Dear Parishioners,
On this second Sunday of Advent, we hear from the Prophet Isaiah to prepare the way of the Lord. Isaiah foretells the coming of the Messiah in which he tells us to make straight a highway for our God. These words allow us to enter much more deeply into Advent by preparation. We are invited to use these next few weeks of Advent as a time of preparation for the joys of Christmas. Isaiah gives us this beautiful image of a voice crying out in the wilderness. Our gospel today fast forwards that image to John the Baptist. John himself tells us that one mightier than him will be coming. He is of course talking about Jesus. John says that although he baptizes with water, Christ will baptize with the Holy Spirit. For us to prepare the way of the Lord, we must pray that Christ will come to transform and change hearts. Advent is a time of renewal and rejuvenation both spiritually and emotionally. We hear in today’s second reading that the Lord does not delay, but that the day of his coming will arrive like a thief in the night. May these Advent days bring us peace as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
This Tuesday, December 8 we commemorate the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On the calendar, it is a Holy Day of Obligation. Due to the pandemic, the Bishops of the United States have lifted the obligation. Masses will be celebrated at each of the three churches: 9:00AM at Holy Rosary Church, 12:00 Noon at St. Peter Claver Church and 7:30PM at Our Lady of Victory Church. Please note that there will not be an 8:00AM Mass at Our Lady of Victory that day.
Christmas Flowers
As we approach the solemnity of the Nativity of our Lord, we will decorate our churches with Christmas poinsettias and wreaths. To help offset the cost of Christmas flowers and wreaths, you are invited to have flowers donated in memory or in honor of a loved one. You may use the Christmas flower envelope located at the doors of each of the three churches, fill out the envelope and place the donation in the collection basket or bring it to the parish office. Each Christmas flower is $20. Thank you for your generosity in allowing our churches to be beautifully decorated for the season of Christmas.
Parish Plant and Bake Sale
Next weekend we will be holding a cake and plant sale. A variety of baked goods along with beautiful Christmas poinsettia plants will be on sale after all of the Masses at each of the churches next weekend. All proceeds will go to help continue supporting the parish. Thank you for your support and generosity.
Wishing you a peaceful week and a blessed Advent,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox