Christmas

The Holy Birth

A Virgin, who brought forth a child,
A Virgin, one so meek, so mild.
It comes to pass - The Holy Birth,
The Spirit which would dwell on earth!
A little child, and yet a king…
To all the world, His blessings bring.
As men of old this story tell,
Within the heart, true peace would dwell.
For tho’ the years would pass away,
The Triune God, would surely stay.
His light would shine, would not be dimmed,
And all the world would bow to Him.
The kings on earth would bend the knee,
And shepherds’ homage gratefully.
For not on earth one greater dwells,
Than this our Lord, Emmanuel!
He, beginning, He, the end.
Peace on earth, His message sends.
A Royal Birth, God’s holy will,
To live the promise -
Now fulfilled!

Advent 4

“Come, O Promised One, Let Us See Your Face!”

On this final Sunday during the holy season of Advent, we reflect on the nearness of Christ. His coming brings joy and peace. At the 10:00 AM Mass the adult choir will sing “The Advent Peace Canon,” with lyrics set to the “Canon in D” by Pachelbel. May the coming of the Newborn King bring love, joy, light and peace to your homes!

This Sunday, December 19 at 7:00 PM, our music program will present a Living Nativity entitled, “Promise Fulfilled." I have been very excited to work with so many talented and dedicated musicians during the months leading up to this event. Putting together a cast of 70 people has been an immense challenge which I could never have completed if it were not for so many who supported and helped me along this four month journey!

I would like to thank each and every person involved for their help, their support and their talent as they give back to their parish that which was given to them by the Lord. I hope many will join us for a memorable evening tonight!

Advent 3 (Gaudete Sunday)

“Come, O Promised One; Come and Bring us Light!”

As we rejoice on this “Gaudete Sunday," we light the third candle on our Advent wreaths. The Latin word “gaudete” comes from the Introit, or entrance antiphon of the traditional Latin Mass. The Introit is taken from Philippians 4:4-5, "Gaudete in Domino semper (Rejoice in the Lord always)". The mood in the sanctuary is lightened somewhat, as rose colored vestments may be worn by the priest and the rose colored candle is lit.

We are asked to be patient until the coming of the Lord. Our hearts, like our empty crèche, lie waiting for the Christ Child to come and fill them.

This Sunday we sing the hymn, “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming." The “Rose," our Lord, whose fragrance fills the world -- ever blooming, ever beautiful, from a tender bud -- will surely dispel the darkness of our soul, the darkness of the world and the darkness of sin and sadness. In the words of Isaiah, “Fear not! Our God will come to save us!” (Isaiah 45:8) May the “Rose” bloom in your hearts as we patiently await his birth!

Advent 2

"Come Lord Jesus, Come! Bring to us your Joy!"

In our readings today we hear the repeated theme of "joy." Even our responsorial psalm tells us to be joyful, because God has done great things for us!

“Jesus, Come to Us” is a song that we will sing at the Saturday Vigil Mass and the Sunday Mass at 10:00 AM. Our choristers love this song for its upbeat rhythm and easy-to-sing melody. I’m sure you will feel the same when you hear it! It truly captures the joy of the season, and the anticipation we experience as we await the birth of the Christ Child.

On Wednesday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. As Catholics, we believe that Mary was conceived free from the stain of original sin. Chosen to be our Savior’s Mother, she is truly "full of grace." Mary’s “Yes!” to God gives us renewed strength to follow the will of the Father. Mary’s sacrifice to humanity teaches us humility and obedience. Mary’s "Magnificat" brings us true joy, as we contemplate the greatness of God, and await the birth of his Son.