"The happy life is this - to rejoice to You, in You, and for You." St. Augustine
As we approach the celebration of Christmas, the readings for this third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday (Latin for “rejoice”), are intended to give us courage, hope and joy. The first reading takes us into the desert to witness the marvelous works of renewal and healing that the coming of the Messiah will bring. In the gospel, John the Baptist, while in prison, sends his own followers to Jesus so that they may come to understand that in Him, this prophecy has been fulfilled. Jesus is the one who has been sent to heal us both physically and spiritually, saving us from the captivity of sin and bringing the promise of eternal life. Reflection for the coming week: in light of the promise of eternal life that Christ brings, what distractions keep me from rejoicing in this gift and how can I free myself from these distractions?
Our 8th grade religious education students will "host" the 9:30 AM Mass by taking on various liturgical roles such as greeters, readers, and taking up the offertory.
It's "bring your baby Jesus to church day"! This relatively new tradition was started by Pope John Paul, II when he invited people to bring the Christ Child from their nativity scene to be blessed at Mass. Following the 9:30 AM Mass, all those who have a figurine to be blessed will be invited to do so outside in front of the church's creche. If you forget your own baby Jesus, we will have some available, courtesy of our Religious Education students. A social with coffee and donuts will follow.
Carols and Cookies is this Sunday at 2 PM in the church. Take a break from the busy-ness of this season and join us for some traditional Christmas music followed by cookies and hot chocolate in the parish center.
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