The Blessed Virgin teaches us the secret to being blessed, happy, and full of joy. When Elizabeth, her cousin, greets her, she calls Mary “blessed” for two reasons, her motherhood of Jesus, and Our Lady’s belief that “there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord” (Luke 1:45). Mary is “blessed” entirely because of her relationship to the Incarnation of God in Jesus, and for no other. This of course makes perfect sense, because as the Lord, as God-in-the-flesh, her son is the source of all blessedness, life, and joy. Mary is blessed because of her contact with Jesus, and by her faith in him.
So, it is with us, too. We become blessed by our “motherly” contact with Christ in our souls through baptism. He lives in us and grows to maturity within us. We bear him to the world. This requires unshakeable faith that his promises to us will be fulfilled, despite all the problems and difficulties that plague us. We become blessed, happy, and joyful in the measure that we are in contact with Jesus and trust in him.
Advent challenges: 1.) This week go to someone who has borne the love of Jesus to you and tell her or him how they have been a blessing to you. 2.) Name someone in your life now to whom God has sent you to bring Jesus’ presence. Pray: “Lord, thank you for the blessing of sending me to bring your presence to this person. Help me bear you faithfully to him/her.” — Father John Muir ©LPi
Welcome
Welcome to our Eucharistic Celebration on this Fourth 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
Posted the Friday before.
Universal Prayer (Petitions)
A. For the Church, that we may reveal God’s face through our faith, our worship, and the good works that we do, let us pray to the Lord.
B. That leaders around the world may reject armed conflict, so that peace may reach to the ends of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
C. For those who will be greatly affected by freezing cold weather this winter, especially those without homes or adequate heat, let us pray to the Lord.
D. That those traveling during the coming weeks may enjoy the company of family and friends and return home safely, let us pray to the Lord.
Announcements
1. Thanks to you, we have exceeded our Called to Renew goal and currently have $362,000 in donations. We received 11,000 dollars in donations during the month of November. Half of all donations are sent to the Archdiocese where they will invest in lower income Parishes. We are thankful for your generosity.
2. We invite you to our Christmas Masses. On December 24, Mass will be at 5pm in English, 7pm in Spanish, and 10pm Bilingual. On December 25, English Mass will be at 10:45am and 12:30pm. Spanish liturgies will be at 7:15am, 9:00am, and 2:15pm. There will be no confession or Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on both days.
3. The Parish is selling calendars for next year. These calendars are custom made and include Mass schedule times and major event schedule. You can purchase your calendar in the Parish center for $5, there is a limited quantity.
4. 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.
5. We thank Bodika Cosmetic Medspa 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.
