Dear friends, I love Advent. I love its themes of hope and expectation. The first Sunday of Advent starts with Jesus saying, “Be watchful! Be alert!” But what is it that we are watching for? With all the challenges we’ve had this past year, I sense we are looking for the hope and the coming anew of Emmanuel, God with us. He is the birth of love and joy in our lives and our world. Our theme for Stewardship is: Love Thy Neighbor. This reminds us to look and respond to the needs of our neighbor. To assist you in the watchfulness of this season, we have assembled this guide. It is full of Advent prayers, traditions, and resources. I encourage everyone to intentionally prepare for the Sunday liturgies by prayerfully reflecting on the readings and the questions prior to attending Mass. I also encourage, if you are not already doing so, to find some time everyday to just be still, quiet and silent, listening to the voice of the Spirit and all around you. Here is an Advent prayer and I encourage you to pray it individually, as a family, or before any parish gathering or study. I hope this guide supports you on your Advent journey. God Bless you all, Fr. Don
