JOSEPH & MARY SET THE STAGE FOR MASS

The Gospel this weekend is the Annunciation and it is placed here on the Fourth Sunday of Advent as the final and most important announcement concerning the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  This message is carried to Mary by none other than the angel Gabriel who calms her fears and anxiety by telling her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”
 
The angel than goes on to describe the importance of this child —“He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of David his father, and He will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” and finally departs from her.  Mary’s reaction to this news is one that should remind us that we are all in the service of Almighty God —“May it be done to me according to your word.”
 
The word continues to be alive among us each time we hear the scripture or the read the Bible.  God is speaking to all of us, not through the angel Gabriel, but most certainly through His divine word.  What it is saying to us and how we live and proclaim God’s good news is our responsibility.
 
Our proclamation of living this word is indeed a Christmas present that keeps on giving…
 

 

 

What do our CCD students know about Christmas?......

On Sunday, December 17, 2017, children of the OLC parish were asked to show their Christmas spirit by dressing up as a Christmas ornament or an elf or "anything Christmassy" for the 10:00 a.m. Mass.

Here are the results........

Today begins the season of Advent! Each week Father Michael will light the Advent wreath to symbolize the growing light of Christ.  Each candle has its own meaning and is illustrated in the four weeks.  Hope…. reminding us that Jesus is coming.  Faith…. reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.  Joy…. reminding us of the joy to the world experience of Jesus’ birth. Peace…. with the angel’s message “Peace on Earth, Good Will towards Men.”  Attending Mass each week during Advent is a great way to keep children focused on the real meaning of Christmas and to prepare for the coming of Christ. 
 
Advent is the season we focus entirely on preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  It is marked by a spirit of expectation, anticipation and longing.  But, it is also a feeling of joy of a spiritual journey as we affirm that Christ has come, that He is always present within us and it is up to us to bring Him into our hearts and into our lives.
 
As we wait in anticipation and excitement, we have an opportunity to have a clean heart and soul by attending our annual Advent Penance Service.  This will take place this Tuesday, December 5^th @ 7:00 p.m. in our church.  All are welcome to join us to pray together and refocus on God’s presence in our lives.
 

 

Peace to All,