Friends, today’s Gospel presents John the Baptist as a revolutionary.
Advent is best understood as a preparation for a revolution. The liturgical readings for this time of the year—focusing on Isaiah, John the Baptist, Mary, and Jesus—positively crackle with energy and electricity. When we seek to understand them on their own terms and in the context of the time in which they were written, we discover their revolutionary power.
Around the year 30, an alarming figure appeared in the Judean desert, wearing animal skins and eating locusts and wild honey; and his theme hearkened back to the prophet Isaiah: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” John the Baptist was telling his listeners to make ready for the arrival of the God of Israel as a conquering King who would, once again, overthrow the oppressors of his people.
And the revolution arrived in the person of a young Galilean rabbi, whose message was simple and unambiguous: “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.” Jesus was saying that the new King has arrived and he’s begun his work; so change your lives and come under his lordship.
Bishop Robert Barron
ST. COLUMBA UPDATES!
CHURCH CALENDARS 2023
New Church Calendars for 2023 are available at the doors of the church. We thank our friends at McHoul Funeral Home for sponsoring them.
ADVENT GIVING TREE – THIS WEEKEND
The Giving Tree will be available THIS WEEKEND. Choose a tag and purchase gifts. Please note that all gifts must be returned NEXT WEEKEND December 11. They will be distributed on Monday, December 12.
HOSPITALITY SUNDAY – THIS WEEKEND
Hospitality Sunday is the first Sunday of each month after the 7:30 am, 9:00 am and 10:30 am Masses. Join us for brunch and conversation.
BSA WREATHS
Some wreaths are left but come early as they will likely sell out. Cost is $25.00.
JUNIOR HIGH PICK-UP SPORTS NIGHT - THURSDAY
All Junior High Teens Grades 6-8 are invited to join us for Pick Up Sports Night on Thursday, December 8 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm in the school gym. Mat Ball, Basketball, Volleyball, board games and pizza!
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Thursday, December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be offered on Wednesday, December 7 at 5:30 pm and on Thursday, December 8 at 7:00 am, 12:00 noon and at 7:30 pm. Religious Education parents are welcome to take their children from class and bring them to Mass.
MARCH FOR LIFE – BUS SIGN UP NOW!
The Tri-Parish Respect Life Society would like to invite parishioners of St. Columba, St. Denis and St Kateri to attend the 2023 March for Life in Washington DC on January 20, 2023. This march is a celebration of our Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade. This one decision has already saved thousands of sacred unborn lives and a heartfelt "THANK YOU!!" for all of your tremendous efforts and prayers in this quest. But... there is much more work to do!!
We have procured 1 coach bus that seats 50 passengers for the event. The bus will leave St. Columba Church immediately after a 4:30am Mass. We should arrive at the March in time for the rally at 11:00am. We will be enroute back to St. Columba by 4:00pm.
The cost is $40.00 per person. Please contact Dan Slater at RespectLifeSC@gmail.com if you are interested in attending. We need a definite headcount no later than December 15th. More details to follow. Please check the link www.MarchforLife.org
BIBLE STUDY WITH JOHN THOMPSON
The Gospel According to St. Matthew will be John’s focus. Each session will be offered twice – Mondays at 7:00 pm and Saturdays at 9:00 am. Choose one!
Session 1 – What is a Gospel? What is unique about St. Matthew’s Gospel? 12/5 or 12/10
Session 2 – Jesus 5 Great Sermons in Matthew – 12/12 or 12/17
PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA – NEXT SUNDAY DEC 11
School cafeteria from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. Cost is $8.00, children under 3 are free. Advanced registration is encouraged – drop off check at Rectory or School – check made out to SDSC School – indicate family name and how many people. Questions? Call the school.
RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS – NEXT WEEKEND
The Second Collection next weekend supports the priests, sisters and brothers who have served the church for decades and are now retired. Thank you for your generosity.
BLESSING OF THE BAMBINELLI – NEXT WEEKEND
On the Third Sunday of Advent, the children of Rome bring their Baby Jesus from their family Nativity to receive a blessing from the Holy Father. We invite you to bring your Baby Jesus to Mass this weekend for a blessing at all Masses.