Immaculate Conception

This week, on Thursday, December 8, we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Not only is this a great feast of our Lady in its own right, but it is under the title of her Immaculate Conception that the United States is dedicated to our Lady as our patroness – it is our national feast day.

Here are 7 things you need to know about the teaching and the way we celebrate it. (Read more…)

First Sunday of Advent

As we know, a new Church Year has commenced as we have entered the season of Advent.  Integral to the season of Advent is the Advent Wreath which has a long Catholic tradition.  The Wreath is displayed prominently in front, on the left side of the Sanctuary.  It typically has four candles that are lit progressively during the Sundays of Advent.  The first candle is the Prophecy Candle or the Candle of Hope.  It reminds us that we can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises made to us.  The second Candle is the Bethlehem Candle or the Candle of Preparation.  We remember the words of the Prophet Isaiah who said, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight paths for him.”  The third candle is the Shepherd Candle or the Candle of Joy.  We reflect on how we joyfully anticipate the coming of the Christ Child.  The fourth candle is the Angel Candle or the Candle of Love.  We reflect on how the angels announce the coming of the Savior, sent by God because He loves us. (Read more…)

Solemnity of Christ the King

Today is the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year and we gather to celebrate this great feast of Christ the King. The Church wants us to reflect upon what the whole of all creation is ultimately about. Our Faith tells us that Christ will return to establish the Kingdom of God and when that time comes, the world as we know it will be transformed. This is not something to be feared but rather something we long for because it means the complete fulfillment of God’s will. (Read more…)