Welcome to Advent – the Shortest One Ever!

Blessings to you and your loved ones as we begin a new Church year – the Year of our Lord 2024! Advent, meaning “the coming”, is a fitting season to begin with because we look forward with hope and joyful expectation – both to the Lord’s coming back in the future (the focus of the first week), and to our Christmas celebration of Jesus’ coming to be with us at his birth. Because of the way the calendar falls this year, the “fourth week” of Advent is only one day long: from Saturday evening to Sunday afternoon, December 24 (when Sunday evening Masses begin the Christmas feast and season). That will be a very busy day in our parishes!

So, to make the most of this short but important season, we have been promoting many opportunities for you to be nourished in a spiritual way to “prepare the way of the Lord” in your heart. Starting even before Advent began, we wanted you to have many options so hopefully you can find at least one that works for you. Please look through this week’s bulletin and watch our website, social media and emails for what is coming up.

Of course, there is more to Advent than what we do at church. As Catholics, we often light Advent wreathes at home, reflect on the daily readings the Church provides, regularly turn to God personal prayer, take in the decorative lights as reminders of the Light of the World, and offer good deeds to help others see the coming of the Lord in their lives – especially those most in need. It is also a good time to participate in the sacrament of Confession and Reconciliation (lines are shorter the sooner in Advent we go), so that our hearts are free from the burden of guilt and more able to rejoice in the coming of Jesus Christ! May we all be supported by the grace of God this Advent; however, we open ourselves to it.

 
         On Friday, December 15th at 7:00pm at St. Mary's, we will take part in the Christian tradition of Lessons and Carols. The evening consists of 9 Biblical readings depicting the story of the birth of our Savior from the fall of humanity in Genesis to the birth of Jesus Christ in the Gospel. Each reading is followed by a Christmas carol that supports the Scripture.

              The tradition of Lessons and Carols began in the 1880's. The event was celebrated in Roman Catholic churches across England and Wales, and later gained in popularity in Christian churches throughout the world. Today, you will find variations of the program representing the corresponding community. This year, our collaborative program will include musicians, lectors, and volunteers of all ages from St. Martha and St. Mary.

              In addition to the historical significance of Lessons and Carols, the evening brings to home the significance of music and worship. The songs we sing at Mass aren't just nice songs - they support the Scripture of the day. Likewise, the carols that follow each reading at Lessons and Carols explain the significance of the reading through song. Think of it as: a sung sermon or homily. Please join us for a transformative evening of prayer, Scripture, and singing as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. A reception with light snacks in the basement of St. Mary's will follow.