Reflection from Fr Moser on the readings
RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS
Like many of us, senior religious have offered their lives in service and prayer. They served for years in Catholic schools, parishes, and hospitals. Most ministered for small stipends, resulting now in a serious shortfall in retirement savings. In addition, rising health care costs and decreasing income make it a major struggle for many religious communities to care for their aging members. Covid-19 has further compounded this difficult situation. As of December 31, 2020 there are 26,330 religious past age 70 living in the United States. In 2020, the average annual cost for their care was more than $49,000 per person.
Envelopes are inserted in our bulletin this week and the collection will be taken up nation-wide next weekend. Make your check payable to your parish (write RFR on the memo line) and drop into an offertory basket in any of our parishes. Thank you for your generosity.
In Luke’s Gospel we are told about John the Baptist; he was proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John fulfills the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord ...” John was inspired by God to prepare people and give them a “heads-up” that the Messiah had come and was walking among them. Granted you may not be called to preach like John the Baptist, but there are many ways you can proclaim the coming of Jesus during this Advent season. How about placing a candle in a window of your house? Or you could visit an elderly or sick person. Perhaps each day this week you can sing or exclaim: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy!
Questions to Reflect upon this week:
For Adults: In what areas of your life do you need God's forgiveness right now? What Advent practice would assist you in expressing your repentance?
For children: What do you want to ask God to forgive you for? What can you do during Advent to show you are sorry?
Choose one of the Following Activities to help your family live the readings this week
- Make a banner that reads: “Prepare the Way of the Lord”. Use poster paper and decorate the banner with crayons or markers. Ask each family member to share what he or she can do this week to clear the way for the coming of Jesus.
- Discuss with your family what “rocks” need to be cleared from your family so you will be a more loving family, working together for the Lord.
- Take out family photos and symbols of your child’s baptism. Share stories of that special day.
- John the Baptist was a herald of the good news of the kingdom of God. Talk about the people and families who have been heralds of the good news for you. Send them a note to thank them for sharing who they are.
Weekly Justice Challenge
This week we celebrate two important feasts of Mary—the Immaculate Conception on December 8 and Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. Even though she was conceived without sin and became the Mother of God, Mary never ceased to be an advocate for the poor. In her Magnificat, she praised God for lifting up the meek and the lowly. And she told Juan Diego, a poor indigenous Mexican man, that he had dignity and that she loved him. This week’s challenge is to pray in solidarity with those of Mexican descent who have a special devotion to Our Lady. If your parish doesn’t have a special celebration the morning of December 12, find one that does and join in serenading this special woman ©Center for Ministry Development. Published by the Pastoral Center / PastoralCenter.com. All rights reserved.
Saint of the Week
The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary; Dec. 8
Mary as the Immaculate Conception is the Patron of the United States
Masses for the Holy Day of Obligation are:
Dec. 7- 5:15 at St Pat's; Dec. 8- 10 AM, 4PM at St. Pat's, and 7 PM at St. Mary, Hanover.
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