Beloved in the Lord,
Our Advent 2024 theme is, “Anchored: Hope in the Lord.” The anchor was an ancient Christian symbol that is connected to the theological virtue of hope. (cf. Hebrews 6:19). The Greek letters of alpha and omega refers to the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Revelation 22:13).
God gave us the theological virtue of hope when we were baptized. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches in #1817: “Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ's promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit. ‘Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.’ ‘The Holy Spirit . . . he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.’”
My preaching series reviews some of the ways in which we can grow as hopeful believers in Christ, who belong to His Church, and bless our communities.
See this website, our bulletin, and social media for opportunities to observe a holy Advent in preparation for the Christmas holy day.
May you have a blessed Advent.
Father Raymond Harris
Pastor
ADVENT i
November 30 & December 1
Prayer to the Lord
ADVENT II
December 7 & 8
Penance before the Lord
ADVENT III
December 14 & 15
Peace of the Lord
ADVENT IV
December 21 & 22
Proclaim the Lord
About the Advent Scripture Readings
during Holy Mass
The First and Second Sundays of Advent focus on the promise of the Lord Jesus Christ to return at the end of time. It will happen at an unknown day and hour. This is not to instill terror in us. It is a reminder to receive the gift of each day to glorify God and promote the true and lasting good for others and ourselves.
The Third and Fourth Sundays focus on the first coming of the eternal Son of God into our world by sharing in our humanity except sin. Once again, we receive the good news of great joy that is for everyone to receive. Our Lord God and Savior has come to liberate us from sin and death, and to enjoy a fruitful life on earth (cf. Luke 2:10-11).