Rejoice! The Christmas Vigil was a beautiful celebration of Joy and Hope. Even though the world is full of despair we must bring out the joy within our hearts and share a message of hope, joy, love and peace to each other. We must carry the messages of Advent throughout the rest of the year. Pope Benedict XVI extends the Peace of Christ to the world. Read more in this EWTN article of his Christmas message to the world. Advent—Hope, Peace, Joy, Love—Christ By Sandy Coverett First Sunday Today, as we light the candle of hope, Our desire and expectation shines bright, That Jesus, our Saviour, be reborn in our hearts, And that our lives may be filled with His light. Second Sunday Peace is this flame we now ignite, Foregoing anger and strife, May our hearts lay open, Jesus, our Lord, To be led on in harmonious life. Third Sunday Look, we kindle this flame of joy; Its warmth for all the earth Came to Bethlehem’s stable so long ago When virgin Mary, to Jesus, gave birth. Fourth Sunday This fourth candle, symbol of love, Sent from our God on high; The gift of Jesus, His beloved son, That all mankind might to Him be brought nigh. Christmas Eve The Christ Child is born! His flame is alight And shines o’er all the earth! Redemption’s plan Is now fulfilled In Jesus, the Messiah’s birth. It is our final Sunday of Advent. I hope that all of our activities have brought more meaning and joy to your journey. I love my daily Ignatian prayers and reflections. I got the app and look forward to reading it every morning before I get out of bed. I particularly enjoyed the reflections this week which invite me to look inward instead of getting caught up in what is going on around me. Today's question asks us what might we leave behind on our journey to Bethlehem. Advent Poem by Sandy Coverett Fourth Sunday This fourth candle, symbol of love, Sent from our God on high; The gift of Jesus, His beloved son, That all mankind might to Him be brought nigh Only 3 days after we remembered our children lost in our parish, a horrific event took place in Connecticut. Pope Benedict XVI sends blessings to the families impacted by this act of violence in his weekly message, this third week of Advent. He is deeply saddened by the events that took place and offers his prayers and blessings. May we all join him, in offering our prayers to these families deeply grieved and saddened during this season of Advent. Today we light the third candle of the Advent wreath. This is also called Gaudete Sunday, which is Latin for Rejoice! Today we rejoice for the time of the coming of the Lord is near. This candle is also called the Shepherds candle to represent the simple Shepherds to whom the angels announced the coming of the Lord. Below is the third week of the poem by Sandy Coverett, Advent. Third Sunday Look, we kindle this flame of joy; Its warmth for all the earth Came to Bethlehem’s stable so long ago When virgin Mary, to Jesus, gave birth. How much do you know about the History of Our Lady of Guadalupe? Our Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated every year on December 12. December 12 corresponds with the recorded day in the year 1531 that Our lady presented Juan Diego with the flowers on his tilma, which transformed into this famous picture that is held in the basillica she requested to be built. Ready the story or watch the video. Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path. Please remember that Tuesday night we will be attending the Children Remembered Candlelight Mass. I volunteer for a support group for parents who have lost a child. At first I felt very awkward and helpless because I had not lost a child and wondered what I could possibly contribute, but I went anyway and I shared every tear, cherished every testimonial, and helped when needed. Although I do not share in their loss, nor can I understand the loss they share with each other, I feel as though I have lost hundreds of children as I share in their grief and listen to their stories. Perhaps we won't be of any assistance, but we will be showing our support. However, on the other hand, we may be called upon to listen, to laugh, to cry, to offer a helpful hand, a warm hug, or a caring smile. It's not about saying something elegant, offering advic- it's about compassionate listening. Our Children Remembered Candlelight Mass For parents who have lost a child The holidays are especially difficult for those who have lost a loved one, and when that loss is a child the pain is unbearable. In an effort to bring comfort, we invite all parents who have lost a child to our annual Mass and candle lighting service in memory of their children. Family members are also welcome to attend. Please join us at St. John Eudes Church on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 7:30 pm. |
AuthorI was also a catechumenate a short time ago. I received my sacraments Easter 2011. Now I want to share my journey with you. Archives
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