From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy
As we have mentioned in the past, a Parish Mission can provide an opportunity for spiritual renewal, reconciliation, and healing. It can also provide an opportunity to change hearts and transform lives as we renew and strengthen our relationship with Our Lord. With this in mind, we are pleased to sponsor an Advent Penance Mission presented by Dumb Ox Ministries. The ministry takes its name from one of the greatest theologians of our Church, Saint Thomas Aquinas. The theme of the Mission will be “And the Word Became Flesh.”
As we know, Advent is a special time in the Church year as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. Advent holds out the hope and desire to see the light of Christ shine through the darkness of our world. At this special time, we are urged to remain watchful and vigilant as we wait in joyful anticipation for the coming of the Lord. The Mission will focus on preparing for the Incarnation. During the Mission, our presenters, Greg Boudreaux and Brian Butler, will examine the Incarnation, and the relationship between Joseph and Mary, and how people can discern and pursue their unique vocations to love. They will speak about how people encounter God, and about the desire of the heart to receive the love of God. They will focus on the spiritual integrity of mind and body reminding us that we are born to eternal life. They will speak of the gift of the Christ Child that awaits us. There will also be times for prayer. Their message will relate to all people of good will including families, young adults, and teens.
We invite you to come to the Mission. Please invite your friends, especially those who may have been away from the Church for some time and for some reason. Through God’s grace, you may be instrumental in bringing others closer to the precious faith we love and cherish.
The Parish Mission will take place this Monday, December 1st to Wednesday, December 3rd. There will be both morning and evening sessions for your convenience. Then on Thursday, December 4th, we will have a Penance Service for all those who would like to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There will be priests from various parts of the Archdiocese who will hear confessions and assist in this opportunity to receive the Lord’s pardon, mercy, and forgiveness. Details concerning the Mission and Penance Service are included in this Parish bulletin and can also be obtained from the Parish website as well as from the Parish office.
We invite you to participate in the Parish Mission and in the Penance Service and avail yourself of these special times of grace.