When I was a young priest, about one year after ordination, I was called to the hospital to anoint a dying mother of three young children. She had a painful, terminal cancer. After celebrating Last Rites with her, I said, “Don’t be afraid.” She looked me square in the eye from her hospital bed and said, “Oh Father, I am in a lot of pain, but I am not afraid. Something wonderful is about to happen.” A few days later she died.
Christians face the ending of our personal various “worlds” in a totally unique way. This first Sunday of Advent, Jesus says that when people see their world falling apart, they find themselves “fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world” (Luke 21:26). In our fear, our natural response is to check out, to hide our heads in drunkenness, distraction, and false securities. But Jesus commands us to “look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” He then compares what’s coming to a lovely summer in full bloom. That’s what the cross and resurrection empower us to do, as strange as it may seem.
Advent challenge: What world in your life is collapsing? A relationship, a dream, a work opportunity? Maybe you’re troubled by a crumbling world in the political or economic sphere. Or maybe someone you love is seriously ill or dying. Name that world or worlds. Then pray: “Lord, help me to not faint with fear. Help me to raise my head and see your redemption coming.” — Father John Muir ©LPi
Welcome
Welcome to our Eucharistic Celebration on this First Sunday of Advent.
The intentions of this Mass are for all those in our special intention basket and...
Please stand for our procession.
Mass Intentions
Saturday, November 30
5:00 PM
Zenaida Kaw • †
Tony Ramos • †
Ruben Delgadillo • Health
Daniel Comberos • Health
Wilbert Arias • Health
Sunday, December 1
6:00 AM
Pilar Maldonado • †
10:45 AM
Francisco Franco • †
Wayne Zepeda • †
Lisa Steinberg •†
Onye Chima • †
Ligaya Torres Tolosa • †
Patricia Miranda Sandoval • Prayer
Alejandra Sandoval Alvarez • Health
12:30 PM
Armando Gabriel • †
Paula Cruz • †
Concepcion L. Torres • †
Camila Ramirez • Health
Universal Prayer (Petitions)
A. For the Church, that we may prepare for the coming of the Lord by imitating Christ in the way we pray, the way we proclaim God’s word, and the way we extend God’s grace to those in need, let us pray to the Lord.
B. For victims of injustice and all who suffer from unjust institutions or circumstances beyond their control, that they may yet be able to proclaim, “The LORD our justice,” let us pray to the Lord.
C. For those who were able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal thanks to the generosity of others, that generosity may continue to be offered to them throughout the rest of the year, let us pray to the Lord.
D. For those around the world living with HIV/AIDS, that they may receive the care they seek as we work collectively to eradicate this debilitating infection and illness, let us pray to the Lord.
Announcements
1. Thanks to you, we have exceeded our Called to Renew goal and currently have $352,000 in donations. We received $10,000 during the month of October. Half of all donations are sent to the Archdiocese where they will invest in lower income Parishes. We are thankful for your generosity.
2. Next week, we have a second collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. Donate to help the more than 24,000 senior religious who have dedicated their lives to service retire with dignity. Donations will provide for the essential care, medicine, and daily needs of senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who have served for decades—usually for little to no pay. Show your appreciation by supporting those who have given a lifetime.
3. We invite all those who feel the calling to be a Eucharistic Minister to attend our Archdiocese Eucharistic Minister training that will take place on Tuesdays January 7, 14, and 21, at 7:00pm in the St. Joseph Hall. There is a $15 donation for the course. This training is mandatory for all current Eucharistic Ministers.
4. The Parish has ordered advent reflection books written by Bishop Robert Barron. You can get your free copy in the Parish Center.
5. Father Gustavo and the Amor por Teco foundation is having a clothes sale on Sunday, December 1 from 8:30am to 5:30pm in the Guadalupe Hall.
6. We thank Ana Orellana for sponsoring our bulletin; their information can be found on the last page of our bulletin. If you have a business and would like to sponsor our weekly bulletin, you can call the phone number at the bottom of the last page.
