From The Pastor: 12-2-2018

​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!