The other day I was visiting our school children and they were playing the "word association" game. The teacher said a word like "winter" and everyone responded by writing down the first thing that came to their mind. Quickly the lesson is learned that one word can have a lot of different meanings.

This Sunday we begin the holy season of Advent and we are taught that it is a sacred time of "waiting." That word too has many different meanings for each one of us. For some it means sitting, relaxing and doing nothing as they wait! But as believers and followers of Jesus, we wait by doing! What do we do? We take full advantage of the real reason for this upcoming season. All of us are reminded to spend more time in daily prayer, reading the scriptures, participating at daily Mass, and celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As you know, our parish is also full of countless opportunities to serve others through our Giving Tree, Poor Boxes and outreach efforts.

As we wait on the Lord, we prepare our hearts and homes for Him. I wish each of you a blessed First Week of Advent! May the Light of Christ which illumines our Advent Wreath, brighten your souls.

God bless, 

Father Protack, Pastor