Tomorrow, Thursday the 12th @ 7pm, our parish will offer an opportunity to prepare our hearts for Christmas by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Numerous priests will be on hand, ready to walk you through the sacrament. Whether it has been 2 months or 25 years, this is a great way to observe the vigilance and readiness of the Advent season.

A special note to parents: Allowing your kids to see you going to confession is the greatest way to instill in them an openness to the sacrament. Confession can be scary to teens, but sometimes even more to us as adults. When that is the case for me, I return to the parable of the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32. God calls us to Him, and asks that we make a step forward, with His grace. He will run the rest of the way to meet us. But the parable doesn't end with an apology, but with a party. If family confession is new to your family, consider celebrating after with milkshakes or an awesome dinner. If you want to be really true to the story, you can have steak.

I invite you to make this an annual tradition. Say yes to the Holy Spirit, and run to the Father through the mercy of the Son. Then, no matter how much shopping you have left to do, you will truly be ready for Christmas.

Peace,

Karl Meier
Director of Youth Ministry