​I love the Season of Advent. I really think it is my favorite season in the Church year. I am inspired by the readings at Mass; I like the purple vestments; I especially am enamored by Advent hymns: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, “O Come, Divine Messiah”, and “The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns.” Perhaps it is the time of year that we celebrate Advent in the Northern Hemisphere. The dark days can seem like they go on forever but there is something cozy about settling down at night with a good book, a movie, or just being with family and friends. And even though strictly we are not celebrating Christmas yet, there is something so lovely in the lights decorating trees and doorways on a dark, winter night. We can get all caught up in the Christmas rush, but don’t allow Advent to pass you by this year. Put up an Advent Wreath or use an Advent Calendar or a Jesse Tree to remind you of the season. But even more importantly, take notice of the dark and remember that Jesus Christ is the Light that has come into the world to take away the darkness of sin and death!
 
As a follow-up to our Town Hall Meetings on Clergy Sexual Abuse, I will begin next week to use my column to answer (as best I can) many of the questions that you have regarding all of this. I know it may not be especially suited for this season before Christmas but I say, “If not now, then when?”
 
Have a Blessed Advent!

Due to the holiday season, there is a special deadline for the December 30 and January 6 bulletins. All requests must be submitted by Tuesday, December 18 at 9:00 am. Exceptions cannot be made for late requests.

Today is officially known as The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This title certainly goes beyond our understanding of earthly kings with their royal power over a certain realm in this one world. Earthly kings may reign over a few square miles or even a nation but what does it mean to say Jesus Christ is “King of the Universe?” It simply means that Jesus reigns over all of creation, both that which is visible and invisible. He is Lord of the heavenly realm where angels adore him; He is Lord of all created things and all things give him glory just by being what they are (the stars and planets and the birds and the animals and all living creatures give him praise by their very being); and He is Lord of us human beings for we have been given the great gift of intellect to know Him and worship him and give him glory through the way we live our lives. Jesus Christ is Lord in a way that no earthly king would ever imagine. He is the King of Love, the King of Mercy, the King of Grace. The Risen Lord Jesus is now present in all things and with all things and through all things. He is Lord and King. Let us bow down and worship!
 

Holiday safety is an issue that burns brightest from late November to mid-January, when families gather, parties as scheduled, and travel spikes. Take some basic precautions to ensure your family remains safe and injury-free throughout the season.

Many people choose to travel during the holidays by automobile, which has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation. Alcohol-impaired fatalities represent about one-third of the totals.

• Use a designated driver to ensure guests make it home safely after a holiday party; alcohol, over the counter drugs, or illegal drugs all cause impairment
• Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up, no matter how long or short the distance traveled
• Put that cell phone away; many distractions can occur while driving, but cell phones are the main culprit
• Properly maintain the vehicle and keep an emergency kit with you
• Be prepared for heavy traffic, and possibly heavy snow

While many subscribe to the theory that any fried food is good - even if it's not necessarily good for you - there is a reason to be on alert if you're thinking of celebrating the holidays by frying a turkey.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there have been 168 turkey-fryer related fires, burns, explosions, or carbon monoxide poisoning since 2002.

NSC discourages the use of turkey fryers at home and urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments or consider a new oil-less turkey fryer.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the Parish Office will close at Noon on Wednesday, November 21 and remain closed until Monday, November 26. The office will re-open on Tuesday, November 27 at 8:00 am.

A few updates on happenings in the parish:
 
We have sold the Saint Lucy House. It has served our needs well for the past ten years. The proceeds from the sale will go into our Parish Savings Account. All of the meetings, ministries, and organizations that met in the Saint Lucy House will now meet either in the Parish Center or the Saint Joseph Center (the former parish   offices). We are adding a kitchenette to the Saint Joseph Center and that should be done in approximately three weeks. Until we get the whole space “spiffed up,” be patient with us during the renovations.
 
We held our Follow-Up Session on Clergy Sexual Abuse last Tuesday and there was a good showing of people. I want to thank all those who came and for your being such an important part of the ongoing conversation. There were a number of suggestions that will be implemented right away here at Saint Joan of Arc. One of the things that became apparent is the need to communicate better what is (or what is not) happening in response to the crisis. In the next few weeks, I will begin to address some of the questions you have about the Church’s response. It will appear in the bulletin and on our website.
 
Today is Veterans’ Day and we as a parish wish to thank all the present and former members of our Armed Services for their service to our Country. You make our country safe and we will always be in your debt. May God bless you for this wonderful sacrifice you make (or have made) on behalf of us all. And may God bless America!
 

The Council of Catholic Women will be holding their annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.