Dear Friends in Christ,
Welcome to the Season of Advent! On the First Sunday of Advent we begin a new liturgical year. Our Sunday Readings are from Cycle B and will highlight the Gospels of Mark and John (the Bread of Life discourse during the summer). The Daily Readings are from Year I. As with anything new it is appropriate to set goals…. in this case for our spiritual lives. Some suggestions include: a few extra minutes in prayer each day, praying daily a decade of the Rosary, setting aside some quiet time to be alone with God on a regular basis, attending an Adult Faith Formation program or even offer to be a sponsor for someone journeying through the Christian Initiation process.
Each week in the bulletin we will provide a prayer for Advent. I have wonderful memories of lighting the Advent Wreath each night before dinner. This is something so simple that we can do whether we are alone or in the company of others. This time of preparation for the remembrance of Christ’s birth is rich in opportunities for growth in our faith. Please take time to enter in to the watchful spirit of Advent so that we can truly be ready to celebrate the joy of Christmas!
When you come before the Lord this week, please pray for me, our Priests, Religious Sisters and Staff. Know that we will remember you and your loved ones in our prayers. We may not see each other each day but may we meet each day in our prayers.
In Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor