This Sunday begins the season of Advent. At this special time in the Church year, Advent holds out the hope and desire to see the light of Christ shine through the darkness of our world. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, “The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas.” It further noted, that “Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighed down and distracted by the cares of this world.”
As we begin our Advent season, we are pleased to sponsor an Advent Parish Mission presented by Monsignor Hugh Marren, Senior pastor and teacher in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The theme of the mission is: “The Holy Family: A Model for Our Advent Journey.”
A Parish Mission can be viewed as an opportunity for spiritual reflection and conversion. It also can provide an opportunity to change hearts and transform lives as we renew and strengthen our relationship with Our Lord.
At this special time, we are urged to remain watchful and vigilant as we wait in joyful anticipation for the coming of the Lord. This Christmas we are invited to give the Lord the gift of a pure heart by being spiritually prepared for His coming. During the Mission, Monsignor Marren will speak about joys and sorrows and challenges embraced by Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and the example they set for us as we continue on our journey of faith. He will also focus on the hope filled meaning of Advent.
There will be time for prayer and reflection. The message of Monsignor Marren should resonate with all people of goodwill including families, young adults, and teens.
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 Advent Mission will take place on Monday, December 1st and Tuesday, December 2nd. There will be both morning and evening sessions for your convenience. Details concerning the Mission can be obtained from the Parish bulletin and website as well as from the Parish office.
We invite you to participate in the Parish Mission and avail yourself of this special time of grace.