Advent Blessings: The Call to Be Still

12-07-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

What a blessing it is to be in this holy season of Advent with our parish prayer challenge to BE STILL. Earlier today, as I sat quietly in our darkened church, I was reminded that Ad- vent means "He is coming." We remember His coming in three ways: He comes in history - Jesus entered our world, became man, and dwelt among us. He taught, healed, forgave, and invited us to know the Father. He came so that we might be his friends. What amazing love was revealed in His coming! He comes in mystery - He is present now whenever we recognize Him in the world: in the Sacraments, in the Scriptures, in acts of kindness and charity, and in the daily moments of grace. He is with us today. He will come in majesty - one day He will return to reconcile all things to Himself. His promise is one of hope, heal- ing, and restoration for our wounded world.

So, this Advent we pray: Come, Lord Jesus, come! May we recognize You in these three ways so that we may be Your faithful witnesses in the world.

As I continued to reflect on our commitment to BE STILL, I realized that what Jesus desires is that our hearts and minds become calm and open to Him. We take time to be still in order to release our worries, busyness, anxiety, and fears. When we create space for Him, He fills it with His peace.

The empty crèche beside the altar is especially meaningful this year. Just as we are confident that the Infant Jesus will be there on December 25th, we can also be confident that when we make room in our hearts, when we let go and BE STILL - He will come and fill us with His presence.

Make room for Him this Advent. Come, Lord Jesus-fill us as we learn to BE STILL.

Advent Opportunities for Preparation

To help you prepare your hearts this season, we will have extra priests available for Confession on Wednesday, December 10th from 5:00-7:00pm in the back vestibule area, of the church and the confessionals. We will also offer additional confessions on:

Mon, Dec 15 - 10:00-11:00am and Mon, Dec 22 - 10:00-11:00am. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a powerful way to make room for God's grace.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Mon, Dec 8 - Holy Day of Obligation. We give thanks to God for Mary, conceived without sin and prepared to be the vessel of His love. Masses will be celebrated at 9:00am and 6:00pm. We look forward to see- ing you as we honor our Blessed Mother.

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Fri, Dec 12 - Patroness of the Americas and our Diocese. Mass at 9:00am followed by mariachis and delicious food. A heartfelt thank you to our Guadalupe Ministry for hosting this celebration. The message Our Lady gave Juan Diego still brings hope today: She is our mother, and she is with us. This Advent truly is a gift. I invite you to join our BE STILL prayer challenge through the HALLOW prayer App as we grow in stillness, hope, and readiness for Christ's coming.

Advent blessings and peace,

Fr. Fred