Our trip to the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis was truly an amazing experience! Anytime 25,000+ come together for one purpose, it is impressive. When the purpose is to share in the Eucharistic Feast, it is even more amazing. It was a sight to behold! During these three days we learned that everyone has a special story and God calls each person to a purpose, you just have to be sure you answer when He’s knocking! I hope many more of our youth will join us in Indianapolis for NCYC 2013: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours!” A big thank you to the Holy Cross Family for your prayers and support!
Happy Advent and Happy New Year, Catholic Church! The new liturgical year begins on this First Sunday of Advent with Jesus’ repeated call to watchfulness for his coming in glory and judgment at the end of time and at the end of our lives, but also for his daily coming among us in the people and events that touch our lives and bid us bear witness. Such watchfulness is also our best preparation for the Christmas remembrance of Jesus’ “first coming among us in the lowliness of human flesh to fulfill God’s loving design and open for us the way to eternal salvation.”
The Advent wreath is a primary symbol of Advent. It originated with the Lutherans of eastern Germany a few hundred years ago. The custom of the lighting of the wreath during the four weeks preceding Christmas took place only in the homes of believers. Gradually, especially in Roman Catholic parishes, this custom made its way into the church. May Christ light your path as you prepare for the celebration of Christmas!
This weekend we welcome the New Roman Missal. After 40 years, the Church is giving us a new translation that it hopes will be more beautiful, more prayerful and more attuned to the scriptural connections in our prayers. The new translation will help us pray as one in Christ through the Holy Spirit as we offer praise and thanks to the Father and intercede for the life of the world.
Our Responsorial Psalm this weekend, ”Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved,” reminds us of God’s saving promise, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Six rings are great but 7 would be heaven ... Go Steelers!
