If you have never attended a Living Rosary, please consider entering into this beautiful devotion to assist your spiritual journey.
…in sharing our Catholic faith by displaying a yard sign exclaiming Joy in the Waiting! If someone asks what you are waiting for, remember to tell them you are not waiting for a particular thing or event but for a deeper relationship with a person- Jesus Christ.
Please know that I am grateful for all of your prayers and support. Thank you for praying for the Priests and Religious Sisters who serve our parish. Know that we remember you, your loved ones and your intentions in our conversations with God.
We may not see one other each day but may we meet always in our prayers!
In Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor