Dear Parishioners,

            We are beginning a new year this week with Advent, and it is always a special time of family and friends.  I love it in the parish because everyone is in a great mood and there are Christmas parties everywhere.  It is also a time of increased prayer and home rituals that give families who might not be so “religious” to add a little “God Action” in their family.  I mentioned that during Advent, the priests will offer Night Prayer from the Rectory each night at 9:00 PM.  It really is a great way to end the day together in prayer.  If you have not joined before, consider making it a ritual each night before going to bed.  If you cannot make it at 9:00, you can always join us on demand on our website, YouTube and Facebook platforms.  Come and pray with us each night on our way toward Christmas beginning Sunday, December 3rd.

            Also, again this year, we will do the Jesse Tree prayer experience before the daily and weekend Masses.  Also, a daily email with a short reading and meditation to reflect on the key players in the birth of Jesus.  If you have not signed up for it, you can do so at our parish website.  Tyler has been preparing the website to have one place where you can download all the Advent material you wanted to help make this time more reflective and special for you and your family.

            This weekend, we have the Advent wreaths, candles and calendars available at the doors of all the Churches.  Also on the tables are the blessings that families can do for the wreath, the Christmas tree and the manger scene.  It is a beautiful sight to gather the family together to pray these home blessings as Catholics.  We are so blessed to have many rituals surrounding the time of Advent and Christmas as easy ways to live the faith in concrete and tangible ways.  They always make the experience real and meaningful.  I hope the entire parish takes full advantage of it all.         

                                                     Peace, Fr. Daniel