SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

ADVENT is not a miniature version of Lent. In fact, the two seasons are extremely different. Advent stresses hope and joy, Lent stresses penance and sorrow. Advent emphasizes what we need to add to our lives (e.g., grace, light, joy), while Lent emphasizes what we need to remove (sin). Advent stresses preparation with festivity! Advent features the Prophet Isaiah. In this season, read a chapter of Isaiah each day and be inspired!

THE HOLYDAY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

In the first chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke, the angel Gabriel, speaking on God’s behalf, addresses Mary as “full of grace”. In that context this phrase means that Mary is receiving all the special divine help necessary for what lies before her. The Holy Spirit led the Church to the insight that Mary had to be the most perfect work of God next to the Incarnation. The People of God believe that Mary was full of grace and free of sin from the first moment of her existence. This great privilege of Mary is the highlight of all that God has done for us in Jesus!

MASSES ON THE HOLYDAY, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8th, are at 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

CONFESSIONS IN PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS

The Sacrament of God’s Loving Mercy and Forgiveness is offered during this Season of Advent every Saturday from 3:30 to 4:45, Advent Sundays after Masses, and on Monday, Dec. 19th, from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m. (There will be two priests available on Dec. 19th)

CHRISTMAS MASSES

MASSES ON CHRISTMAS EVE — SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24th 5 P.M. and 10 P.M.

CHRISTMAS DAY, MASSES — SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25th 7A.M., 9A.M., and 11A.M.