My Friends,
Are you ready? Are you ready!
Did you, did we hear the words of Jesus from Sunday’s Gospel passage: “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Watch! Are you ready!
We have begun this special time of waiting and becoming, this season of preparation – Advent – moving toward the birthday of Jesus Christ. And in this time of moving forward, we are reminded of what is truly important, how to live our lives, what to celebrate – the birth of Christ in our hearts each day – the “already but not yet” of our faith, of our life, of true and lasting love.
On the Second Sunday of Advent, we hear proclaimed the ministry and mission of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, calling people to be aware, to be alert, to be ready. On the Third Sunday, John again is highlighted, advising folks to share and to care! And, on the Fourth Sunday, the gospel proclamation presents Mary traveling to help her elderly pregnant cousin as Elizabeth prepares to give birth to John.
Are you ready? Are you ready!
During this special season of preparation, Advent, know that you, each member of our community, are especially remembered in my prayers. For students and faculty, may these days of reading, project completion, final exams, evaluations, preparing for Christmas, be exciting, productive, rewarding, peaceful – a time to get ready!! And may we all receive and accept the Infant King, the Child Savior, the Love of God, each and every day – already and not yet - and celebrate, with joy and enthusiasm and gratitude, that special day – Christ among us – Christmas.
Are you ready? Are you ready!
Blessings,
Fr. Carsten P. Martensen, S.J.

---

We would love your feedback! 

As the semester comes to a close we would appreciate you taking a moment to fill out a short survey. Follow this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScg4Uh61RtCEAONUMnGOVaZeD8RT3YCmqJQzjd9RnnZb8Ny2w/viewform?usp=sf_link

Upcoming Mass Schedule 

Snacks and Study-

If your looking for something to satisfy your hunger and a quiet place to study, stop by our offices. With a plethora of snacks and a calm environment we are the prime spot this finals season.    

---

Upcoming Events & Service Opportunities

March for Life-

March for Life has grown into the largest human rights demonstration in the world. Come join in the march's mission to end abortion and mobilize pro-life people! We will be leaving for Washington D.C on the night of January 17th and arrive on the 18th to celebrate a special Mass at the National Basilica and participate in the march. There are limited spots available so please contact Abrey (aaf87) as soon as possible to sign up or ask any questions. Deadline to register is December 14. 

---

Kairos-

Our Kairos retreat will take place over February break, from February 22-24! Among several translations, 'Kairos' means "the opportune time" or "God's time." In this weekend long retreat students have the opportune time to deepen their faith and reflect on their relationship with God, self, and others. For more information or to sign up please visit: https://cornellcatholic.org/kairos-retreat Contact Abrey (aaf87) for any questions!

Winter Course: "Crucible of Suffering: The Book of Job"
Dr. Elaine Phillips
111 The Knoll, Ithaca
January 10-17, 2019

Explore the themes of suffering and hope in the book of Job and earn 2 credits* in just 1 week with this intensive winter course taught by Cornell Alumna, Dr. Elaine Phillips. Deadline to register is December 18.

Our study of the words of Job provides a window into excruciating pain, despair, and deep misunderstandings. At the same time, dogged faithfulness and determination to cling to God are a timeless source of hope. In this course we will nurture our love for God who is the Source of our Wisdom and Truth and wrestle with the love, fear, doubt, joy, anger, and wonder expressed by the author of Job in the context of our own faith journeys.

Instructor: Dr. Elaine Phillips Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies at Gordon College
Lodging: If you need lodging in order to attend the course, please talk to us.
Cost: $200 payable to Chesterton House (If you are on financial aid, we are making this course available at no cost other than a $50 administrative fee.)

*Course credit is provided by Gordon College. Cornell students interested in these courses should consult their college advising office in advance of enrollment, to determine whether they will be able to apply transfer credits to their Cornell record.

Interested?

Chesterton House classes: 

• Create a space for students to study biblical and theological ideas in a context that is both confessional and yet committed to academic rigor and critical reflection.
• Provide a Christian framework for thinking ethically about academic studies.
• Help students develop a uniquely Christian understanding of work, vocation, and calling.

“This class helped me see that I don't have to be afraid of losing my faith in an academic setting. On the contrary, my beliefs as a Christian can and do drive my intellectual inquiry. THANK YOU!”Copyright © 2018 Chesterton House, All rights reserved.

Register Here

http://my.gordon.edu/ics/_portletview_/Guests/Forms/Chesterton/Default_Page.jnz?mc_cid=918a6f142b&mc_eid=97ac8db7f7