Happy New Year! - Advent Begins! The new liturgical year begins. Remember that this season is primary focused on the Coming of Christ again at the end of time.  This emphasis is a continuation of the them from the past month, but now it is done in reference to the preparation God made for His first coming.  Hence saints we focus on will be the Old Testament prophets along with Mary, Jospeh, and John the Baptist.  Then on Dec. 17 the shift happens when we look to celebrating the Nativity of Christ in particular.  As we have done in years past, be prepared for this focus on expectation.  Our music, liturgical gestures along with sanctuary decorations and arrangement will reflect this advent season as we look forward to the Lord’s coming.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Happy Feast of Christ the King! Remember Christ is King of the universe for He is the Word of God through Whom all things are made. Remember Christ is the King of our world, and no nation, no man made law or government can usurp His sovereignty; for He reigns with love, peace, and justice. Remember Christ is King of our hearts for He rules as a humble servant, granting us grace upon grace. Remember who you are, and live without fear but with faith for you are a subject of His Kingdom destined to live with Him forever.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Thanksgiving Day Mass A reminder that on Thanksgiving Day, the greatest act of giving thanks is by participating at the Eucharist, which literally means “thanksgiving,” as we give perfect thanks to our Heavenly Father through the sacrifice of His Son in the power of the Holy Spirit! Please join us on Thursday at 8:30am for Mass.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Memento Mori The month of November began with celebrating all the Saints already in Heaven sharing in the Beatific Vision. It was followed by All Souls Day as we remember and pray for all the faithful departed who died in friendship with God but were still in need of further purification in Purgatory before sharing in the fullness of God’s eternal presence. Yes Purgatory has always been and will always be an essential part of our Catholic Faith. While unfortunately it has been downplayed in recent decades within some church circles and essentially denied by others, we still accept this as a truth of faith. It is not a bonus teaching that we can take or leave. Hence we even have a dedicated month, November, to specially pray for the souls in Purgatory, for they are truly helped by our prayers. We pray for them all the time, but this month it is appropriate to step it up. Certain prayers, novenas, visits to the cemetery are all good practices I invite you to include in your spiritual regimen. This helps us also - we recall the reality of death and how judgment will come for us all. St. Augustine says that while God promises great mercy for our entire past and all our sins, He does not promise us tomorrow. This means do not put off your conversion. Do not procrastinate with spiritual growth. If it has been a while since last confession, don’t put it off, for God does not promise you will be here tomorrow.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The New 10:30 Mass and Mystagogy Sessions Starting this weekend the 10:30 Mass will have what one might call “a different feel.” Reviewing all the suggestions have led us to decide using a number of particular options. The biggest difference for many people may be the broader use of the Latin language. The Second Vatican Council, while calling for an appropriate use of the vernacular also maintained that Catholics should know all the parts of the Mass in Latin. I grant that in the majority of places this mandate has not been followed, but we are going to try implementing it at the 10:30. This means that the readings will be in English along with a few select congregational responses like the Confiteor (I confess…), the Suscipiat (May the Lord accept the sacrifice …), and the Domine non sum dignus (Lord, I am not worthy). There will be a recessional hymn in english as well. Incense will be used at the times called for by the rubrics and the Mass parts will all be sung (like we do for all our weekend Masses). Please note that this combination of latin and english is not set in stone. As we move forward there are other settings we can learn musically and we can discern how best to implement them. There will be some growing pains with this I am sure, but we will have resources available to help.