Dear Parishioners,
With the Solemnity of Christ the King we have finished the liturgical year cycle A. Now we are starting the cycle B. As soon as possible, we will be singing the most popular carols of the year, Christmas carols, one of them, O Come, O Come Emmanuel!” This familiar hymn reminds the church of the season of Advent, a time marked for preparation and consecration prior to the coming of the Messiah. Advent season is around the corner, it will begin on December 3.
The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival” and, when used with Christmas,itcallsustopreparingthewayoftheLord. Wearecalledtomake ourselves ready to receive the Hope offered to us in the incarnation of Christ, the Son of God.
Together as a family this Advent, our parish will explore the Hope offered to us in the coming of Jesus into this world. For this special season of advent we have invited some parishioners who in behalf of the community will light the candles in each Sunday of Advent thinking in the meaning of each word we are celebrating in that Sunday.
The 1st Sunday of Advent ( Renata Rendeiro and Family) symbolizes Hope withthe“Prophet’sCandle”remindingusthatJesusiscoming. Welightthe first purple candle
– The 2nd Sunday of Advent (Michael Borelli and Family) symbolizes Faith with the “Bethlehem Candle” reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. We light the second purple candle.
– The 3rd Sunday of Advent (Elizabeth Do Santos and Family) symbolizes Joy with the “Shepherd’s Candle” reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus. We light the rose or pink candle.
– The 4th Sunday of Advent (Christina and Ricardo Machado) symbolizes Peace with the “Angel’s Candle” reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.” WE light the third purple candle.
HAVE A HAPPY ADVENT SEASON.