Saint Michael Parish
Welcomes You
The Season of Advent
From the Pastor...
Sunday, November 30, begins a new liturgical year with the season of Advent. This wonderful, yet too often, overlooked, season affords us the opportunity to prepare for the coming of Christ. As the season of Advent begins, we are reminded that there are three comings of Christ we celebrate: [1] his coming into human history at Bethlehem, [2] his coming at the end of human history, [3] and his coming into our hearts. Jesus reminds us to be vigilant at all times and pray that we have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man. Let us take time during this wonderful season of preparation to make ourselves ready for the coming of Christ, not only at Christmas, but for all eternity. During this Advent season, let us welcome the radiant light which is the Lord, Jesus Christ – Emmanuel, into our hearts and into our homes.
JOHN THE FORERUNNER
In addition to Christ himself, two people stand as a hallmark of the Advent season – The Blessed Virgin Mary and John the Baptizer. The icon of John the Forerunner depicts him as the adult prophet who is preparing the world for the coming of Jesus Christ. Illustrated in his camel hair coat and leather belt and with his wild hair, he also holds the scroll announcing to “repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” May the image of Saint John during advent challenge us to work to prepare the way of the Lord.
BLESSING OF THE BAMBINELLI
This Advent, we will continue with the beautiful tradition of the Blessing of the Bambinelli (the baby Jesus statues). This blessing will take place at all the Masses the weekend of December 13 /14. Gaudete Sunday (the 3rd Sunday of Advent). Please bring the baby Jesus figurine from your family nativity scene to Mass. At the time of the blessing, Father will ask everyone to lift up their statue for the blessing. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to share in the one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in all our homes during the coming season of Christmas. May God continue to pour forth the blessing of his Son into our hearts & homes this Christmas.
DIAPER DRIVE
We are asking that we extend the care for the baby Jesus by bringing donations of disposable diapers to Mass the weekend of December 13/14. They can be placed in the black bins along with the food donations. The bins are located at the doors of the church or in the Sacred Heart Chapel. They will be distributed through Catholic Charities and other agencies to those in need.
ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE
The penitential aspect of Advent urges us to recognize oneself as being a sinner and therefore take the first essential step in returning to God. During this Advent Season as we look forward to celebrating the mystery of Christ’s incarnation, let us pray that when he comes again, Christ may find us awake and ready to receive him.
Our parish Advent Reconciliation Service will be celebrated on Monday, December 15 at 7:00pm in the Church. Please join fellow parishioners as we prepare for the birth of Christ.
MORE ADVENT RESOURCES
See our Youth Faith Formation page for more Advent Resources.
