The First Sunday of Advent

From the Pastor’s Desk

November 27, 2022

“Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.”

~ Isaiah 2:3b

Blessed Advent to you and your family! I pray you’ve had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends! This 1st Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Church year; as with the traditional calendar’s New Year, it’s a good time to reflect, pause, prepare, and look back and ahead. To that end, over these next four weeks, put some time aside, take advantage of our Perpetual Adoration chapel (for busy folks, it is virtually always open, with after-hour access), and spend some time with Jesus. Remember, our Lord is truly present in the Eucharist and the church. Sit with Him, and when you do, recall all the ways Christ was present with you this past year and how He abided with you during sad, happy, challenging, or comfortable times. Did the Holy Spirit send you any “God winks” to remind you of His steadfast presence? Look up and gaze at the beautiful stained glass window of Jesus the Good Shepherd above the Altar in the chapel and know the Lord has claimed you, understands you, and will protect you! Then take a moment to look ahead and consider the assurances of the Advent season that His kingdom will reign and there will be tidings of great joy and the promise of eternal life. Now ponder how you might prepare to receive such a glorious gift, and be sure to wait to hear God’s answer. Also, pray that we can encourage each other in faith so that we never give up on God’s promises during Advent and all year!

In that spirit, as a tool to help us grow in faith, OLPH has invested in the Hallow App and is thrilled to offer this gift to you from Advent through Easter day.

I have to admit; I keep saying ‘halo’ instead of ‘hallow.’ The first use refers to a circle of light depicted on images of God and the saints. The second means to venerate or to make holy (perhaps, better translated as to acknowledge rather than ‘make’ in relation to God!).

Recommended by staff, Pastoral Council members, and several parishioners, the app is rich with meaningful content and resources and perfect for the busy person struggling to pray. Yet, Hallow can complement a veteran prayer warrior’s healthy habits.

The app includes great ways to pray, including Scripture (read to you and explained), sermons, podcasts like Bible in a Year or the upcoming Catechism in a Year, music, audiobooks, rosaries, family prayers, options for kids and teens, and even bedtime meditations.

Please do me a favor, connect today and give it a chance this Advent. 

As a parish family, let’s all participate in #Pray25 Challenge, which will lead us through salvation history to the birth of Jesus. The Challenge includes support from the engaging cast of The Chosen, one of the most well-known and celebrated pieces of Christian media to date.

Go deeper with the Challenge and join our OLPH Virtual Prayer group at hallow.com/groups/WQDVPV (or from the app with the code WQDVPV). Being a part of the group allows us to share reflections through the season and post intentions so that we may personally and meaningfully pray for one another.

 

Before I close, I wanted to tell you about the exciting initiative under the leadership of Archbishop Lori called “Seek the City to Come,” which focuses on solid pastoral renewal and planning with the parishes of Baltimore City and those in the immediate vicinity. The name alludes to the promise of God’s kingdom and calls parishioners to a deep trust and faith in God’s imminent victory. Please pray for the Archdiocese this Advent and the efforts to strengthen our parishes. To learn more, I encourage you to visit https://www.archbalt.org/seekthecity/.

Finally, let’s pray for each other this Advent! And when we do, let’s ask our Lord that we, as brothers and sisters, may accompany one another this season as we help one another grow in holiness.

In the Lord,

Rev. Michael S. Triplett

Other Considerations in and around our community:

  • INDIVIDUAL UNBOUND MINISTRY PRAYER – Many of us are fighting invisible battles with anxieties, negative thoughts, sins, unhealthy relationships, destructive habits, resentments, and bitter wounds that never seem to heal. You can reach out and experience God’s merciful love, healing, and freedom! Unbound Ministry Prayer releases the power of Jesus into wounded lives. On Saturday, December 3rd, trained teams will be available to provide individual prayer using the Unbound Model of prayer, based on 5 scriptural keys that help you unlock those areas of your life where you want greater freedom, healing & spiritual growth. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please contact Dan or Peggy Gahagan by Monday, November 28th, 2022 at unboundministrymaryland@gmail.com.
  • MEN’S DISCERNMENT RETREAT Men, Ages 18-40’s, How is God Calling you? To assist you with this question, the Archdiocese of Baltimore is offering upcoming events. The next in the series of opportunities is a weekend retreat, Jan 6-8, 2023, at St Mary’s Seminary University, Baltimore. Learn more and register at www.bmorevocations.org or email Vocations Director Fr. Matt Himes at vocations@archbalt.org or by phone at 410 547-5426
  • OLPH LOST AND FOUND – Weekly, many items are left behind the parish, some are claimed, yet many have accumulated. As we prepare to decorate for the Christmas season, this is the LAST CALL!! If you believe you left something behind, please check our Lost and Found Box at the Information Desk in the Narthex. Items will be repurposed on Dec 5th if not claimed. Come Check it out one last time for your lost items!
  • OLPH ANGEL’S AFTERCARE PROGRAM IS HIRING – OLPH After School Program is hiring for Aides, Senior Staff, and Group Leaders positions. Hours: Monday – Friday, 3-6 pm, with flexible hours.Great Part-time job for High Schoolers, Education Majors, and Retired Educators. For additional Information, Contact: Angels After Care, Inc.
    mkerns@olphschool.org or text/call Mrs. Kerns at (410) 533-2759.