Advent marks the beginning of the new liturgical year. It also marks a time of preparation for the coming of Christ, both in His birth at Christmas and when he comes again in judgment. There are many ways we can spiritually prepare ourselves for His coming. Traditionally, Advent is a time of prayer and fasting. The lighting of the Advent candles is the perfect opportunity for family prayer. Confession is another great way to make ourselves ready for Christ. Or, consider attending daily mass or Eucharistic Adoration. Below you'll find additional information on this wonderful season and many of its rich Catholic traditions.

Advent Evening of Music and Prayer:
Thursday, December 20 in the Church; 7:30 pm

SJV School Christmas Program:
December 18 in the gym at 1:30 and 6:30 pm

SJV Parish 1st Reconciliation:
Tuesday, December 4 in the Church; 6:30 pm

St. Patrick, Saturday, December 15 At 9:30 am
St. Mary - Milton, Monday, December 17 At 7 pm
St. John Vianney, Saturday December 22 At 9:30 am

This is a chance for us to gather to reflect, pray and receive God's sanctifying grace. This form of the sacrament gives us the opportunity to participate in communal reconciliation with several priests from the parishes of our area.

My six year old nephew yelled up from his grandparent's basement "I'm hiding and no one is looking for me. " Several of us were playing a game of hide and seek and were interrupted by a neighbor stopping over-we got busy chatting and forgot that we were in the middle of a game.

I am reminded of that event each Advent. Advent helps me to pause and ask "Am I looking for God?" or "Am I busy about other things?"

Now God is not hiding, but the question remains, "am I looking for God?" Jesus offers "Watch therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: (watch!)"

Our interior spiritual life needs complete vigilance, attentiveness and discipline. Where do we start and how can we be assured we are not asleep on this matter?

Turn to the cry of the psalmist: "Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved." It is a bold demand and not a wimpy plea. With confidence we implore the Lord to make us turn towards him.

A prayer for this Advent might be "Lord, help me to go where you want me to go. Help me to speak what you want me to speak. Help me do what you want me to do and help me to give up what you want me to give up."

Questions for reflection:

1. What must you say and do to be "looking for God" this Advent? How can you prepare your heart for the Lord's sudden coming whether you are young or in the "evening" of your life?

2. What is the place of resistance this Advent for you in the prayer of "help me to give up what you want me to give up." Ask God for the grace to find His presence in this place of resistance and trust that He will be found there.

Prepare, Hope, Rejoice, Love,

Fr. Randy