My Dear Parishioners,
This week we begin a new liturgical year and the holy season of Advent. Advent is about preparing for the birth of Jesus, but it is also about actively waiting on the Lord. I am not very good at waiting, so this time of year I have to “force myself” to wait. It helps our celebration of Christmas to try to build up longing and yearning for Jesus. Not every need has to be met immediately.
One way to prepare spiritually and to express your anticipation of Jesus is to make use of the various opportunities for confession. Our regular time for confession is Saturday afternoon from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. You will be receiving a special Christmas mailing and in it is a folder with all the additional times for confession. Please consider coming as a family to our Parish Advent Penance, on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. when we will have additional priests available for confession. Please note that there will be no Penance Service, just the opportunity for individual confession.
Some parishioners have recently complained to me about the parking situation. They tell me, “Father, it is time to mention the parking plan again.” What they are talking about is the unfortunate surprise they discover when they arrive in our lot and find that everyone has parked in a lane near the fire lane or near the exit and they effectively block others from parking and leaving many spaces empty because some people did not want to park behind others. The way our lot is designed, cars are supposed to enter from 611/Easton Road and pull up all the way to County Line Road. Cars should park in lines, end to end. After Mass the cars should exit onto County Line Road. Please consider others when parking your own car, especially as we approach our Christmas celebrations.
The Christmas Bazaar is this Sunday, Dec. 2nd in the Church Hall. Please come down after Mass and get a jump on your Christmas shopping. There will be a number of vendors and crafts available for purchase, raffle baskets and food. Children can have their picture taken with Santa too. A special thank you goes to Mrs. Rita Roley, and her team of helpers. If you are planning to visit the Christmas Bazaar please park in the rear lot, off of Valley Road.
This year, Christmas falls on a Tuesday. This presents us with the unique situation of celebrating the Fourth Sunday of Advent on Dec. 22-23 and then Christmas Eve on Monday and Christmas Day on Tuesday morning. We will therefore have to decorate the church for Christmas before the Fourth Sunday of Advent, in order to be ready for the Christmas Season.
God Bless you,
Fr. Bordonaro