From Father Steven - November 28, 2021

Dear Brothers & Sisters,
 
As we celebrate this first Sunday of Advent, it is important to be reminded of the importance of this time. Advent is not Christmas preparation, but rather the preparation for the coming of Christ.
 
The other day in a meeting of CCD Catechists, someone mentioned to me that once a student said that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Santa Claus. Well, that certainly made me think what do I personally celebrate at Christmas. Although the answer is cute, it also shows us that at times we can all be distracted by the world to think that Christmas is about house decorations and gift shopping. Instead, ADVENT IS TO PREPARE FOR THE ONE WHO IS TO COME! The word “Advent” in Latin means “the one who is coming”. The first part of Advent is focus on the Second Coming of Christ with “end of times” readings that at times can make us uncomfortable. They are only a reminder that Christ is coming, and we should be vigilant, or as the Gospel of this weekend will say, to be prepared so that does not “catch you by surprise like a trap.” The same way as we prepare our house to welcome guests on Christmas Eve (or Thanksgiving Day), so should we prepare our hearts to welcome Christ when he comes, by being “vigilant at all times and pray” (confession also helps a lot!!!). The second part of Advent, we are reminded of the first coming of Christ in Bethlehem. This time is also known as the novena for Christmas, since it starts nine days before Christmas. All of these things, brothers and sisters, are only a way to prepare ourselves to celebrate Christmas. Then when Christmas arrives, we will celebrate it for (just over) 12 days!!! Thus we have the song the 12 days of Christmas. Technically the liturgical season of Christmas begins with the vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. During this season, we celebrate the birth of Christ into our world and into our hearts and reflect on the gift of salvation that is born with him, including the fact that he was born to die for us.
 
God Bless,
Fr. Steven
 
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
 
It is with great joy that I call all of you to participate in the Feast of our parish and our Patroness, The Immaculate Conception on December 8th! For two years in a row we were not able to celebrate together our feast day due to the fire and covid, but this year we will get together at 7:00pm to celebrate our Trilingual mass with some refreshments afterwards. This year we will also have a THREE DAY PREPARATION (triduum) PRAYING WITH SPEAKERS WHO WILL REFLECT ON MARY’S JOURNEY WITH CHRIST, THE APOSTLES, AND US! Bishop Reed will be our special guest concluding our triduum on the last day. STARTING ON SUNDAY DEC 5TH, EACH DAY WE WILL GATHER IN THE CHURCH AT 6:00PM TO PRAY AS A COMMUNITY WHO WALKS WITH MARY. Feel free to invite friends and family to our celebrations, as all are welcome. Since Dec 8th is a day of obligation, we will also be offering masses at 7:30am, 12:10pm in English and 7:00pm Trilingual in the Upper Church.
 
God Bless,
Fr. Steven
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