Happy New Year! Another year has passed, and we move into the year of our Lord, 2024. Although it is not my birthday, I find myself reflecting on getting older. I see kids who I baptized and to whom I gave first Holy Communion now in high school or college. I see parishioners who are not kids anymore but getting ready for marriage. I notice that I am a bit more stiff when I wake up in the morning. I even had to buy “cheaters” the other day because my eyesight is not what it used to be. Even so, overall I am thankful for my health and the ability God has given me to fulfill priestly ministry. Hopefully the years have brought wisdom, understanding, and prudence. Through November and beginning of Advent our focus was on the Last Things and to remember that death is inevitable. Yet how wonderful that our Church helps us to move from death to life. The Christ child is born to us! He Who was born to die that we might have eternal life. With God’s grace may we embrace this new year, even if it means more aches and pains of aging, or inconveniences, or even the turmoil of the world that seems overwhelming. For it is not just another year, it is a year grace because it is 2024 AD Anno Domini - Year of the Lord.

Happy 4th Sunday and Merry Christmas! This year is a weird one. Since Christmas falls tomorrow, on a Monday, the Christmas weekend looks like this: 4th Sunday of Advent Sat Vigil Dec. 23 @ 4:30pm Sun. Dec 24 @ 8am and @ 10:30am Christmas schedule Sun Dec. 24 Vigil Mass @ 4pm Mon Dec 25 Mass @ Midnight (12am) and @ 10am Sometimes the question is asked, if one goes to Mass at the 4pm Xmas vigil on Sunday, does that count for both Masses of obligation (since we are obliged to go on Sunday and other days of obligation). The answer is NO; no double-dipping allowed. Of the six Masses listed above, one must attend two of them (one fulfilling the 4th Sun of Advent obligation and one fulfilling the Christmas obligation).

Rejoice on this Gaudete Sunday There are only two days of the year that the liturgical color is rose, and today is one of them.  “Gaudete” comes from from the first word of the entrance antiphon (introit) of today’s Mass.  “Gaudete” means “Rejoice” in latin.  This Sunday usually marks the halfway point of Advent reminding us to continue persevering with our advent penance with Christian joy as we await Christ’s coming.  This year, due to Christmas falling on a Monday, this is more like two thirds through.  Even so, we celebrate this day with slightly more joyful solemnity as we transition from Advent’s focus on the Second Coming of Christ to now more pointedly preparing to celebrate Christ’s First Coming at His Nativity.  Do not be afraid to make extra efforts today to prepare joyfully. Whether wrapping presents, cooking a meal, or taking more time for prayer and service to our neighbor, remember the Christian joy that should enliven our charity.

Faith Formation Next Sunday This month we start the next phase of our schedule shift. Now including Faith formation sessions on the third Sunday of the month. This month we will focus on liturgical catechesis. Next Sunday, on Dec. 17 from 9:15- 10:15 in the PAC, I will present on Understanding the Liturgy: Language, Symbols, and Meaning. I encourage everyone to attend but especially those who are still adjusting to our new 10:30 Mass, I plan on addressing specifics for deeper participation.