Posted on December 10, 2021 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday is very special in the church, because we celebrate “Gaudete Sunday”. It is very special because the priest and deacon are dressed in pink, as well as the third candle of the Advent wreath is also pink. It is particularly beautiful because within the atmosphere of attentively waiting for the arrival of the savior and austerity, the liturgy pauses to invite us to remember that we have to look forward to it with joy; that is why it is called Sunday of joy. This name comes from when mass is celebrated in Latin; the priest in the opening antiphon invites everyone to be happy as he says: “Gaudete in Domino Semper. Interum dico: Gaudete. Dominus prope est “which means” Rejoice always in the Lord. I repeat: rejoice, for He is near” (Phil.4, 4-5). May we, this Sunday, rejoice and have a positive attitude towards all the good the Lord has given us and may we also see the beauty within all that He gives us. Let’s wait for the Christmas celebration with joy and peace.
I want to remind you that on Wednesday, December 15th at 7:00 pm, we will have a penitential act in preparation for Christmas. I would like to invite you to come early and participate in a short meditation and examination of conscience. The priests will then go hear confessions; we will have visiting priests to help out so there are more opportunities for everyone to confess. Please come and prepare yourself to celebrate the great feast of Christmas. Do not forget that we must prepare the way of the Lord and His arrival.
I would also like to invite you to put on your calendar and help us promote our First Parish Christmas Festival that we will celebrate on December 18th, in front of the temple. It will be from 5pm to 10pm; we will have a live nativity (with real animals), we will have a Petting Zoo, food for sale, live Christmas music and other surprises! The objective is to make sure that as a parish family we live these Christmas holidays with intensity! Please put it on your calendar now because it will be a special day for everyone.
Finally, I am very happy with the participation in our first Sunday Social las Sunday. It was very nice to see new faces and to be able to talk with you. I think it was a beautiful experience and I could see the enthusiasm of many parishioners meeting again after almost two years without having this activity. We will continue doing it every first Sunday of the month; although, due to the end of the year holidays and the suggestions of some, the next Sunday Social will be until February. Thank you very much for the good comments about the reconstruction of the hall, it has been a team effort. I especially thank Roger Williams for his dedication and his tireless love for our parish; he has been aware of every detail and every step within the reconstruction. May God bless you for this gesture towards the parish.
May Jesus and Mary bless you always, I have you in my prayers.
F. Alex
