We begin the third week of Advent with the admonition: "Rejoice" in the Lord at all times. As people who sometimes find ourselves in darkness, we are encouraged by this word of Scripture. The Lord is always with us in good times and in bad. We are not alone, when we "feel" God's presence and when we don't. Our God is faithful to us, even when we are not faithful to God - such is the nature of God's divine mercy. God can't not turn his back on us, that would be against the very nature of God! Don't let guilt and shame keep you from knowing Who God really is! "Rejoice" in this truth and take a moment to drink it in this during season of hope and anticipation!
“Gaudete in Domino Semper!” (Rejoice in the Lord Always)
Christmas is getting closer! The Third Sunday of Advent is also known Gaudete (gow-DAY-tay) Sunday, from the Latin for "rejoice." The Antiphon for this day commands us: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near."With the lighting of the pink candle, we are reminded that while we are still waiting, the Christ Child is very near. Christ is God's greatest gift to us, and our joy in his coming is greater than we can get from any presents or decorations of the season.
Prayer for the Third Week of Advent
“With our whole heart, our whole soul, our whole mind, with our whole strength and fortitude, with our whole understanding, with all our powers, with every effort, every affection, every feeling, every desire and wish, let us love the Lord God. Who has given and gives to each one of us our whole body, our whole soul and our whole life, Who has created, redeemed and will save us by His mercy alone, Who did and does everything good for us.”
~ from Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Francis of Assisi
Advent Penance Service Church of the Resurrection:
Advent Penance Service, followed by the opportunity for individual confession: Saturday, December 10 at 10:00 am.
Advent events this
week at Assumption:
Have you returned your Angel Tree Gift(s)? They are due ASAP! Remember, all gift cards must go to the parish office. Thank you!
Christmas Cantata:
Invitation to a Miracle
Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 pm
at Assumption. Reception to follow.
Advent Evening of Prayer:
Friday, December 16, 7:00 pm
As of Friday morning, the Church of the Resurrection is at 89.38% of our $66,330 goal, and the Church of the Assumption is at 77.05% of our $216,410 goal. Letters from the Diocese went out this week to appeal to parishioners whose donations had not been received as of 11/26.
Each and every gift, no matter the size, contributes to the greater good of our parishes, our diocese, and the greater Rochester community. There are so many ways your donation to the CMA has helped others in the past year.
It would be wonderful to wrap up this campaign before the end of the year.
Each and every gift, no matter the size, contributes to the greater good of our parishes, our diocese, and the greater Rochester community. There are so many ways your donation to the CMA has helped others in the past year.
It would be wonderful to wrap up this campaign before the end of the year.
This video provides a fun comparison between Santa and Jesus -- and reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.