First Sunday of Advent
Reading 1 – Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm – Psalm 25:4-5,8-9,10,14
Reading 2 – 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
Gospel – Luke 21:25-28,34-36
Psalm – Psalm 25:4-5,8-9,10,14
Reading 2 – 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
Gospel – Luke 21:25-28,34-36
Reflection
“But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” (Luke 21:28) We celebrate Advent each year in preparation for the birth of Jesus, His first coming, as we await His second coming. What will you do differently this Advent season to grow in friendship and love with Jesus? How will you inspire others to do the same? Start by sharing your God story with others, especially those closet to you. Invite and accompany them on their faith journey this Advent.
Mask Requirement for St. Mary's Church
The Shrewsbury Board of Health is requiring the use of face coverings/masks in all indoor spaces including churches for all people age 5 and above except for individuals for whom it creates a health risk.
Finding the Lost Sheep this Advent
Can you believe it? Christmas is finally here! Well… not quite!
Before we reach Christmas, we are blessed with the season of Advent. This is the time in which we patiently and prayerfully prepare for Christmas. For four weeks the Church invites us to more fully enter into the beauty of Christ’s birth into the world.
One of the ways we can do this is through small acts of generosity. It can be so easy to go through life focused on the things in front of us that we forget about the people around us. We all could use a little reminder to spread love and kindness to our family, friends, and neighbors. The greatest gift we can share with others is the gift of faith we have received.
Surely this can be difficult, scary, and maybe a little awkward. Of course, it’s easier to stay in our comfort zones. But the Lord has called us to something greater, and He has led by example.
“What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?"
(Luke 15:4)
We’ve heard this verse so many times that we might not realize just how radical it is. The shepherd has a hundred sheep, yet when he loses only one of them, he leaves the rest behind in search of the lost one. How crazy is that?
Of course, the Shepherd is none other than Jesus Christ. The Lord goes out of his way to find the lost sheep, his heart is set upon the lost and lonely. He calls us to do the same.
This Advent, let us try and be like Christ, the Good Shepherd. Let us look for those who might have wandered away from the flock, and through small acts of love and kindness, invite them back to the Shepherd.
30 Minutes for Life
St. Mary’s Parish - November 30 - 7:30-8pm During Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Join us in a special prayer effort for the upcoming Supreme Court case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The case addresses the constitutionality of a 15-week abortion ban passed into law in Mississippi, and it has the potential to overturn Roe v. Wade, the law that legalized abortion. Oral arguments will be held by the Supreme Court on December 1.
Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestant faith leaders are calling for people of all faiths to Pray for Dobbs in a united campaign of prayers. Join us in this nationwide effort.
If you are unable to be with us on the 30th, please set aside time for prayer or a Rosary on December 1st to pray that the Supreme Court Justices can be enlightened by God’s wisdom.
