Friends, 

Today, this weekend, marks the beginning of our Liturgical year, starting with the season of Advent. During this liturgical year we will be reading from the Gospel of St. Mark, which is considered the first and shortest of the four gospels.
You will notice that the church environment is quite different as you enter the church. The Advent wreath, which is suspended from the ceiling, calls us to watch for the light; each week a different candle will be lit, representing our pilgrimage to encounter Jesus, at his birth.

Please consider participating in the parish Advent Reconciliation service, which is being celebrated this Tuesday, at 7:30 p.m. Many priests, from around the area, will be present and available for individual confession. This is a fine way to prepare for the coming of Jesus in our hearts and home, anew! Also, keep the children in prayer as they look forward to their First Reconciliation.

Fr. Ray

Hello, friends:

This weekend, the feast of Christ the King, marks the last Sunday of the church's liturgical year. As we approach a "new year" it might be a good idea, as well as a good spiritual practice, to take some time to review this past year. Perhaps these questions will help in that prayerful reflection:

1. How has God been present & active in my life? What have I noticed?
2. How have the life experiences of the past twelve months shaped me?
3. How can I share my gifts with others? What is God asking me to do?

The season of Advent, the next four, short weeks, will take us to Christmas. Advent is a time to prayerfully prepare for the celebration of Jesus into our world.

Next Tuesday, December 2nd at 7:30pm our parish will be celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please pray for the children who will be doing this for the very first time. I would encourage all of our parishioners to participate, if possible, as we will have many priests available for individual confession that evening. This is a very special way to prepare for Christmas.

Blessings,
Fr. Ray 

Hello Friends:

Traditionally, the month of November is a time to recall those who have passed away before us. It can be a wonderful opportunity to remember our deceased family and friends, as we recall fond memories, funny stories, their favorite foods. This remembering, while often life giving, can also be challenging, as it often calls us to reflect on our own journeys, and ultimately, our own death.

Next week, on Wednesday afternoon (1 pm) and Friday evening (7 pm), I will be hosting a small group discussion around the idea of death. We will look at what the church teaches regarding the dying process. We don’t frequently take time to reflect on this topic. It’s sometimes uncomfortable or intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be! Come learn more as we reflect on the Lord’s promise of eternal life.

Blessings,
Fr. Ray 

Hello, friends:

I'd like to thank the folks from the Bereavement Ministry, as well as the ladies from the Environment committee, who helped make our All Saints/All Souls' Day celebrations beautiful and special. Remember, that you're invited to bring in pictures of your loved ones and place them on the memorial altar, at the back of the parish hall, for the month of November. Also, it's a good
idea, if you haven't done so already, to visit our parish columbarium and pray for those who are interred in that sacred space.

Congratulations to the Campus Ministry students who helped put the homecoming float together! As you can
imagine, it took a lot of effort and energy! The float was showcased in Saturday's parade, complete with a choreographed dance! Great job!

Blessings,
Fr. Ray