Dear Saint Monica family,
Amid Christmas parties, school plays, concerts, sports events, and the cycle of prayer, family, work, school, and play, where is the time for stillness, waiting, or silence?
What impact does the liturgy have on our lives? How do we live it? What does that even mean? Come experience Christ in the quietness of Advent’s liturgy in spiritual preparation for the joyful celebration of Christmas.
We will soon begin a beautiful season in the liturgical year. When I entered the Catholic Church about six years ago, living the life of Christ throughout the liturgical year captured my imagination and heart. The celebration of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe is immediately followed by going back to the ancient prophecies of Christ’s Final Coming and Incarnation.
During Advent, we will hear the words of the prophets foretelling the coming of Christ in his glory as King of the Universe and as a Child King. We will have the opportunity to ponder, as Mary did, all that God has done and continues to do through her. Advent is a season characterized by stillness, waiting, expectation, and hope in the promises of God. It is an opportune time to check our spiritual temperature, seek God’s forgiveness, and align ourselves more intentionally with his will for our lives.
You will notice the change of seasons by the song selections, the sense of anticipation and longing, and the muted colors. The Glory to God will not be sung during Advent, and the opening rites contain simplicity and solemnity. We will re-introduce the use of entrance antiphons for the season of Advent. Their “purpose is to open the celebration, foster the unity of those who have been gathered, introduce their thoughts to the mystery of the liturgical time or festivity, and accompany the procession of the Priest and ministers” (GIRM 47).
Next week an announcement will include more details on how the antiphons will be incorporated, and a liturgical worship aid will be provided. It is my hope and prayer that your faith will be fed through your participation in the liturgy at Saint Monica.
Blessings and peace in Christ through Mary,
