2024.12.01 1st Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Today we begin a liturgical new year, a cycle that carries us right through our Christian story – from Advent to Christmas into Lent and the sanctity of the Holy Week culminating in the celebration of Easter and the Easter season until the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. On it goes until Advent time comes around again. Advent is a time of preparation; it is a time of waiting; it is a time of joyful hope. I am always reminded of this beautiful prayer describing the spirit of Advent: Lord, our God, help us to prepare for the coming of Christ Your Son. May he find us, waiting, eager in prayer.

Advent is especially a special time for our RCIA candidates, who have completed the first stage of the RCIA program, the Period of Enquiry and Evangelization. At our 10.45 am Mass next Sunday, they will participate in the Rite of Acceptance and begin the second stage of the program, the Period of Catechumen ate. Let us pray for them. It is my hope and prayer for all of us that we are able to carve out a bit of a time each day during this season, to pray, meditate and prepare a place for our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Fr. Vijai, CSC~ Pastor