A New Liturgical Year begins next Sunday, December 2, the First Sunday of Advent. Today we celebrate the last Sunday in the current Liturgical Year, the Feast of Christ the King. As we bring the year to its conclusion, we take time to look back and celebrate all of the liturgical and sacramental graces we as a parish have experienced this past year, including: 85 Infant Baptisms; 5 Adult Baptisms; 1 Adult Profession of Faith; 77 First Eucharists; 131 Confirmations; 19 Weddings; and 110 Funerals. The Holy Spirit has been present in so many ways as we continue to encounter Christ’s presence in our faith community: to CONNECT with God; REACH others; and BUILD community.
We also thank God for all of the ways we have grown in faith through our Faith Formation, Catechumenate, Evangelization, and Youth ministries; through our numerous outreach ministries, such as the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Baby Pantry; Prayer Blanket; Giving Tree, Blood Drives, Bereavement, and Nursing ministries etc.; And the events in which we have grown in fellowship, such as the Strawberry Festival, Mardi Gras, and the many social events sponsored by our Fellowship Committee. As we praise God for the many ways God’s grace has been at work in our parish this year, we also thank the hundreds of parishioners who assist in these various ministries and volunteer in so many ways in serving St. Isidore parish.
As we have in the past two years, we will once again have a special Advent Series this year. The theme this year is “Making Room”. (It may have something to do with the lack of room in the inn.) Our Advent series have been a great experience for us, and have been well received. This year’s series will be at 7:00 PM on Friday evenings November 30, December 7, and December 14. These events, which feature contemporary and inspirational music and great guest speakers, are intended for the entire family. They are a great opportunity to invite friends or family members who are no longer active in their Catholic faith, or who have never been part of a faith community, to join us for a powerful spiritual experience and to discover the warmth of our faith community. (For various reasons it is difficult for a person who is “unchurched” or “dechurched” to participate at Mass. This series is a great opportunity for them to “get a foot in the door”. ) For all of us, the Advent Series can contribute to our spiritual preparation for Christmas, which is much needed during this hectic time. Please see articles elsewhere in this Harvest News, and check out our website, for more details on the series.
Blessings,
Fr. Ron
