Second Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners,

    Yesterday we began the Advent Season.  We often forget the Advent season is a season of penance.  It is not as long or as stringent as Lent. It used to be a lot more penitential.  But commercialism got in the way.

    At one time Christians would fast three days a week during Advent and practice abstinence of various kinds.  Gradually, all that fell by the wayside. Unfortunately, that was a great loss.

    Since this Advent we will be forced to be less social.  We will not be going to as many holiday parties where we gorge ourselves with food and drink.  This may be an opportunity to pray a little more and to exercise the Advent virtues of patience, hope and peacemaking.  Certainly, we need people who believe in these virtues as we live in our polarized society and seek encouragement as we continue to struggle with COVID-19.

Today would be a day to make some resolutions regarding our spiritual life.

May Our Lady and all the Angeles and Saints watch over you today.

Fr. Mark