Dear Parishioners,

This week marks the Second Week of Advent. St. John the Baptist is introduced into our Advent as “A voice of one crying out in the desert: ’Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths,’ proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

Advent is a special call of conversion and repentance as we endeavor to grow in our relationship with the Lord and prepare to receive his grace and mercy. In order to access his grace and mercy we have to come to the realization that we “can’t fix” ourselves of our addictions, sins and problems and that we stand in need of a “Savior.” The Savior that was born to us from the Virgin Mary at Christmas. Come Lord Jesus, into our Darkness with your healing grace.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an excellent and favored source of God’s healing grace and love. This Monday evening at 6 pm we are having our Advent Penance Service. There will be a short Liturgy of the Word and examination of conscious with the opportunity for individual confessions. I am inviting two other priests to join us in hearing confessions. Confession is an excellent way, as St. John the Baptist says to “Prepare the way of the Lord and make straight his paths,” as he comes to us again in this Season of Advent and Christmas.

ACA update

I’m happy to announce that we have far surpassed our ACA goals as of this week! Thank you to all those who have contributed to the campaign this year. St. Mary’s ended up going $3,000 over it’s goal and Holy Ghost and Sacred Heart have also significantly surpassed their goals. Any additional money raised over the original goal will go back to the parish it was designated to. Thank you to everyone who has contributed, it is greatly appreciated!