Dear Parish Family,

 

The most wonderful time of the year!  We all know the holidays can be stressful! At times

even overwhelming. This is the time to acknowledge our limits, that we are not alone -

and can and should ask for help. We often put undue pressure on ourselves creating too many

expectations and obligations.  This means you – Mary Jo!  We need to take time to reflect on

this glorious season of Advent. This is a time of spiritual preparation for the birth of our Lord.

Yes, we need to see the beauty and smell of the evergreens,  the flicker of candles, hear the

carols,  but above all relish the gift of family and friends sharing these precious moments. “In

the end… everything else will turn out to be unimportant and unessential except for this;

Father, Child, and Love.” St John Paul II

 

Advent is sometimes referred to as “Little Lent.” It takes place the four Sundays before 

Christmas, and the beginning of the new liturgical year.  The prominent theme of Advent is a

“Season Of Hope.” This is from belief in the coming of the Messiah, and Christ being the light

of the world. This is a time of spiritual readiness for the birth of our Lord, and holds a special

solemnity. St Theresa said “We desire to be able to welcome Jesus at Christmas time, not

in a cold manger of our heart, but in a heart full of love so pure, so immaculate, so warm with

love for one another.”

 

Let us pray:

 

Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparation

for Christmas.  We who have so much to do, seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over things, look forward to your coming among us.

This we ask in your name.

 

Amen.

 

Mary Jo