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This second week of Advent invites us to think about one word: Repent. St. John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus was in charge of preparing for the coming of Jesus, a mission he took seriously. So as you prepare your house with decorations for Christmas, John the Baptist helps us to prepare our hearts for Christmas. St. John the Baptist would tell the people who went to the Jordan River to be baptized: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Sometimes we think that to repent has to do with the feeling of being sorry for not being an active good Christian or for choosing other things rather than God. However, the word repent means something deeper. The word repent is a Greek word “Metanoia,” which describes a change of mind and heart. Therefore, to repent is not only about saying sorry, it involves the decision to walk away from our selfishness and to walk toward God with mind and heart.
We all can use some forgiveness from God. I, myself, am not perfect and I have to remind myself of this word: “REPENT.” So I look for peace in my heart by attending the Sacrament of Reconciliation and by choosing to walk toward God with mind and heart. Talking about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, on Monday, December 5th at 7:30pm, Fr. Martin Rooney, a member of the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles will be giving us an Advent Evening of Reflection in church. This Evening of Reflection will help us to prepare our hearts and minds spiritually for the coming of the Lord. Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend. There will be a chance for confession, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, at the end of the Evening of Reflection for those who feel inspired to receive God’s mercy in the Sacrament.
We have a few announcements for this week:
1. Next Saturday, December 10th at 11am we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick for those who suffer from the mind, body or soul. There will be a luncheon after Mass. Please register at the welcome desk or call our office.
2. Next weekend:
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We will celebrate Bambinelli Sunday. This is an Italian Tradition in which people from all over the world bring their Baby Jesus figure to the Vatican on the Third Sunday of Advent for a special blessing. Please, bring your baby Jesus figure from your mangers to St. Anthony's for a special blessing during Mass next weekend.
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We will have Name Tag Sunday. Pick a Name Tag at the entrances of Church. If any one is a good baker, bring your bake goods to the school cafeteria. We will be having a social after Mass. The Knights of Columbus will be offering coffee. Everyone is welcome to the social after Masses.
3. Save the Date: Saturday, December 17th at 6:30pm we will have a Family Movie Night. The Christmas Movie we will be presenting is the "Star". Everyone is welcome. The Christmas Movie will be presented in the School Cafeteria. Free popcorn and water.
Finally, do not forget that God loves you! Give God a chance to be an active part of your Journey.
With love and appreciation,
Fr. Carlos
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