From the Pastor’s Desk
The Third Sunday in Advent
John the Baptist said to crowds in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.”
–Luke 3:11
Dec 15, 2024
Brothers and Sisters,
Rejoice!
On this Gaudete Sunday, as we journey through Advent, we are invited to pause amidst our preparations and give praise and glory to God. Today, we are reminded of the enduring joy that comes from the Lord. Even during seasons of mourning or suffering, Christian joy remains steadfast. It is not dependent on fleeting circumstances but grounded in the unwavering hope of God’s presence and the promise that He will set all things right.
This confidence is what leads St. Paul to urge the Philippians emphatically: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!” These words, preserved on precious papyrus, reflect the depth of his conviction—God is with us, and this truth is reason enough to rejoice.
In the Eucharistic Prayer of Consecration, we petition the Lord: “Transform my heart.” This is a powerful reminder to open ourselves to the love of Christ. Jesuit Fr. Dennis Hamm reflects on St. Paul’s letter, encouraging us to examine our interior lives: Are we allowing what is good, true, and beautiful to penetrate the deepest core of who we are? To have a transformed heart is to receive Christ’s heart—one overflowing with mercy and compassion, a heart ready to embrace joy and respond with worship and praise.
In the Gospel this week, John the Baptist calls us to live with hearts transformed by grace. His message is simple yet profound: live out the works of mercy. Share with those in need—give your coat to someone without one, feed the hungry, and care for those lacking life’s necessities. These acts of love reflect God’s glory to a world longing for His presence. Thank you for how you, as a parish, already live this out. Your generosity and service make Christ’s love visible.
As we continue this Advent season, I encourage you to encounter God’s forgiveness and renew your commitment to His Kingdom.
We have additional opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation this week:
Monday: 4–6 PM
Tuesday: 4–7 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–12 Noon and 6–7 PM
Friday: 4–8 PM (December 20)
Friday is the final scheduled opportunity for Reconciliation before Christmas. We will have additional priests available to welcome all who come to experience God’s mercy.
As you prepare for Christmas, please note our Mass schedule, with all services to be held in the church:
Christmas Eve: 3 PM, 5 PM, and 7 PM
(Christmas carols performed by our choir will begin at 6:30 PM before the 7 PM Mass.)
Midnight Mass: 12 AM
Christmas Day: 9 AM
The Archdiocese has graciously allowed us to begin at 3 PM this year to accommodate the anticipated influx of worshipers better, especially as we navigate the challenges of limited parking during our ongoing improvements. We kindly encourage families to consider attending different Mass times, carpooling whenever possible, and exercising patience as we work through this project. For those seeking a more peaceful experience, the 7 PM, Midnight, and Christmas Day Masses provide quieter opportunities to celebrate the Nativity.
Let us come together to worship and thank Jesus, who came to dwell among us, bringing light to the darkness and hope to the world.
May the joy of this Gaudete Sunday and the peace of Christ fill your hearts.