First Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners,

This Sunday, December 3, is the First Sunday of Advent. This beautiful, liturgical season helps us to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I know we will be busy in the next few weeks with shopping, cleaning, baking, decorating, etc. These are all exciting preparations for Christmas, but I hope you don’t see them as the most important preparation.

Advent reminds us that we must prepare ourselves inwardly for the celebration of our Savior’s birth. We must prepare our hearts, minds, souls for the coming of Christ at Christmas and ultimately for His coming at the end of time.

I would suggest that we take time in the next few weeks to pray and reflect on what Jesus means to us personally. I would also suggest that we receive the Sacrament of Penance and participate at Mass more often, and more attentively.

Invite a family member, a friend or neighbor who has been away from Mass and the Sacraments to attend Mass with you during Advent and consider returning to the Sacraments and Mass for Christmas. This could be the beginning of a new and deeper relationship with Jesus, for those returning. What better gift can we offer to those we love and care about?

These personal spiritual preparations are really what will bring out the true meaning of Christmas for us. They will bring us closer to and more like our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the reason for the season.

God bless us all!
Fr. Citino

Advent Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send us Your Holy Spirit upon our preparation for Christmas. We who have so much to do, and seek quiet spaces to hear Your voice each day. We who are blessed in so many ways, look forward to Your company among us. We whose hearts are heavy, seek the joy of Your presence. We are Your people, walking through darkness, yet seeking the light. To you, we say, “Come Lord Jesus!”
Amen.