Father Maassen's Message - 12/10/2023

Dear Adventians,
 
Advent is upon us. How are you preparing for the Second coming of Jesus Christ and then the celebration of ChristMass? Advent, like the other beautiful seasons of the Church calendar, has merit as a separate liturgical season. Christmas season starts on, yes, Christmas. The Jewish people waited for the Messiah for centuries, and Jesus Christ not only fulfilled the ancient prophecies of the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) but far surpassed the expectations of a Messiah.
 
How are you living the Gospel, i.e.. our Catholic faith?  What can I do differently to prepare for Jesus Christ? Do I look forward to the Second Coming of Christ?  If not, why not? What should I prioritize in my life?  Is prayer a priority?
 
There are still some of the little blue books for Advent available. You can sign up for some reflections for Advent  at  https://borgiaparish.org/advent. We have our normal times for reconciliation on Tuesday and Saturday, but we will have a combined Reconciliation prayer with opportunity for confessions on December 17th.  Fr Tim and myself will be in St Francis Borgia Church for the reception of the sacrament of Reconciliation on December 21 at 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm.  
 
On Sunday January 7th at 10:00 am, we will train those interested and qualified to be Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. We will also be refreshing training for those already serving as extraordinary ministers. This meeting is for all those who are already Extraordinary Ministers of Communion as well as those interested in becoming one. Thank you for your service.  If you will not be able to attend,  please contact Fr. Maassen and we will set up another time.
 
In Christ,
Fr. Maassen