Dear Parishioners,
Today is the third Sunday of Advent. We will light the third candle on our Advent wreath in church, which you will notice is a different color from the three other candles. Today we light the rose-colored candle. You will also notice that both Father Franklin and I will be wearing rose colored vestments. This Sunday is known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is a Latin word that literally means rejoice! We rejoice that soon we will celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We rejoice that soon Christ will come to us, the Word made flesh who makes his dwelling among us. Our scripture readings today speak to us about rejoicing. St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Thessalonians to rejoice always and to pray without ceasing. As we journey through this Advent season, we pray that our faith in the Lord will be strengthened and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Let us always continue to rejoice in the Lord, now and forever.
Tuesday Evening Advent Vespers
This Tuesday, December 15 we will continue with our Advent Vespers. We will pray Vespers with Eucharistic Adoration followed by Benediction. It will begin at 7:30PM and it will be held at Our Lady of Victory Church. All are welcomed to join us for prayer. The service will also be livestreamed.
Advent Lessons and Carols
We will continue with our customary Advent Lessons and Carols which will take place next Sunday, December 20 beginning at 4:00PM at St. Peter Claver Church. The service will consist of traditional Advent hymns followed by the proclamation of Sacred Scripture. All are welcomed to join us for an afternoon of prayer and reflection. The service will also be livestreamed.
Christmas Flowers
As we approach the solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, we will begin to decorate our three churches with beautiful poinsettia flowers. To help offset the cost, all are invited to have a Christmas flower donated in memory or in honor of a loved one. You may use the Christmas flower envelopes located at the doors of the church. You may place the envelope in the collection basket or bring it to the parish office during the week. Each Christmas flower is $20. Thank you for your generosity.
Christmas Mass Schedule
Christmas Eve- December 24, 2020
5:00PM- Holy Rosary Church
12:00AM Midnight- Our Lady of Victory Church
Christmas Day- December 25, 2020
10:00AM- Our Lady of Victory Church
11:00AM- St. Peter Claver Church
Masses will be livestreamed both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Wising you a peaceful week and a blessed Advent
Father Alonzo Q. Cox