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Mass Intentions: Week of December 1st
| Day | Time | Intention | Requested By | Living or Deceased |
| Saturday | 5:00 p.m. | Henry Haase Rita Swierczewski | The Haase Family The Family | Deceased Deceased |
| Sunday | 9:00 a.m. | Rose and George Gumina, Sr. John Spratt | The Santini Family The Reilly Family | Deceased Deceased |
| 11:00 a.m. | Msgr. Bob Trainor Catherine Arceri | The Scott Family The Hornby, Hulst, and Wood Families | Deceased Deceased | |
| Monday | 8:00 a.m. | Intentions of Dr. Stephen Kelly | His Family | Living |
| 6:30 p.m | Rose Anna Walsh | Father Tim | Deceased | |
| Tuesday | 8:00 a.m. | Peggy Griffin | Father Tim | Living |
| Wednesday | 8:00 a.m. | Joanne Coza Helan LaMastro | Her Family The LaMastro Family | Deceased Deceased |
| Thursday | 8:00 a.m. | Evelyn and Matthew Coffey | Joan and Matthew Coffey | Deceased |
| Friday | 8:00 a.m. | Robert Yager | Ita Yager | Deceased |
| Saturday | 5:00 p.m. | Cecelia Ellen Wiggins | Father Tim | Deceased |
| Sunday | 9:00 a.m. | Robert Tighe James Kindler | The Tighe Family Rosemary Kindler | Deceased Deceased |
| 11:00 a.m. | Antonio Lopes Paul and Peggy Griffin (Anniversary) | Paula Pereira Peggy Griffin | Deceased Living |
Week of December 8th
ADVENT
The Look of the Season—Part II of III (Condensed)
The season of Advent is one of light and darkness. This is true theologically, but also practically for many of us. In the northern latitudes, Advent occurs simultaneously with winter, when the days become short and our daylight becomes scarce. The winter solstice, our shortest day, always falls toward the end of Advent, just a few days before we celebrate Christmas. Advent is a season of noble simplicity.
The proper color for the season of Advent is violet. It is customary that it be a different hue from that used in Lent. While Lenten environment may tend more toward the purple /red end of the spectrum, Advent may resemble a deep violet which inclines toward blue.
Advent is a time to scale back floral arrangements inside the worship space. The use of green plants without flowers emphasizes the Advent character of waiting and anticipation. Also, our tradition provides one central object of greenery—the Advent wreath. A fresh wreath can be easily maintained with regular watering. The wreath should have a prominent place within the church space; however, it should not block the altar. Ideally, if your church has the means, it could be suspended from above. The Advent wreath was originally suspended from the ceiling to represent a window through which we gaze heavenward. Interestingly, this began around the same time as the tradition of the Christmas tree; the top of the tree was meant to reach into the window of the suspended wreath, representing Christ as the one who bridges the gap between Earth and Heaven.
It should be in a prominent location in your community space but not in the sanctuary blocking the altar. Advent does not call for the same level of austerity as Lent, but we are still called to be restrained in our joy as we prepare our hearts, minds, and worship spaces for Christ’s coming.[2025 SOURCEBOOK for Sundays, Seasons, and Weekdays, Liturgical Training Publication]
During the Advent season families should spend time together preparing for the approaching celebration of the birth of Christ. An Advent wreath can be a great focal point for family prayers and holiday celebrations. It is a wreath of laurel, spruce, or similar foliage with four candles that are lighted successively in the weeks of Advent to symbolize the light that the birth of Christ brought into the world. Traditionally three of the candles are purple, the color of kings and of penance. A rose-colored candle is used to mark the Third Sunday of Advent as a time to rejoice over the closeness of Christmas and the coming of Christ.
An Advent Wreath Prayer
Dear Jesus, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what’s important. We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas. Amen.
The Word of God
Reading I: Baruch 5: 1-9 The setting here is the ceremony whereby Jerusalem mourns her lost children while in exile. The speaker offers hope and comfort because they are still the Lord’s people. He will lead them in joy out of their captivity.
Reading II: Philippians 1: 4-6, 8-11 The community has a share in the joy of the gospel through their conversion, and their support of the Apostle. They have good standing with the Lord that comes through Christ.
The Gospel: Luke 3: 1-6 The story of the beginning of John the Baptist’s ministry as prophet opens with a list of the major rulers at the time. St. Luke uses this to illustrate that John’s announcement of the Messiah will have worldwide impact.
There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. – Ecclesiastes 3:1
A time to Die: for our deceased family, friends, and parishioners, especially: Chris Sheridan.
A time to Heal: Pray for those who are ill and suffering and for our brothers and sisters in Florida as they rebuild their lives.
A time for War: Pray for those in worn-torn countries
A time for Peace: For those in the military who have died in the service of our country.
A time for Justice: Pray for those who are running for public office on the local, state, and national level.