Hope in the Waiting
Hope. Hope may sound to our ears like simple optimism, but as Catholics, we believe that hope is about something deeper.
Hope is a theological virtue, hope is a GIFT that God grows and cultivates in us, especially during this Advent season that emphasizes waiting in times of darkness. Even in situations of suffering and evil, we can ask for an increase in and grow in the virtue of hope.
“Prepare the way of the Lord!” John the Baptist declares in our Sunday reading. To prepare the way is to internally take stock of what habits, sins, and behaviors we’re trying to keep in the dark away from the transforming power of Christ.
We don’t have forever to respond to God’s call.
Have hope in the God who wants abundant life for you and wants you running in true freedom, for our God is faithful.
"God had no need to become man; man was already made through Him. It was we who needed God to become man and dwell among us."
FR. GODFREY'S HOMILY
Advent 1C 2021
St. Benedict Cathedral
St. Benedict Cathedral
Most of us might agree that we’ve been through the darkest times. Faith, hope, and brighter expectations have helped us through. Not unlike where you’re sitting right now. I presume you want something from this homily. I sure do. Maybe you’d prefer to be a homily critic rather than a participant in this moment. I promise if we say a quick, quiet prayer right now, it will all go better.
Jesus, amidst all the apocalyptic vision of early Advent, gives us the recipe for getting through: be vigilant and pray. It’s simple: stay awake and pray.
Brothers and sisters, no matter what we await or fear or desire or dread, if we remain vigilant for the King of kings, it will go better, because He will come to us. If we pray, it will go better, because He is already with us. As we begin this holy season of joyful longing, let’s set our hearts on vigilant prayer. And if we’ll expect the coming Christ, and expect Him in prayer, then we will not be disappointed.
PARISH NEWS
DOVE TREE - gifts due Dec. 11th
If you haven’t already chosen a Dove from the east or west church entrance walls, it’s not too late! This year, the need for assistance is even greater than last year, with over 70 families needing a helping hand this holiday season! You can also find Doves online at saintbenedictcathedral.org.
For those who claimed Doves to purchase gifts for — THANK YOU! Gifts should be returned to church or the Parish Center by December 11th in order for us to prepare the packages for pick-up and/or delivery to our families. Thank you for your kindness and for being a light to families in need!
If you have any questions, please contact Angie in the Parish Center at 812-425-3369 x 2.
CELEBRATE ADVENT - December 12th
In the cafeteria after the 10:30 Mass. Coffee, donuts, crafts and music.
RCIA - If you know someone who may be interested in becoming Catholic, please invite them to learn more about our faith through attending RCIA classes. If someone is interested, please call the parish office at 812-425-3369 or click on the "Becoming Catholic" button on the website.
LIVE-STREAM: All Masses (except the 8AM Sunday Mass) are live-streamed on our parish FaceBook page: Saint Benedict Cathedral & School.
CONFESSIONS: Tuesday through Friday 8:40-8:55 AM and Saturday 9:30-10:00AM in the NORTHWEST CONFESSIONAL (near the piano) or call 812-425-3369, ext. 0 for an appointment. Beginning the first weekend in September another half hour of confessions will be offered on Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:00 PM.
ONLINE GIVING: To give once or set up regular Sunday giving, click here.
