St. Joseph Parish

ADVENT & OUR LADY of The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Patroness of the United States of America

LESSONS & CAROLS

Join us virtually Sunday November 29 - Tuesday Dec 8  on our FB Page https://www.facebook.com/stjosephwestend

Advent reminds us that we ought to model our waiting on the Old Testament Prophets, John the Baptist and most particularly on Mary, the Holy Mother of God. For us Catholics in the United States, both Marian observances during Advent are patronal feasts: The Immaculate Conception is the patroness of our nation and Our Lady of Guadalupe is patroness of both continents of America

This Advent 2020 we are most aware that waiting can be a time of great uncertainty. The Gospel reading for the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Gaudalupe and this year, the fourth Sunday of Advent - is Gabriel’s announcement to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) when Mary affirms that she is and will be God’s handmaid. For Mary, her “fiat” her yes, was truly a great act of faith and trust. Mary waited, overwhelmed, tired weary and worn, she waited in hope. She knew all that God had done for those who had come before her; how God had humbled the mighty and fulfilled the promise to Abraham.

Yes, this season of Advent 2020 is a season that invites us to deeper conversion. As disciples of Christ, we learn both anew and differently this year what it means to wait. We light the candles on our wreaths, place ornaments on trees, virtually take ornaments from our giving tree and worship and we shine lights in the darkness. Yes, we wait actively, figuratively trimming the hearth and setting the table while literally assisting those in need and praying.

Advents’ twofold meaning is firstly about preparing for the coming of the Lord. Celebrating that first humble coming and the birthing through Mary. Secondly and equally we faithfully acknowledge there shall be a second coming in glory (Mt 25)

Winter comes with cold and darkness prompting us to seek the warmth of shelter and the lights that illuminate and sparkle. Consider dedicating four lights/candles, each to a week of Advent. Light them sequentially crescendoing our prayer and marking of time. Light them with us nearest the early evening darkness and praying to,with, for, and by the power of faith, trust and hope of Mary.

During Advent we look back and we look forward. We remember the future! We look back reflecting on the promises of salvation history that were fulfilled in the Incarnation-birth. We look forward to the promised Day of the Lord and the fulfillment of all things.

Usually at this time of year people are at their busiest, running around preparing for and already celebrating with Christmas festivities. This year a simple place of Advent quiet, of retreat and of prayer may be more possible than ever. Join us (virtually & around) 5:00pm each evening.

Let Us Sing the Praises of Mary and let us present our needs and those of our nation to the Lord Jesus, Christ our Emmanuel-God with us.

Maranatha

Come Lord, Come Lord Jesus, give your people hope

Come Lord, Come Lord Jesus lead your people home.

Truly, amidst this fragile and challenging time of 2020, this Advent affords us an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of the season.

HELP US HELP OTHERS

Please consider taking an ornament from our GIVING TREE (located inside our rectory entranceway) and then returning the corresponding unwrapped gift beneath the same tree.  Gift Cards are greatly appreciated as well, and should be slipped under the Office Door.

Be good to yourself as well as others

Peace & Good things

JWhite