From the Pastor's Desk: Archives

November 27, 2016

First Sunday of Advent

As winter comes in, we can tell the year is coming to an end. This is true as well of the liturgical year: last Sunday we celebrated the solemnity of Christ the King and this week we begin Advent, and thus a new liturgical year. One of the salient aspects of these last days of the year, and also of the first days of Advent, is the constant reminder about being alert and vigilant. This is true, first and foremost, as we heard in the readings, about coming of "the day of the Lord". He will come at an unexpected day and we should be prepared. But this also has a more practical application that we can learn in the Gospels: we should be faithful in big and in small matters; we should be active and responsive to God's plan; we should multiply our talents. It is easy to "fall asleep" and be content with the talents we have received, but the Lord expects us to multiply those talents. This is the only way of entering into our Master's joy.

To prepare our hearts and minds in this Advent season, the Parish Council is sponsoring an Advent Retreat on Sunday, December 11. We will begin at 2:00 p.m. and finish by 4 p.m. We have invited motivational speaker, Colleen Rayner, who has facilitated our Confirmation Retreat for the past several years. The retreat is an excellent means of preparing our hearts and minds for Christmas. Mark your calendars now to take the day off to attend. Invite your friends and relatives to spend some time in reflection during this busy season.

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