First Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners,

     We often refer to Advent as a penitential season.  It is hard to think of it as such when we are moving from one holiday gathering to the next eating and drinking.  We also are moving from one store to the next or ordering Christmas gifts so that all our friends and relatives will receive some special item from us.

     The penance we engage in during Advent may not be fasting and self-denial.  It can be giving alms to charity.  There are many worthy causes we want to support.  Advent can also be a time to try to build up our spiritual lives.

     Advent is a time to cultivate virtues.  Three virtues that we all need are hope, joy and peace. We are having a special evening prayer the first three Sundays of Advent.  At each of these prayer services we will reflect on a virtue that we might wish we could exercise more faithfully in our lives.  These prayer services will take place on Sundays at 4 p.m. There will be music, readings and a reflection on a Christian virtue.

     Fr. Mathew Cole our assistant pastor will be offering the reflections. He has done several presentations for our parish communities during his time at Sacred Heart and he has been quite well received.

     Can you spare forty minutes of your time to slow down and pray and contemplate an Advent attitude?  If so, I encourage you to attend this Sunday’s service.

Blessings,

Fr. Mark

P.S. We are continuing to lay the ground work for Today, Tomorrow, Together campaign.  There is much to do as we approach our January Kick-off.   Right now, we are designing a special WEB page that we hope to launch soon.  This page will have information about sponsoring church windows for restoration and a virtual tour of our proposed handicapped entrance and addition for the church. There will be a lot of other information as well. Please continue to pray for a successful campaign.