Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

O Advent, O Antiphons
Since last weekend, but especially since yesterday, December 17, the shift has happened from focusing on Christ’s Second Coming to now preparing to celebrate His First Coming.  It is also at this time that in the Church’s Liturgy of the Hours there are particular antiphons (like the ones chanted after the opening hymn at our Masses) that call out yearningly the different titles of the coming Messiah. They are often called the “O” Antiphons. The human, “O Come, Emmanuel,” is based on these Antiphons, which is why it is most appropriate to sing during these seven days.
“O, Emmanuel,” “O, Root of Jesse”, “O, Radiant Dawn,” “O, Key of David,” “O, Wisdom,” “O, King of the Nations,” “O, Lord of Israel.”
They help us to embrace the longing our ancestors had as they awaited God’s salvation.  We too are still awaiting the fullness of the Kingdom; we await the fullness of our own renewal as we continue to hopefully grow in holiness; we groan with inexpressible groaning (as St. Paul describes).  May the season’s “Great ‘O’s’” help us celebrate Christ’s Nativity. 

Confessions Schedule for Advent
Speaking of preparing and penance, in addition to our regular parish confession schedule, our parish cluster will host one more confession night on Tuesday, December 20 @ St. Francis deSales.  If it has been a while since you have been to confession, take courage!  Just go! If you are unable to make these times, call me at the rectory and we can make an appointment. But please don’t wait until the last minute!
 
Christmas Mass Schedule
This year Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, which makes things interesting.  Christmas Eve is a Sat so there will not be regular confessions (because you have already gone with all the other opportunities this season, right?).
Christmas Vigil (Ordinary Form) at 4pm on Sat. December 24.
Midnight Mass (Extraordinary Form) - 12am December 25.
Christmas Day (Ordinary Form) at 10am


Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr