Third Sunday of Advent

News and Notes: In this Advent season of waiting for the birthday of our Savior, and anticipating his final coming to judge the living and the dead, the words of Isaiah the prophet, which were echoed by John the Baptist, come alive: “prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”   If you have not gone to confession recently and experienced the merciful, renewing grace of our Savior, I encourage you to do so before Christmas.  If you have forgotten what to say once you are in the Reconciliation Room, follow Fr. Tony’s advice and just say three words to the priest: “Father, help me.”  If you are worried about remembering the act of contrition, there are a number of formulas listed in the Church’s official Rite of Penance that we can recite, including a very short, simple one I often use with children (and adults): “Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”  We celebrate the Sacrament of Penance every Saturday in both churches from 3PM-3:45PM (except December 24, Christmas Eve this year); and also next Monday evening, December 19 from 6:30-7:30PM or until all confessions have been completed.  If you are looking for some pre-Christmas joy during these hectic days, try the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and let the Lord’s grace give you a spiritual lift! 

Join us for a pre-Christmas Open House this Sunday, December 11 at OLA’s White House following the 11AM Mass, and next Sunday, December 18 at the priest’s Residence at SMG following the 10AM Mass.  Refreshments will be served at both gatherings and all are welcome!

If you have not yet returned your pledge card with your annual financial commitment, please do so as soon as possible.  This will help you and our parishes plan their budgets for the coming year.  The one and only collection at all Masses on Christmas Eve and Day is for the Clergy Funds to support the health care and retirement needs of the priests of the Archdiocese of Boston.  Fr. Tony and I thank you for your steadfast support of us and our fellow priests.  Also, if you wish to make a Christmas donation to your parish, please make that intention clearly known on an envelope or in the memo line of a check. 

Blessings to all of you in the Advent days ahead!