Fourth Sunday of Advent
Our Gospel this Sunday shares with us the beauty of seeing God in the relationships of our life. Mary and Elizabeth share a remarkable moment of faith and joy as they are both able to see the hand of God in their lives, and respond to each other in the Holy Spirit. This Visitation moment is lifted up for us in this Advent season to call us to recognize the work of God in the relationships of our life.
Have I made myself open to God’s work in my own life, allowing the Holy Spirit to call me into repentance, self-giving, and charity towards others? How do I extend to others the generosity that God has shown to me in giving me life, family, friends, a faith community? Do I prayerfully consider the movement of God’s will in my life, and gratefully recognize it in the lives of others?
The Advent season calls us to celebrate relationships. First and foremost, the relationship established by Jesus taking flesh in the Incarnation. His act of love radiates throughout creation redeeming us to God. This act of sacrifice is our call to self-sacrifice and generosity to others in the image of Jesus Christ whose birth we celebrate. Mary’s visit to Elizabeth brings Christ to another, and Elizabeth responds in praise and gratitude. May we recognize Christ in others, responding in praise and gratitude to God.
Christmas Masses…and seat saving
The beauty of the Christmas feast is found in the celebration that brings so many home, and home to the church as well. Please remember if you are charged with “saving seats” for others, all empty seats are considered “open” 10 minutes before Mass begins. The ushers will be instructed to begin filling the pews with those already in church so we can begin Mass on time. Please share the word with others.
Christmas Masses:
St. Gabriel the Archangel: December 24 – 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 11:00 pm
December 25 – 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 10:00 am
St. Raphael the Archangel: December 24 – 4:30 pm
December 25 – 9:00 am
Christmas Blessings to you and yours as we celebrate the Birth of Jesus. May our celebration hearken the holiness of life shared with us from God. Merry Christmas
33 Days to Eucharistic Glory
On Christmas, we will be distributing the book “33 Days to Eucharistic Glory”. While I hope you will read it and consider the invitation to greater Eucharistic devotion, we are setting up a number of groups to assist you in your reflection, and encourage you in your reading. It is suggested to begin the book on January 1 and if ready, to join in the consecration on the 33rd day, Sunday, February 2, the feast of the Presentation of our Lord. Groups will meet weekly at a variety of times to support and nurture the parish’s Eucharistic devotion. More information is in the bulletin and will continue to develop as we approach January 1.
Building Bright Futures Capital Campaign
We have so much for which to be grateful. Since we began our campaign in September we have received pledges of support totaling just over 4.5 million dollars! This is a remarkable sum and gives us great hope of reaching our 5.5 million dollar goal. If you have made your pledge, Thank You! If you are still considering your pledge/gift to the campaign, we need your assistance. If you have questions, please email Fr. Molini (thomasmolini@archstl.org). The planned improvement will benefit our parish, our school, and the neighborhood – and we need your help to reach our goal.