Wake Up!
While the world likes to rush to Christmas, we Catholics are invited to take an entire season, called Advent, to slow down and prepare ourselves for the great mystery before us.
The message of Advent for us is simple: “Wake up!”
Advent is a time to be reawakened to the great mystery of the Incarnation: God became man, in time and space and in documented history over 2,000 years ago. If this is indeed true, then Jesus Christ has changed everything.
The people of Israel often grew tired in their exile and in their seemingly endless wait on the Lord. But in his time, not ours, God showed up. And he still does today. For our sake, God indeed became man.
What is our response? How will this season be different? What can I do differently? How can I put Christ at the center of my life again, or perhaps for the very first time?
Advent is a time to be reawakened to the great mystery of the Incarnation: God became man, in time and space and in documented history over 2,000 years ago. If this is indeed true, then Jesus Christ has changed everything.
The people of Israel often grew tired in their exile and in their seemingly endless wait on the Lord. But in his time, not ours, God showed up. And he still does today. For our sake, God indeed became man.
What is our response? How will this season be different? What can I do differently? How can I put Christ at the center of my life again, or perhaps for the very first time?
Let's wake up this Advent season!
"He was born so that we might be reborn!"
Questions for Additional Reflection:
- Where do you feel that you are living "on autopilot"?
- What's one practical thing you can do to make this Advent different?
ST. COLUMBA UPDATES – NOVEMBER 27-28
ADORATION THIS WEEK
Monday – 4:00 – 8:00 pm
Tuesday – No Adoration (Rel Ed Confessions)
Wednesday – No Adoration (Rel Ed Confessions)
Thursday – No Adoration (Confessions & Music Rehearsals)
Friday – 4:00 – 8:00 pm
THE GIVING TREE RETURNS THIS WEEKEND
The "Giving Tree" will be in the Narthex THIS WEEKEND. You are invited to take a tag off the tree and purchase a gift for a child or family member less fortunate. This year all gifts are going to the Community Family Development in Poughkeepsie, which serves many of our low income families in the area.
All gifts need to be wrapped and returned to the Narthex by the weekend of December 11th and 12th. They will be picked up on the following Monday.
BSA WREATH SALE THIS WEEKEND
The Boy Scouts will be selling Christmas Wreaths after all Masses this weekend. They are grateful for your support.
DONATIONS FOR THE HOMELESS DELIVERED
All of your donations for the homeless were equally divided and delivered to Newburgh Ministries and Hillcrest House. Thanks to all who donated, all who sorted the donations and to Deacon Dennis and Deacon Steve who delivered them. Special thanks to Mary Theresa Soyka for organizing the effort.
SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION – HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION
Wednesday, December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Masses will be offered at Tuesday, December 7 at 5:30 pm and on Wednesday, December 8 at 7:00 am, 12:00 noon and at 7:30 pm.
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP – ALL HIGH SCHOOL TEENS AND CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES WELCOME!
Saturday, November 27 – No Meeting – Thanksgiving Break
Saturday, December 11 – Final Meeting for 2021 from 6:30-8:00 pm. – We will enjoy pizza, watch a short Christmas Film “The Shepherd” and make Christmas Cards for the homebound.
Saturday, January 8 – 6:30 pm Planning Meeting
PARISH CALENDAR THIS WEEK
Sunday, November 28
Advent begins
BSA Wreath Sale
Monday, November 29
Adoration 4:00 pm
Tuesday, November 30
No Adoration
Religious Education Confessions 4:30 pm & 6:30 pm
Wednesday, December 1
No Adoration
Religious Education Confessions 4:15 pm & 6:15 pm
Safety and Security Meeting – 7:30 pm
Thursday, December 2
Adoration 6:00 pm
Religious Education Confessions 4:30 pm
Friday, December 3
Adoration 4:00 pm
Saturday, December 4
Deacon Testa’s Birthday
Religious Education Confessions 9:00 am
Memorial Mass at 11:30 am
Sunday, December 5
Flock Note Sunday
BSA Wreath Sale