We are already approaching the second week of the season of Advent! Our Gospel this weekend gives us the image of St. John the Baptist as the voice crying out in the desert, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" As we prepare for Christmas I hope you will take an opportunity to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this season of repentance and preparation. Unfortunately we do not have enough priests anymore to do a communal penance service as in several years past, but we do have confessions available every Wednesday afternoon at 5:00pm and on Saturday's at 3:00pm.
I appreciate everyone who took the time to "vote" in the poll about Saturday Mass times a few weeks ago. It helped advise me in making a decision. I also appreciate the useful feedback that some offered and their reason behind it. A few comments were not charitable and I was told to find a new career because God does not take days off. Even though God did rest for a day after he completed the work of creation. Jesus himself took time off and went away. A priest should not have to apologize or feel guilty for taking care of himself just as everyone else who works deserves time off. The way we interact and treat each other, including our clergy, has a significant impact on vocations, on current vocations and future vocations. When we are faced with change and difficult decisions, we should dialogue with charity, not contempt and anger. We should always think and ponder before we post comments, be it on social media or anywhere else for that matter.
Based on the poll and conversations I have had, it seems that the best path forward is to have our one Saturday evening Vigil Mass at 5:00pm at St. Mary's. That was the overwhelming preference in the poll. Some offered good feedback about the need for an even later time of 5:30 or 6:00pm due to running businesses or working, while others, especially many who are older, prefer to have Mass earlier at 4pm so that they are not out in the dark during the winter. I appreciate all of those realities. In a parish with as many families as ours, it is impossible with limited priestly resources to meet both of those realities. A 5:00pm Mass will "split the difference" and hopefully is a middle ground that we can all grow to accept. We will begin this new schedule on the weekend of December 31 & January 1. Confessions on Saturdays will move from 3pm to 4pm accordingly. We will need those involved in the various ministries at our 4pm and 6pm Saturday Masses to adjust your preferences for serving in Ministry Scheduler before the Mass time change takes place.
Also you will find below the data from our November Mass counts. I provide that to you as we have have collected this data every other month during 2022. It gives you a glimpse into our weekend attendance and trends.
I pray for you all daily as we continue our Advent journey toward Christmas. Come Lord Jesus!
Father Lingle