This Advent, during the US Catholic Bishops’ 3- year Eucharistic Revival, they hope, as I do, we will grow in appreciation of – and regularly receive – the Eucharist. So, this year’s Advent Calendar offers invocations from The Litany of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Ponder each phrase; prayerfully reflect on its meaning; use it as a mantra; ‘look it up’ to learn the theological impact of each title. For as the Church teaches, the Holy Eucharist is “the source and summit” of our Faith – so we must do all we can to better understand and celebrate the great Gift, born for us at Christmas, sacrificed for us, risen from the dead, and truly present to us in the Eucharist! Get an Advent Wreath and Nativity Scene to properly celebrate Advent and Christmas at home!
Let us pray. Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive, from your goodness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or
God, the Father of mercies, you willed your Son to take flesh, in order to give life back to us. Bless these, your gifts, with which we are about to nourish our bodies, so that, receiving new strength, we may wait in watchfulness for the glorious coming of Christ. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray. We give you thanks for all your benefits, O Almighty God, who lives and reigns for ever; and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Or
V. Let us live soberly, justly, and devoutly in this world.
R. As we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Let us pray. We thank you, all-powerful God, for your kindness in refreshing our bodies by these gifts from your providence. Strengthen us, we pray, not only in body, but also in spirit. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Wear something BLUE as we honor Mary under her title “The Immaculate Conception”, Patroness of the USA.
Masses for the Immaculate Conception are:
Wednesday, Dec. 7: 5:00 pm
Thursday, Dec. 8: 8:30 am, 12:00 noon & 7:00 pm
In lieu of an Advent Penance Service, an examination of conscience will be provided in the bulletin and on our website for a few weeks before confessions. Several Priests will be available in safe-distanced, private places from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm on Sunday, December 18. This is your last opportunity to go to Confession before Christmas. Keep a silent, safe distance as you wait for this great Sacrament of Healing.
Church un-decorating and clean up right after the 12:00 noon Mass. Lots of strong hands, backs and vacuum cleaners needed!