In our First Reading, From the Book Of the Prophet Micah
5:1-4a

Israel is waiting for the birth of the Messiah. Hence, she is likened to a woman in labor. But until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, Israel will be ruled by other nations. The Lord will give them up. Christians see this oracle fulfilled in the birth of Jesus who brought final salvation. We are waiting for the coming of the Messiah.


The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him
in your self-giving.


In the Second Reading, From the Letter to the Hebrews

10:5-10

Christ took a body in order to be able to sacrifice himself in total obedience to God. This reminds us of the reason for the incarnation, which is closely related to our Lord's sacrifice of atonement on Golgotha. Bethelehem and Calvary cannot be separated. We learn what is most characteristic about Jesus: " I come to do your will"


In the Gospel of Luke
1:39-45

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth calls Mary "Blessed" because of her faith and the obedience with which she bore her child. Mary devoted herself totally as a handmaid of the Lord to the person and work of her Son. By her faith and obedience to God's design, Mary was the great woman behind Jesus. Preparing for the Lord's coming and accepting him implies a total commitment to what he stands for.


Newsy Notes
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Happy Advent!!!

From Becky Ready, DRE
Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE

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Current 2nd Grade Families
Click below for a downloadable document listing
both first reconciliation and first communion preparation dates:



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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!


Current 8th grade Confirmation

The next group meeting will be Sunday January 16,
from 11:15-1:15pm in the Parish Dining Hall .

Please bring your missing confirmation paperwork, and
your Decision Point Book to go over Chapter 9 together.

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PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN PSR SCHEDULE!!!


PSR WILL BE CLOSED ON THE 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT!

TO ACCOMODATE THOSE FAMILIES WHO TRAVEL BEFORE CHRISTMAS, WE WILL NOT HAVE PSR CLASSES ON
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19TH!

ENJOY JOUR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

WE WILL SEE YOU BACK IN PSR ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 9TH!
ADVENT IS HERE!!

This is the 4th Sunday of Advent December 19th!

SOON AND VERY SOON WE WILL CELEBRATE JESUS' BIRTH!!

Click below for Advent prayers to pray with your family:

Address future PSR and Sacramental Preparation Questions to:
Deacon Bob Brazier at bbrazier@sttm.org
Meditations
“Lord, I too lack the necessary faith to see the blessings that accompany Your Cross, as well as the many crosses I am given in life. Help me to be purified in my faith so that I can see Your hand at work in all things, even suffering, injustice and persecution. May I see life from Your perspective alone. Jesus, I trust in You."