From the Pastor's Desk (12/7/25)

From the Pastor's Desk
12/7/25

Second Sunday of Advent: Prepare the Way
Would you join John the Baptist in going around the country to speak about repentance? It’s challenging to imagine — asking people to consider the wrong that they’ve done, express remorse and pledge to do differently. Yet the message is critical for our salvation. On this Second Sunday of Advent, John travels and preaches just before Jesus begins his ministry, preparing the way for the Son of Man to challenge the commonly held ideas of right and wrong. During Advent, we’re preparing not only for the birth of Jesus at Christmas, but also for the Second Coming of Christ. It’s our calling to do so in our own hearts, in our families, in our communities and in our world. How will you do so? Perhaps your call is not to travel and preach. Perhaps your means of preparing the way is to give of time or money, do something active, meditate and pray at Daily Mass, nurture faith in your children or in the children of a local homeless shelter, change global policy or develop a relationship with one person whose heart is in need of repair. (Our Sunday Visitor)

Advent Afternoons
All are welcome and invited to join us for our two remaining Tuesday Advent Afternoons as we prepare for Christ coming into the world at Christmas. We will gather in church from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM for prayer, song and reflection as we quiet our hearts and listen for the voice of God speaking to our hearts in this beautiful season: December 9 (Our Lady of Fatima) — Anticipation & Preparation; December 16 (St. John the Baptist) — Mary’s Response.

The Light is On For You
In addition to our regular Saturday Confessions, the Light is On For You Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 17, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, in three of our four churches: Our Lady of Fatima, St. Frances Cabrini and St. John the Baptist.

The Origins of Advent
Advent began sometime after the 4th century as a time of preparation for Epiphany — not in anticipation of Christmas. Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Christ by remembering the visit of the Magi and the baptism of Jesus. At this time new Christians were baptized and received into the faith, and so the early Church instituted a 40-day period of fasting and repentance. Later, in the 6th century, Pope St. Gregory the Great was the first to associate this season of Advent with the coming of Christ. Originally it was not the coming of the Christ-child that was anticipated, but rather, the second coming of Christ. By the Middle Ages the Church had extended the celebration of Advent to the familiar format we know today. The early weeks are rich with the prophecies of Isaiah, reminding us to wait and prepare for the coming Messiah. Later, the pace quickens and we focus more directly on the events leading up to Jesus’ birth. (All Saints Press)

Advent Wreaths: Where di they come from and what do the colors mean? 
Advent wreaths are traditionally made from evergreen branches and have four candles. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent — three candles are purple, and one is a rose color (not pink). The purple candles represent prayer, penance and preparation for the coming of Christ. Historically, Advent was known as a “little Lent,” which is why the penitential color of purple is used. During Lent, we prepare for the resurrection of Christ on Easter. Similarly, during Advent, we prepare for the coming of Christ, both on Christmas and at the second coming. The rose candle is illuminated on the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday. The progressive lighting of the candles represents the expectation and hope surrounding Our Lord’s coming into the world and the anticipation of His second coming to judge the living and the dead. At Mass on the third Sunday, the priest also wears rose-colored vestments. Gaudete Sunday is a day for rejoicing and joy as the faithful draw near to the birth of Jesus, and it marks the midpoint of Advent.

The Advent wreath originated from a pagan European tradition which consisted of lighting candles during the winter to ask the sun god to return with his light and warmth. The first missionaries took advantage of this tradition to evangelize the people and taught them that they should use a candlelit wreath as a way of preparing for Christ’s birth, to celebrate His nativity, and to beg Jesus to infuse His light in their souls. The circle of the Advent wreath is a geometric design that has neither a beginning nor an end. It reminds us that God does not have a beginning or an end either, which reflects His unity and eternity. It is a sign of the unending love that the faithful should show the Lord and their neighbors, which must be constantly renewed and never stop. The green color of the wreath represents hope and life. The Advent wreath reminds us that Christ is alive among us and that we must cultivate a life of grace, spiritual growth, and hope during Advent. (Catholic News Agency)

A Prayer for Inner Peace during Advent
Lord Jesus, Advent is filled with so much activity — shopping, planning and rushing. But my heart longs for inner peace. Help me to quiet my soul so I may hear Your gentle voice. May every candle I light remind me that You are the Prince of Peace. Fill my thoughts with calmness, my words with kindness, and my spirit with rest. Remove my worries and replace them with trust in You. Lord, let Your peace reign in my heart this Advent and lead me to welcome You with joy on Christmas Day. Amen.