Be Still

12-14-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

Ten days remain in this holy season of Advent as we move steadily toward the radiant celebration of Christmas. These final days invite us to wait with renewed longing, with expectant and joyful hearts, allowing God to deepen within us the wonder of His love. Our Advent theme, "Be Still," continues to guide us.

In stillness, the Lord speaks. In stillness, He touches the parts of our lives that most need strength, peace, and healing. In stillness, we discover again that God is truly with us-now, in this moment- not only in our memories or our hopes for the future, but in the grace of the present. Come, Lord Jesus, come.

I want to encourage you, individually, as couples, and as families, to carve out intentional moments to be still in these busy days. With the rushing, planning, decorating, baking, and endless lists, it is easy to become overwhelmed or anxious. I have found myself reflecting more deeply on how to carry a still, quiet heart filled with God's love into the reality of the busyness of everyday life. The Hallow Prayer Challenge, Be Still, has helped me slow down and let God fill the space I intentionally open for Him. And remember it is never too late to begin. Start today. Time given to God is always blessed in ways we may not immediately see but can always trust. Stop, Be Still and invite Him in to your lives.

This year, even our decorating can become prayerful and filled with meaning. We are offering a special parish Christmas ornament, handcrafted in Bethlehem. This nativity image, featuring the Shepherds and Magi on their journey to adore the Lord, beautifully echoes our own parish mosaic of the Nativity. These 2025 ornaments will be available after Mass with a suggested donation of $20, with all proceeds returning to support the artisans in Bethlehem who crafted them. Each ornament includes a prayer card for your family to use as you place it on your tree. Let this be a moment of stillness in your home; perhaps pause to sing Silent Night, allowing Christ to bring peace and light into your hearts.

To help you prepare spiritually for Christmas, we will offer additional confession times on Monday, December 15 and 22 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., along with our regular schedule. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful way to create space for grace and to welcome the Lord more fully.

Please also take note of our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass times. The earlier liturgies draw the largest crowds, and we joyfully welcome guests, returning Catholics, and those who are searching for God. May our hospitality and warmth allow them to encounter the heart of Jesus and His saving love. We are blessed to know that love, and the Holy Spirit compels us to share it generously. For your convenience, shuttle buses will run from the Desert Mountain High School overflow parking.

As we enter these final days of Advent, let us recommit ourselves to Being Still, opening our hearts to the quiet work of God, and allowing His hope to fill us anew.

Advent peace and joy,

Fr. Fred