In this week's Conversation, we meet Jessie Bazan, the author of our shared Advent/Christmas daily prayer booklet, "Waiting in Joyful Hope," along with a quick review of parish news.
CELEBRATING DEACON PETER’S
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION
On Dec. 12, 1999, Deacon Peter Burek was ordained a deacon at the Cathedral in La Crosse. This coming weekend, Dec. 7/8, we will celebrate his 25th anniversary of ordination at all Masses this coming weekend with a blessing and receptions. However, there will be a more elaborate reception following the 4 p.m. Saturday Mass at St. Michael. We look forward to showing our appreciation to Deacon Peter for his generous ministry to our parishes over these many years.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR SHARED PARISH MISSION WITH DOUG & DAVE
ADVENT HOLY DAY: The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated this year on Monday, Dec. 9, since Dec. 8 is the Second Sunday of Advent. Mass will be at 12:10 p.m. at Resurrection. Because it is a Monday, this is not a holy day of obligation this year. More importantly it remains a day of opportunity to give God thanks and praise.
ADVENT GIVING: Parishioners are encouraged to donate items that will be shared by Good Shepherd Shelter, Neighbor’s Place and North Central Health Care with those who are in need. The following items - unwrapped - can be brought to the Gathering Space of either church by Dec. 15. Please provide one, several or as much as you are able to contribute: · $10-$25 gift cards for Walmart, Sam’s Club or County Market · Winter gloves, mittens, hats - adult sizes · Warm socks - adult sizes · Hand warmers · Men’s undershirts & underwear (S-4XL) · Women’s underwear & sports bras (S-4XL) · Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap, lip balm · Household cleaning supplies (Lysol 409, toilet bowl cleaner) · Gallon size reclosable plastic bags · Word search, crossword puzzle books · Nonperishable food items: whole-grain cereals, pasta, rice; canned fruit in natural juices; ground coffee; individual-sized oatmeal packets; canned tuna, chicken, salmon in water; hearty canned soups; fruit cups; granola bars; canned or boxed meals.
RECONCILIATION DURING ADVENT: The sacrament of God’s mercy will be celebrated Saturdays at 9 a.m. at St. Anne and 3 p.m. at St. Michael, as well as from 5-6 p.m. Dec. 17 at St. Anne, 5-6 p.m. Dec. 18 at St. Michael, and 5-6 p.m. Dec. 19 at Resurrection. Below is a link to a Reconciliation guide and examination of conscience.
MORE ADVENT RESOURCES TO HELP US PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD
Join the Advent Pray25 Challenge: Prepare your heart for Jesus this Advent with daily prayer on Hallow, a Catholic prayer and meditation app that helps us encounter Christ through daily prayer. Click here to learn more.
Savoring the Sacred: A Mini-Retreat to Embrace the Season of Advent: Explore how our Catholic customs and traditions bring more meaning into these holy days of Advent and how integrating prayer into daily tasks—baking, shopping, card writing—transforms them into meaningful spiritual practices. Click here to learn more and register.
Waiting & Wassailing-Daily Advent Meditations on Story & Song: This Advent season, the carolers are coming straight to your inbox. Sign up to receive daily Advent reflections from the Jesuit Media Lab community of writers.
Advent Lessons & Carols: Here is a link to the livestream of program of scripture and music from the First Sunday of Advent at National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
FR. AL'S HOMILY for the First Sunday of Advent begins at 23:00
FR. TOM'S HOMILY for the First Sunday of Advent begins at 22:00.
THE YEAR OF LUKE: With the start of a new liturgical year, we begin reading from the gospel account attributed to the evangelist Luke. In this column, Fr. Tom suggests that a testimonial attributed to Mary offers a good preview of the entire gospel.
HOW MANY MASSES? Our pastoral councils had some interesting and honest conversations in recent weeks about Mass times. Or, more precisely, about how many Masses we need. Below is a link to Fr. Tom's summary of those discussions. And here is a link to a column by another pastor who shares his perspective on this significant matter.
PARISH GIVING: Parish worship and ministries depend upon the generosity of ALL parishioners. And, it couldn't be easier to make a contribution. Scheduling an ongoing contribution or making a one-time donation - is just a click away. Thanks to all who share generously with the parish.
REMEMBER THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF OUR CELEBRATION OF ADVENT IS LORD'S DAY WORSHIP. WE HOPE YOU'LL JOIN US FOR MASS THIS COMING WEEKEND!
Here is the livestream of Mass for this coming Lord's Day's 8:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday.