Dear Friends,
The Second Sunday of Advent is upon us. Last Monday evening we held our fifth annual Christmas Tree blessing and lighting in front of Church. What an awesome turn out of our parish family. The biggest crowd ever. The weather was just right. Our singer, Sophia Chetta, led us in two hymns and a song. Our youth ministry director, Matt Kirsch, coordinated the superb contribution of our youth in setting up, offering hot chocolate, distributing cookies and candy canes, as well as packing everything up afterwards. Some 15 young disciples and 3 adults welcomed everyone with joy and participated in making the event such a blessed event. Thank you to all who attended.
As the countdown continues towards Christmas Day, we want to be focused on what really matters most during this Advent season. While we are preparing to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior, giving thanks to God for His first coming in the Flesh, our minds and hearts are focused on His return in glory.
So, our preparation is not simply about December 25. We are preparing our hearts and souls daily to accept Jesus’ Lordship personally and to be ready when He comes again or when we go through the gates of death to meet Him. We should have no fear as Jesus has left us the Church, His Mystical Body of which we are members, His Word in Sacred Scripture, His Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist, and given us His Holy Spirit to dwell within our souls to sanctify and guide us.
One of the best ways to prepare ourselves for Christmas and for meeting the Lord is by going to Confession. It is the sacrament of forgiveness and healing. Jesus encounters us in our brokenness and lifts us up by His power as Savior into a deeper relationship with Him to strengthen us on our journey. He never withholds His mercy. He is always waiting to extend His merciful love to us. All we need to do is to get ourselves to confession to encounter Him.
We have added several more opportunities to receive this awesome sacrament during Advent. Don’t wait and don’t procrastinate. Come and receive the Lord’s mercy and healing!
The refurbishment of our confessionals in Chapel is getting close to the finish line. There are some touch ups and refinements taking place as I write this column. Personally, I cannot wait until we are able to us them and to use our Chapel again on a regular basis for prayer and worship. Thanks for your patience and understanding. It’s been a long road.
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
