Third Sunday of Advent

12-11-2022From Fr. Antony's DeskFr. Antony Arockiadoss

Dear Family!

We are blessed to have Deacon Enoch and his wife after a traumatic experience driving to Florida to celebrate Thanksgiving with their family. I thank him for sharing their experience with us. It was published last week. God gave them back to us.

Unfortunately Deacon Francisco’s brother Samuel died last week in Boston area, and we are hoping to have a memorial mass for him at our parish in the near future. I urge you to keep both the families in your prayers!

We have begun forming our Pastoral Council and had our preliminary meeting with a small group. The fundamental goal of this council is serve everyone in the parish - the practicing and non-practicing Catholics of our parish, various age groups of parishioners, forming ministries that build community among our elderly, sick, mothers, youth, married couples, children and all other areas of need in our parish community. If you are called to be a member of Pastoral Council, you are most welcome to meet with me.

We have sent out an invitation to all the youth of our parish (More than 400 of them) to form our youth ministry after COVID. I ask your prayers for this important church ministry.

I am humbled by your generosity in Pastor’s Appeal. As mentioned in the brochure, the outlined areas are in need of repairs and maintenance. All proceeds go toward the planned areas. Thank you for your generosity. The number of donors so far 109, and the Pastor’s Appeal amount collected so far is $56,271.00. As the third and Rose candle being lit and witness the Rose vestments at the Eucharist this Sunday, we are reminded that our Savior is near. We pray in the opening antiphon, ‘Gaudete in Domino Semper” (Rejoice in the Lord always). The Rose color as some of the liturgists explain that it reminds us of the color of the sky at the very brink of morning, when the sun is just beginning to come up. Jesus is the Sun that dispels darkness around us!

The readings reflect the same sentiments - the sentiments of joy and encouragement. We rejoice by accepting Jesus’ healing and preaching ministry as the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah. This brings us to a realization that our minds and hearts are to be filled with the joy of God coming into our lives to make us whole and holy. When we wait for someone we love deeply, our hearts and minds are filled with the thoughts of the joy the person brings when he/she visits us.

Fr. Antony