From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy:
A Parish Mission can be viewed as an opportunity for spiritual healing, renewal, and reconciliation. With an emphasis on love and mercy, it also can 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 privileged to sponsor an Advent Parish Mission presented by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. The Sisters clearly embrace the mission and spirit of Catholic teaching in word and example.
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 thorough 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. He is ready to come more fully into our homes. He is ready to come more fully into our lives. He is ready to come more fully into our hearts. This Christmas we are invited to give the Lord the gift of a pure heart. During our Mission, the Sisters will focus on the Eucharist as the source and summit of our faith. They will also 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. They will help us to spiritually prepare for the coming of the Lord.
We invite you to come to this Mission. Please invite your friends, especially those Catholics who may have been away from the Church for some time and for some reason. Through God’s grace, you may be instrumental in getting your friends to return to the precious faith we love and cherish.
The Parish Mission will take place this Monday to Wednesday, December 9th to 11th. There will be both morning and evening sessions for your convenience. Then on Thursday, December 12th, we will have a Penance Service for all those in need of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There will be priests from various parts of the Archdiocese who will hear confessions and extend the Lord’s pardon, mercy, and forgiveness. Details concerning the Mission and Penance Service can be obtained from the Parish bulletin and website as well as from the Parish office.
I pray that you will participate in the Parish Mission and in the Penance Service and avail yourself of these special times of grace.