A Message from Marisa Salvino, Coordinator of Development
In this week’s Gospel, we read about John the Baptist sharing his message to repent and prepare the way for the Lord. Have you ever had something come up in your life that you needed to be prepared for? Maybe it was a trip, an athletic event, or even a big party. There are certain events that arise in our lives that require significant and unique preparation.
On this Second Sunday of Advent, we are reminded of what the Advent season is all about: preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. This requires a unique preparation – total repentance. John the Baptist shared the need of true repentance: demonstrating a true change in your heart and mind by the way you live your life. It's not enough to label yourself as “Catholic” or “Christian;” we need to live a life as followers of Jesus. We must produce good fruit consistent with our repentance. If God has truly changed your life, share this by how you live.
As we enter the month of December, it’s easy to get caught up in preparing for Christmas. Rushing around to buy presents, decorating our homes, and hosting holiday parties are what the world tells us is necessary for this season. However, we are called to prepare for a greater joy: the coming of Christ. May we spend time this Advent season quieting our hearts, seeking forgiveness, and receiving the true joy that came in a manger, not wrapped under a tree.
On this Second Sunday of Advent, we are reminded of what the Advent season is all about: preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. This requires a unique preparation – total repentance. John the Baptist shared the need of true repentance: demonstrating a true change in your heart and mind by the way you live your life. It's not enough to label yourself as “Catholic” or “Christian;” we need to live a life as followers of Jesus. We must produce good fruit consistent with our repentance. If God has truly changed your life, share this by how you live.
As we enter the month of December, it’s easy to get caught up in preparing for Christmas. Rushing around to buy presents, decorating our homes, and hosting holiday parties are what the world tells us is necessary for this season. However, we are called to prepare for a greater joy: the coming of Christ. May we spend time this Advent season quieting our hearts, seeking forgiveness, and receiving the true joy that came in a manger, not wrapped under a tree.
Marisa Salvino
Resources:
Prayer Intentions
To submit names for prayer intentions in the Bulletin, use this link or call the Parish Office at (765) 743-4652.
Announcements
Add More Meaning to the Season
Want to make Advent and Christmas more meaningful this year? St. Tom’s offers you a webpage for Advent with resources to help you prepare and several events leading up to Christmas.
Hispanic Catholics invite you to celebrate their culture with Mass in Spanish (5:30 p.m. Vigil) and for Las Posadas after Mass this Saturday, Dec. 3, in Newman Hall. A Mexican Catholic tradition, Las Posadas commemorates Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. Join them for traditional food, singing, and fellowship.
The International Peace Light will come to St. Tom's on Monday, Dec. 5, at 7:00 p.m. Bring a lantern or candle to light at the ceremony and share the light with your family and community. The Peace Light is a continuous flame originating in the grotto of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. It is shared person to person throughout the world with a message of peace and friendship.
Christmas Cookie decorating on Dec. 7
Destress before final exams by joining Hands and Feet of Christ to decorate cookies for the area homeless shelter on Wednesday, Dec. 7, starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Siena Rooms.Music Ministry will host an informal concert, a Christmas Sing-Along, on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. in Newman Hall. Take a study/work break with us as we perform Christmas songs in Newman Hall. The projector will be used to show lyrics so everyone can sing along. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served.
Theology on Tap to Focus on Forgiveness
Learn more about the benefits of forgiveness during this month's Theology on Tap presentation, scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 7:00 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at Harry's Chocolate Shop. Fr. Anthony Rowland, missionary pastor at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, will lead the presentation titled "Peace through Forgiveness: How Forgiveness Promotes Growth and Healing."
Final Family Promise Week for 2022
St. Tom's final volunteer week of 2022 is December 12 to 17. All trained volunteers can sign-up by visiting the SignUp Genius site. Anyone not trained who wants to volunteer, visit www.boilercatholics.org/Family-Promise and follow the links for required FP and Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana online training. FP online training is accompanied by an “on-site” visit with Amanda Hudson, executive director of the Family Promise Center. Also, laundry baskets will be in the Gather Space that week with a list of needed items for the families. Below is the downloadable list. If there is something not listed that you wish to donate (i.e., furniture, specific clothing items), please contact the Family Promise contact listed on the baskets first.
Jubilee Christmas is next Friday and Saturday
St. Tom's is a long-standing partner of Lafayette Urban's Ministry's Jubilee Christmas program providing Christmas gifts for families with children 12 and under who are experiencing financial hardship. This year, St. Tom's serves 50 families (125 children).
Ways to help out:
Sign up online to assist with setting up this coming week (Dec. 5 to 9) or to serve as a runner or host for Jubilee Christmas (Friday, Dec. 9, and/or Saturday, Dec. 10). Note: Quite a few volunteer slots are still open.
Provide a monetary donation by check or cash at the Church Office or online through Faith Direct.
Shop now and provide new toys for all ages! Bring your donations to St. Tom’s by December 5. Many toys are needed.