From the Pastor – December 20, 2020

   EGREDIETUR VIRGA DE RADICE JESSE,  ET REPLEBITUR OMNIS TERRA GLORIA DOMINI:ET VIDEBIT OMNIS SALUTARE DEI. A NEW SHOOT SHALL SPRING FROM THE ROOT OF JESSE, AND ALL THE EARTH WILL BE FILLED WITH THE GLORY OF THE LORD. ALL FLESH WILL SEE THE SALVATION BY OUR GOD.” (An Advent Sourcebook, p. 130) The Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent is always about Mary because the Feast of Christmas, the birth of Christ, is only a few days away. Today’s Gospel from Luke is the story of the Annunciation, when Mary was told that she was to be the Mother of the Savior. Talk about a life changing experience! No wonder she was surprised by the announcement. Even though she was just 15, she was able to trust God enough to allow him to guide the rest of her life. Mary reminds us of unshakeable faith in God, and it can be that way with us if we are open and receptive to where God leads us. Mary is also an example of fidelity to God and to his Son, Jesus.  While she may not have understood everything that was happening, she trusted God enough to follow where he led her. Unlike Mary, sometimes we try to have everything organized and in order before we decide to act. Mary is also a faithful disciple, willing to listen and follow the Lord. She is also a woman of strength; she needed to be that with all the difficulties she had to face in her life, especially when her Son was executed. There is a lot that we can draw from Mary, hoping that we can be just as faithful to Jesus as she was. In so many ways, we can look to Mary as we prepare to celebrate the Feast and Season of Christmas. As is mentioned elsewhere in today’s bulletin, the number of parishioners that can attend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day masses is limited, and attendance at mass is by reservation only. Please call the rectory to make a reservation. The 4:00PM Christmas Eve mass and the 10:30AM Christmas Day mass will be live-streamed.  Those parishioners with underlying health conditions or those who are older should watch mass at home and remain safe.  On behalf of our entire Parish Staff: FR. TONY, DEACON JERRY, DEACON HUGH, NANCY CAPUTO, DAN PALKO, OUR SUPPORT STAFF & MYSELF, I want to offer you and your families our best wishes for a MERRY & BLESSED CHRISTMAS & CHRISTMAS SEASON.  While it will be a different Christmas because of the pandemic, may it truly be a time of peace, joy and hope for us all. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!  BUON NATALE!!  FELIZ NAVIDAD!! FR. JOE