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My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Welcome to the great season of Advent. During Advent we await the coming of the Lord through vigilant prayer, penance, and almsgiving; it is a season of change-especially as we look to the new year.
Chaos often seemingly reigns as we build to Christmas; chaos has its day but God burns that darkness away through the gift of His Son. Jesus makes all things new by bringing all things into their proper order. This new order is the Good News. Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world and that we should go and spread the Good News of God’s love, of God’s overcoming of the darkness.
Advent is meant to be a time of desire, longing, and expectancy. Each of us have spiritual desire and longing deep within our hearts that can only be filled by Christ’s presence in our lives. Please set some extra time aside for prayer and reflection-especially scripture. If you are not already doing so, perhaps you and your family might begin praying before meals as an expression of your thankfulness for God’s presence in your lives; perhaps you might choose to reflect on the scriptures together, or pray the rosary as a family. If you are single do not be discouraged as is often the temptation during the holiday season; I invite you to join the family of Christ here at St. Bernadette.
The Lord is providing us with a number of opportunities to begin the journey of fulfillment of our lives.
December 8 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day of Obligation)
December 9 School Children’s Advent Concert
December 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Not a Holy Day and only celebrated in the morning because Saturday evening we will be celebrating the 3rd Sunday of Advent)
December 14-16 Parish Mission, “Finding God in the Bottom of the Heart” with Fr. Doug Lorig
December 18 Nativity Play (Performed by Life Teen)
December 21 Parish Communal Penance Service (Confessions)
December 25 Christmas
As we set aside some special time for the Lord; he will slowly, and gradually, draw us near to Him, who is the source of all love. I invite you and your family to join our parish as we wait for the coming of the Lord together.
Peace and Blessings,
Fr. Pete
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