Third Sunday of Advent

Here are the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent,
December 11, 2011:

Isaiah 61: 1-2a, 10-11
Luke 1: 46-50, 53-54
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24
John 1: 6-8, 19-28


There's something interesting happening with the responsorial psalm this week: it doesn't come from the Book of Psalms! Instead, it is taken from the Magnificat, the song of Mary in response to Elizabeth's words of blessing, in which Mary blesses God for using her as the means of fulfilling the eternal plan of salvation. And God's plan is one of setting things right, echoing the words of the writer of Isaiah in the first reading (and proclaimed later by Jesus as he begins his own ministry).

• What is your role in God's plan of salvation?

The topic for the Catechumenate this week is Mary.

Immaculate Conception of Mary: December 8

This Thursday is a Holy Day, and masses are celebrated at 

6:30 and 9:30am and 7:30pm.

For some background on the Immaculate Conception of Mary, 

please click here.

 

The readings for the day may be found here.

Second Sunday of Advent- Year B

Here are the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent,
December 4, 2011:

Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11
Psalm 85: 9-14
2 Peter 3: 8-14
Mark 1: 1-8


Such beautiful words are recorded in the reading from the book of Isaiah today! "Comfort, give comfort to my people... speak tenderly"  Some days are so harsh we yearn for a tender word, the consolation from one who knows and loves us. The psalm, too, anticipates good news when "Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss." Oh, what a relief!!
After nearly a month of readings warning us to be alert, to prepare for the end, we are bathed in words of reassurance. The Season of Advent is a time of preparation, but NOT a time of penitence (we often confuse it with Lent, since both share the purple hue)...  a preparation for the good and audacious news of Incarnation: of God-become-human.

• Where in your life are the paths to love and goodness and path crooked?
• Have you put obstacles in the way?
• Why would you WANT to make it harder to live in love and peace, anyway?!

The Mystagogia Session is this Sunday, at 10:45AM in the small chapel.
We will celebrate a Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming with adults at the 9:30AM Mass this Sunday.
The topic in our Catechumenate session is Advent and the Liturgical Year.

Saint Andrew the Apostle

Today is the feast of St. Andrew, patron saint of our parish!


Want to learn a little about him? Please click here.


Saint Andrew, pray for us.

Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time" Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

Interior Dome of the Duomo in Florence

Here are the readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King,
November 20, 2011:

Ezekiel 34: 11-12, 15-17
Psalm 23: 1-3, 5-6
1 Corinthians 15: 20-26, 28
Matthew 25: 31-46

This is the final week of the Liturgical Year. Maybe you've noticed that as we end this scripture cycle, the themes of the readings have also been focused on things of the world to come? Does the thought of final judgment make you uncomfortable? As if you'll be given a big exam and forgot to study? Maybe these readings today can be a source of consolation and encouragement for you ... God is the caring shepherd, Christ has nullified the power of death, and we might just be caring for Jesus Christ even without intending to!

• Do these scriptures uncover any new meaning to your relationship with God?
• Who are the poor, imprisoned, thirsty people you encounter every day? What is your response?
• Since we are coming to the end of this liturgical year, what are your "New Year's Resolutions"?!

The topic for this Sunday's Catechumenate is "Christ the King"

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

My friends, I am not able to easily do my normal post this week.
If you go to last Sunday's readings link and click there, you should be able to get to a calendar and click on November 13 for this Sunday's readings.

Know that I am praying for and thinking of you while on pilgrimage in Italy.
I expect to join the catechumens group this Sunday as we talk about stewardship.

Peace and all good,
Cathy

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time,
November 6, 2011:

Wisdom 6: 12-16
Psalm 63: 2-8
1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18
Matthew 25: 1-13

As we head quickly toward the end of this liturgical year, the Gospel readings urge us to live our lives always prepared to greet our God. I think many of hear the phrase 'prepare to meet God' and feel afraid, as if our Creator is a cranky principal who is about to hand down to us the stiffest detention ever suffered! But the Gospel says 'those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him' (the bridegroom, Jesus).... sounds good to me.  Here's the question for us all: what does it mean to 'be ready'... in your life, when and how does your lamp shine brightly, and where does it feel as if you're running dry?

The topic for the Catechumenate this Sunday is prayer.
The Mystagogia group will meet this Sunday at 10:45am in the small chapel, to review the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in anticipation of our parish communal penance service for Advent.
Inquiry will meet on Tuesday evening November 8 at 7:00pm.