4th Sunday of Advent

On this fourth Sunday of Advent, the Prophet Isaiah is “pointing forward.” This weekend, we see the fulfillment of the words of the Psalm, “Let the Lord enter; He is the king of glory, " are fued. With this, the Lord calls us to holiness and makes us holy. However, some experience at times a “spiritual blindness” or struggle to “look forward.” At each “small way” or a “profound way,” it is good to ask for the grace to “stir up” within us the “light” planted into our minds, our hearts, and our souls at our baptism. Especially in times when we may feel spiritually blind, that is all the more time to ask in prayer for a desire to receive and see the light of the Lord, that has been planted deep within. Perhaps when gazing at a manger scene; reading your blue book or doing a work of service for a neighbor in need.

Pause for a moment and ask for the grace for the light and presence of the Lord to enter into our minds' “inner chamber.” Pause and ask the Holy Spirit and shut out everything but God. When we do this, St. Anselm teaches us, “in prayer speak to God; and with all of your heart, ask for the grace to seek His face. Praying, teach me to seek you, and when I seek you show yourself to me, for I cannot seek you unless you teach me, nor can I find you unless you show yourself to me. Let me seek you in desiring you and desire you in seeking you, find you in loving you.”

May the Lord be with you!
Fr. Craig


READINGS FOR DECEMBER 18^TH, 2022

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
 

1^st Reading—Isaiah 7: 10-14—The Lord offered Ahaz a sign. Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!” Nevertheless, the Lord gave a sign: “The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”

Responsorial Psalm:  — “Open wide your gates; Let the King of Glory in! Open wide your gates; Let the King of Glory in!”

2^nd Reading—Romans 1: 1-7— Paul told the Romans he was called to be an apostle and set apart to proclaim the gospel of God about Christ Jesus. He said to them, “We have received the grace of apostleship” that we may spread the name and bring to faith all those called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Gospel Acclamation—Halleluia, halleluia, halleluia, halleluia! “A virgin will give birth to a Son; a virgin will give birth to a Son; his name will be Emmanuel: God is with us.”

Gospel—Matthew 1: 18-24—Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they wed, Mary became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph decided to break the engagement. He changed his mind when an angel in a dream told him to receive Mary as his wife.

   

ANNOUNCEMENTS—December 18, 2022

 

1. Please take home a copy of today’s bulletin with the schedule of Masses for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Just a reminder that if parking is a problem, the bank lot next door is available for overflow parking when the bank is closed.

 

2. Each year at Christmas, we accept gifts of infant clothing and diapers for the Pregnancy Help Center.  These gifts may be left in the cradle in the Gathering Area.

 

3. All teens are invited to a Christmas party, Sunday, December 18^th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Join us for dinner, games and fun. Bring a white elephant gift (no more than $15) and your favorite dessert to share.

 

4. Give the gift of laughter this Christmas.  Shawn Reynolds, a professional Christian Comedian, is coming to Hardy Hall on January 22.  Tickets for the afternoon Comedy Show are on sale in the parish office or on the website.  $20 includes the show and snacks, we hope to see you there! 

 

5. The parish offices will be closed at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20^th. The offices will also be closed on Friday, December 23^rd and reopen on Monday, January 2^nd.

6. And lastly, we will be welcoming many family members, guests, and visitors to our Christmas services next weekend.  Let’s offer them warm St. Anne’s hospitality as we share our house of worship with them.

 

7. (Sunday) Please join us in Hardy Hall for coffee, donuts and fellowship.