Dear Friends,
Advent is advancing quickly toward its culmination at our celebration of Christmas, just ten days or so from now. Thus, today, Gaudete Sunday, the Church bids us to rejoice. The text from the prophet Isaiah speaks of the steppe rejoicing and blooming, the eyes of the blind being opened, the ears of the deaf being cleared, the lame leaping like a stag, the tongues of the mute singing. Isaiah in his time looked forward with longing to that day when there will be everlasting joy and gladness, when sorrow and mourning shall flee. At Christmas, we will celebrate the birth in time of the One who is the source of our true and lasting joy, the One who turns our sorrows and pain into joy. As Christmas approaches, at a time of year that can leave many of us stressed out and even depressed, may we ask God to pour light into our hearts so that we may grasp the true meaning of this season and find joy in Him who is closer to us that we are even to ourselves.
This Sunday afternoon, at 2:30 PM in St. Agnes Church, we will have our annual Festival of Lessons and Carols. This affords us all the opportunity to step back from the rush of this time of year, to sit in quiet, listening to selections from the Scriptures, and singing hymns and carols of the season. We need this kind of time. It lasts but an hour. I hope that many will take advantage of it.
As Christmas approaches, there are increased opportunities available to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please check the bulletin or be sure to take one of the cards available at the church doors so that you may have a reminder of times for confession. A good confession is a worthy way to cap any proper observance of Advent. Please consider taking advantage of the opportunity, even if, especially if it has been some years since you last went to confession.
Finally, the Annual Collection is doing quite well. At this writing, some $46,000 has been given and we are well on our way to our goal. If you have not made a gift, please do so before December 31 if you wish that gift to be credited for tax purposes. As always, thanks to all who are so generous to the parish and the work it does throughout the year.
