Good Teacher Area Faith CommunityChurches of St. Edward & St.

EloiPastor: Rev. Craig Timmerman (829-3014)

Senior Associate Pastor: Fr. Keith Salisbury (1-507-224-2289)Associate Pastor:  Fr. Zach Peterson (476-1688)

Parish Sec – Caren Buysse 872-6346

Area Faith Website: goodteacherafc.com

Religious Ed. Coordinator –Tina MyhreEmail- goodteacherafcre@hotmail.com

Deacon- Bruce Bot 872-5465Travis Welsh 829-0986Jason Myhre 829-2829

Formed: formed.org (Z8Q2WJ)St. Edward & St. Eloi Email – cbuyssegoodteacherafc@gmail.com

St. Edward Website -stedschurch.comFacebook – St. Edward Catholic Church

St. Eloi Website – steloicatholicchurch.weebly.com

St Eloi Facebook- St Eloi Catholic ChurchConvent - 428-3919

Bulletin Coordinator- Cynthia Beisler Bulletin email- stedsbulletin@gmail.com

Catholic Charities (1-866-670-5163)Victim’s Hotline – 1-507-233-5313Facebook – One More Time Thrift Store

St. Edward & St. Eloi Mailing Parish Office Address408 N Washington St, Minneota, MN. 56264

Office hours: 8:00 am - 11:45 am -12:45 pm – 4:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2019 – SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

SUNDAY – Dec 8- SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT8:00 am – 8:15 am – Confession at St Edward8:30 am – Mass at St. Edward (Rosary Society)*Confession after Mass *Public Rosary after Mass at the Statue of Our Lady by St Edward School – PLEASE COME PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY10:00 am – 10:15 am - Confession at St Eloi10:30 am – Mass at St. Eloi (Hubert & Martha VanKeulen)11:30 am – “Going Deeper in Scriptures” with Fr Craig at St Eloi4:00 pm – Preschool/Kindergarten Roundtable Meeting at St Edward School4:00 pm - Advent Prayer Service with Bishop John M. LeVoir at Church of St Mary in Bird Island MN7:15 – Cor Jesu at St Anne’s in Wabasso

MONDAY – Dec 9 – FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION10:30 am – Mass at St Edward (Presiders Intention)11:15 am - Mass at St Eloi Convent (Presiders Intention) *for Mass time contact Sisters of Mary Morning Star

TUESDAY – Dec 10 12:00 pm – Mass at St Eloi (Brad Claeys) *Adoration and Confession after Mass

WEDNESDAY – Dec 1110:00 am – Confession at St Edward10:30 am – Mass at St Edward (Harry, Mary & Richard Buysse)12:00 pm – Mass at St. Eloi Convent (Alan VanKeulen and deceased family members)5:00 pm – 6:30 pm – BBQ Pork Sandwich Meal at St Edward Church Basement – ALL ARE WELCOME!!

7:00 pm – ST EDWARD CHRISTMAS CONCERTNO Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St Edward NO RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AT ST EDWARD

THURSDAY – Dec 127:00 am - Mass at St Edwards (For Our Area Faith Preists) *Confessions after Mass

12:00 pm - Mass at St Eloi Convent (Dan VanKeulen) 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm - Adoration at St Edward5:15 pm – 6:45 pm - Confession at St Edward

FRIDAY – Dec 135:45 am – TMIY Gathering in KC Hall7:30 am - Mass at St Eloi Convent (David Speltz) for more Mass times contact Sisters of Mary Morning Star2:30 pm – Mass at Manor (Norbert & Eugene Hoffmann; and Mary Lou & Ken McMahon)

SATURDAY –Dec 1412:00 pm - Mass at St Eloi Convent (Alfred & Irene Rabaey and Family)4:45 pm – 5:20 pm Confession at St Edwards5:30 pm – Mass at St Edwards (Jules & Beth Gossen; Mike, Ken, Daniel & Agnes Laleman)*Confessions after Mass

SUNDAY – Dec 15-THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT8:00 am – Confession at St Edward8:30 am – Mass at St. Edward (Jerry & Pat Stoneberg)10:00 am – Confession at St Eloi10:30 am – Mass at St. Eloi (Don Maeyaert)*Confession after Mass

COME PRAY THE ROSARY WITH US!!!There will be a public

Area Faith Weekly Mass ScheduleThese Mass times are Subject to Change

PRAYERS NEEDED: There are new Diocesan Vocation Calendars in the back of the church for those who are willing to pray for our Diocesan Vocations. PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR THOSE WHO SERVE YOU THROUGH THEIR RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS!!

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS - Again this year you will have the opportunity to make a donation for the environment of the Christmas season in memory of your

deceased loved ones. On an envelope write: “Christmas Flowers in Memory of __________ “From:

_________. Just drop it in the collection basket. Thank you!!!

MASS READINGS and PRAYERS FOR VOCATIONS FOR UPCOMING WEEK

COME PRAY THE ROSARY WITH US!!!There will be a public

UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETING: (*** means new event added)

Nov 29-Jan 1 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm – “Light up the Night” –Experience the Magic of the Holidays at Independence Park; Fri - Sun

Dec 9 Solemnity of the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION – HOLY DAY – Not of Obligation10:30 am - Mass at St Edward (Presiders Intention) – FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Dec 8 12:00 pm- CUF Christmas Dinner at St John Cantius in WilnoDec 8 4:00 pm - Advent Prayer Service with Bishop John M.

LeVoir at Church of St Mary in Bird Island MNDec 11 7:00 pm – St Edward’s Christmas Concert; BBQ

Sandwich Meal beginning at 5:00 pmDec 20-Jan 1 NO SCHOOL – CHRISTMAS BREAK!!!Dec 23 1:00 pm – Christmas Decorating for The Birth of Jesus at

St Edward – All volunteers are WELCOME!Jan 10 4:45 pm – 5:45 pm – Children’s Adoration with the Sisters of

Mary of Morning Star at St Eloi Convent

Radio Rosary:

Dec 9: In memory of Steve Stoks by Clem and Alice Anton

Dec 10: For Rita Laleman sponsored by George Laleman

Dec 11: For all the members of the St Clotilde CCW Altar and Rosary Society of Green Valley

Dec 12: In memory of Ray and Adeline Meulebroeck by their family

Dec 13: In memory of Colleen Lindstrom by the Louise Stassen family

Dec 14: In memory of Gerard and Mary Louwagie and all deceased family members by their family

Dec 15: For all the members of the St Clotilde CCW Altar and Rosary Society of Green Valley

To Schedule Radio Rosary Call Carol Louwagie at 532-6081.

For Rosary Times call Radio Station at 532-2696

Area Faith Weekly Mass ScheduleThese Mass times are Subject to Change

INTERCESSIONS FOR LIFE – On this feast of Christ the King and always, May all recognize God as the author of life and give thanks for His priceless gift; We pray to the Lord: BULLETIN BRIEFS – “Let us rededicate ourselves this year to recognizing the reign of Jesus Christ and his Sacred Heart in every aspect of our lives” USCCB Office of Religious Liberty“Solemnity of Christ the King” Bulletin Insert

Sunday, Dec 8: Pray for Pope Francis; Isiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14;; Matthew 24:37-44 What do I most long for this Advent?

Monday, Dec 9: Pray for Bishop John LeVoir; Isaiah 4:2-6; Matthew 8:5-11 What do I most want from Jesus’ coming into

our lives anew? Tuesday, Dec 10: Pray for Fr Christian Adike, Fr

Garret Ahlers, Dcn. Arthur Abel, Joshua Bot (Sem.); Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 10:21-24 What surprised me most this year about

God’s dealings with me? Wednesday, Dec 11: Pray for Fr James Barry, Fr.

John Berger; DCN. Russell Blashko, Carter Currens (SEM.); Isiah 25:6-10a; Matthew 15:29-37 What might I do to share Jesus’ actions to

feed others?

Thursday, Dec 12: Pray for Fr Harry Behan, Fr. William Bowles, DCN Bruce Bot, Nathan Hansen (SEM.); Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7:21, 24-27 What has most helped me turn toward God so

far this Advent? Friday, Dec 13: Pray for Fr. David Breu, Fr

Eugene Brown, DCN. Rick Christiansen, DCN. John Hayes (SEM.); Isiah 29:17-24; Matthew 9:27-31 How can I show greater reverence for sacred

space, times and people? Saturday, Dec 14: Pray for Fr Patrick Casey, Fr

James Devrack, DCN. Timothy Dolan, James Herzog (SEM.); Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; Matthew 9:35 – 10:1, 5a, 6-8 When have I most felt that Jesus was with me in

my suffering?

SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH: Marriage, Becoming Catholic,

Baptisms, Sacrament of the Sick (Anointing) – Call the Rectory 872-6346

EUCHARIST TO SHUT-INS : If you or someone you know would like to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist at home

ST ELOI - Contact: Sandy Nuytten 829-9690.ST EDWARD - During the week of Nov 23 – Nov 29 – Contact: Lisa Hennen at 872-5031BAPTISM PREP – To set up a baptism date please call the St. Edward Office at 507-872-6346. Please check the Church website for the God Parent Requirements.

RCIA - We believe that Jesus Christ came to reveal the fullness of God's love for us, and we continue to celebrate that love through praise, sacraments, service, and community. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our Church, or in learning more about the Catholic Church please contact Deacon Bruce Bot at 507-828-7012

COR JESU - On Dec. 8th, St. Anne, Wabasso MN, will be hosting Cor Jesu: an evening of Eucharistic Adoration, Contemporary Praise

music, confessions, and fellowship.  Sing praise to Jesus in a candle-lit church and enjoy fellowship afterwards.  This is an event especially for youth and young adults, though all ages are welcome.  Make it a family night! Event is free and begins at 7:15 PM...

BBQ PORK SANDWICH MEAL - FREE WILL Donation BBQ pork sandwich meal Wednesday, December 11th from 5 pm to 6:30 pm.  Let the CCW Scholarship Commission cook for you before the St. Edward Christmas Program!  BBQ pork sandwiches, potato chips, applesauce, bar, and beverage will be served.  Proceeds from the meal support our high school senior scholarships.

Sponsorship of St. Edward School

Dec 9 : OpenDec 10: OpenDec 11: OpenDec 12: Sponsorship in honor of Cecelia Rabaey on her

birthday; & for special intentions for all those dealing with cancer and other medical issues

Dec 13: OpenDec 14: OpenDec 15: Open Dec 16: OpenDec 17: Open

*For questions on how you could seize the opportunity to become a sponsor for St Edwards please call – 872-6391

DIOCESEAN MINISTRY APPEAL

Thank you to all who have given to the Diocesan Ministries Appeal. If you have not had the opportunity to make your pledge or gift yet,

envelopes are available in the pews or in the back of church. You may return your pledge in the collection basket or simply drop it in the mail.

You may also make your pledge or gift on line at https://www.dnu.org/dma/. Either way, your gift will be counted toward your parish goal. Be assured that your gift will only be used to support those ministries designated in the DMA brochure – ministries that are

vital to our diocesan church – as well as our own parish projects.

ADVENT PRAYER SERVICE WITH THE BISHOPSunday, December 8, 20194:00 PMChurch of St. Mary in Bird Island, MN

All families, especially those with children, are invited to attend an Advent Prayer Service with Bishop John M. LeVoir on Sunday, December 8. The service is at 4:00 p.m. in Bird Island at the Church of St. Mary. This service is designed to help us focus on Advent and prepare for the true meaning of Christmas, centered on the birth of Jesus. Families are encouraged to bring the Baby Jesus figure from their home nativity set. The figure will be blessed by Bishop LeVoir individually as families come forward in procession. There will be a blessing on families and expectant mothers as they prepare for Jesus’ birth in their hearts. A “swaddling clothes” collection (blankets, sleepers, layette items, etc.) and cash donations will be taken for babies in need. For more information, contact the diocesan evangelization and catechesis office at 507-233-5325

Great GIFT for Christmas!

Have the person on your list and don’t know what to buy them?? Beginning the weekend of December 7 th we will be offering gift certificates for purchase. Anyone may purchase these gift certificates. Here is how it works. You purchase a gift certificate in any amount using $5 increments. You give it to your chosen recipient and they are then able to “cash it in” for Scrip cards they would like. This includes both card/certificates we have on hand and/or ones that can be ordered. This allows the recipient of the gift certificate to get what they would like. It takes some of the guess work out of it for you, the purchaser. The gift certificate recipient may choose from a large variety of retailers in addition to the ones we routinely keep on hand. Shopwithscrip.com has them listed alphabetically under “shop” located on the top of the opening page. Check it out! There are literally hundreds to choose from.Please feel free to contact anyone of the Scrip committee for questions. We are happy to help!

Caren Buysse 872-6346Laura Hennen 428-3254Ronni Vlaminck 829-6091

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BELL RINGERS NEEDEDSalvation Army needs Bell Ringers for the 2019 Red

Kettle Campaign 11/16-12/24. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Deloris Richards at

507-532-2038.

Julie Pohlen 828-7392

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:  Seeking donations to purchase new Nativity Figures.  Please consider an early Christmas present to CGS.  For more information, contact Joy Wambeke or Jennifer Rabaey.  

NOTICE - We will begin emailing announcements for the different activities that we do:  our prayer vigils, come and see weekend retreats for young women, and philosophy evenings or weekends for youth.  If you would like to receive these announcements, please send an email to us at sistersofmarymorningstar@gmail.com and let us know which of the 3 (or all) announcements you are interested in.  It is always a joy when you come to pray with us! You are welcome to pray in our chapel whenever you'd like.

ST EDWARD WEEKLY REPORT:

ROSARY SOCIETY MEMBERS – Our general intention throughout the year is for world peace and an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. (November intentions for souls in purgatory) we need and welcome new members to complete our roses. If you have any questions and/or would like to join, please call Judy Bot at 872-6525 or Marian Laleman at 872-6807. Thank you

THANK YOU Thank you to all of you who are

giving back to God some of your time, talent, and finances that God has given you. St. Eloi Church and its mission and ministry would not exist without your giving.

Sisters of Mary Morning Star NewsSt. Eloi Convent Masses: Call 428-3919 for times. Mass on M-W-Thru-F and Sat

Vespers: 6:15 pm, Adoration: 7:30–8:30 pm 

St. Edward News

ST. ELOI NEWS

SEVERAL IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE – If you know of anyone who is sick or new to the parish, please call Marlene Polejewski at 507-872-6042.

PARISHIONERS WHO ARE ILL OR ASKING FOR PRAYERS – If you know of anyone from our parish who is sick or has had surgery recently or is ill and would like to be remembered in prayer during the weekend Masses; ask them to contact the church office. The Parish Secretary will add their name/names to the petitions.

CD’s AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE – Reminder CD’s are available in the back of church. If you don’t see something you would like contact Margrit Rabaey at 872-6937

CHILDRENS HOLY HOUR WITH THE

SISTERSOur next Children’s Adoration hours will be held Thursday, January 10th from 4:30-5:30pm; children womb-12 are invited!!Sr. Pia Maria

ACTUAL BUDGETED DIFFERENCE

Adult $300.00 $ 2,294.90 - $1,294.90Loose $ 98.00 $ 146.15 - $48.15Commodity

Year to date $37,629.29 $61,168.87 - $23,539.58

ACTUAL BUDGETED DIFFERENCE

Adult $1,892.00 $ 4,826.92 - $2,539.92Youth $1.00 $5.69 - $4.69Loose $172.00 $ 153.85 $18.15On Line Giving $395.00 *Added to the Adult envelope totalCommodityYear to date $100,827.45 $111,789.25 - $10,961.80

Online Giving Online Giving helps you maintain you’re giving even if you cannot be here at Mass. This also helps the parish streamline our cash flow, especially during bad weather or vacation times. Go

to our parish website at www.stedschurch.com to get started today.

CCW NEWS: CCW guild lists have been sent out reminder to pay dues of $40

made out to St. Edward CCW.  Can be sent to Juanita Bot or put in the collection basket.  Thank you.

St. Edwards Council of Catholic Women and Knights of Columbus are teaming up for a food drive for the Thanksgiving and Advent/Christmas season.  We will be collecting for the SMSU Food Shelf that serves the students in need.  Lists of requested items are posted at the church entrances along with the collection boxes.  There is also a list posted on our church website.  This is a great opportunity to give to those less fortunate during the seasons of Thanksgiving and in preparation for Christmas.   They ask for your cooperation by abiding by the following guidelines:

o NO expired or damaged food or hygiene items.

o Easy opening packages are appreciated for those with disabilities

o PLEASE, buy smaller sized items!  (16 oz. is better than 30 oz.)

o Simple flavors of soup and canned items is preferred

Contact Jan Bot at 401-1167 with questions.

2019 Annual Delivery of Christmas Baked Goods:  We will be delivering a plate of delicious baked items to the residents of the Minneota Manor, Madison Ave. Apartments, & our local shut-ins on Saturday, December 14th.  We will meet at 9:00 a.m. in park wing to compile the plates of goodies.  Please consider donating baked items and/or coming to help deliver cookies.  This year, the manor has asked us to provide the manor residents with only three “soft” cookies/items.  This is to avoid choking hazards and keep sugar consumption to a lower level.  Please keep this in mind as your decide what to bake.  We usually have plenty of items, so consider making something “soft” and you may bring fewer cookies than last year.  We still intend to make full plates for all others, so any traditional goodies are also welcome. In past years, we have delivered 90 plates.  Please contact Dawn Vlaminck, CCW President with any questions.  507-530-4287  - Thank You in advance for your generosity!! 

FALL FESTIVAL PRIZES:  These people still need to pick up their prizes from the fall festival:  Paul Swedzinski, Ann Longtin, Ted Schmitz, Andrea Opdahl, Sherry Kern, Tony Mead, Terry Schreiber, Bruce Laleman, Pat Schmidt, Francis Engels, Hilary DeVlaeminck, Jeff Buysse, Kurt Fier, Dale Buysse, Dodie Derynck, Shelly Ratajczak, Karen Lussenhop, and Betty Gossen.  Please stop in and grab it during office.

CONCERNED CATHOLICS: The current cloud on the horizon, however, is a push by US Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to use taxpayer dollars to fund abortions in overseas aid programs -- a policy overwhelming opposed by the American people. She also wants to impose onerous reporting requirements specifically targeting pro-life and pro-family organizations. Sen. Shaheen's push is a gift to the international abortion industry and hurts worthwhile US aid programs.

Write to your Senators today to tell them the Shaheen amendment must be removed from the Senate’s State, Foreign Operations and Related

Programs (SFOPS) appropriations bill. https://www.votervoice.net/NCHLA/Campaigns/69589/Respond

Sunday Dec 15 th 2019 Sacristan: Terry VankeulenServers: Faith Myhre, Laney Myhre, Ian MyhreLector: Terry VanKeulenEucharistic Minister: Jan Bot, Lisa Hennen, Wayne Hennen, Neal BotUshers: Omer Laleman, Doug Janiszeski, LaVern Evers

Thank you to all of you who are giving back to God some of your time, talent, and finances that God has given you. St. Edward Church and its mission and ministry would not exist without your giving.

INFORMATION CENTERS – remember to check out our Facebook page (St. Edward Catholic Church) or the website (stedschurch.com) to keep up with new information.

St. Edward Liturgy Schedule

Saturday Dec 14 th 2019 Sacristan: Margrit RabaeyServers: Jaelin Anderson, Lydia Coequyt, Dylan VlaminckLector: Fred RabaeyEucharistic Minister: Margrit Rabaey, Charlene Tillemans, Cathy Moorse, Pauline Wambeke Ushers: Tom Abraham, Rod Abraham, Ross Abraham, Bruce Hoffmann

ST EDWARD’s ADULT CHOIRAdult Choir rehearsals will begin on Wednesday

evening, November 6 at 7:30 PM in the Choir Loft to prepare music for the upcoming Advent

and Christmas season.  All voices – high school age and beyond – are welcome!

ST. EDWARD SCHOOL NEWSLETTERSCHOOL PRINCIPAL – Jaci Garvey

SCHOOL OFFICE – 872-6391SCHOOL SECRETARY – Trudy Banks

DONATION ENVELOPES – This January when you pick up your donation envelopes you will maybe see a different number on them.  We will be redoing them to make it more streamlined again.  Please after Jan 1 do not use your 2019 envelopes as they have the wrong number. 

GARDEN GOODIES – We thank all who have already shared their blessings from the garden AND have just brought items in for the school. Thank you so much!! God bless you all!!

SCHOOL MASS – Our next school mass is Wednesday, December 9 at 10:30am.    The 5th & 6th  Grade will be leading us.   All are welcome to join us!!

CHILDREN’S ADORATIONThe Sisters of Mary Morning Star will be offering Children’s Adoration on the 1st Thursday of each month from 4:45 – 5:30 pm in their chapel in Ghent. At Children’s adoration, the sisters bring the children for a time of prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament. They introduce the children into prayer in a very simple way through songs, prayers and silence. Children begin to discover that Jesus is their friend and Savior where they begin to form a personal relationship with Him, even at a very young age.  The first offering of Children’s adoration will be on Thursday, January 10th.  

PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS: We will be having an informational meeting regarding our Preschool and Kindergarten Programs on Sunday, December 8th at 4pm at the Knight’s Hall.  Childcare and a light supper will be provided.   Please RSVP to 507-872-6391 or jgarvey@stedscatholicschool.com.  Be sure to share this information with friends and family who have children in these age groups.  If you know of someone that you would like us to send an invitation to, please let us know!   St. Edward School approaches education using the whole child approach, educating the mind, body and spirit in a family atmosphere.

ADVENT ANGELS - Advent Angels will begin on Monday. For many years, St. Edward School students and faculty have participated in a program we call Advent Angels. The purpose of the advent angel program is to get kids to interact with each other and to get in the habit of praying for each other. Students will be given the name of another student or faculty member for which they are to pray for during Advent. They are also to make cards or notes to give to their advent angel at least twice per week. These can be made at school or at home. Some students like to give their advent angel clues as to who they are, but try not to be too obvious. On December 19th we will reveal who are Advent Angels are. At this time, a small gift (less than $5) for your “AA” is okay, but certainly is not a requirement.  

HEART TO HEARTWe will be collecting for Heart to Heart at school

until December 9th.  I have been given the following list from Heart to Heart as suggestions.  These items

are seldom received and great for teenagers. (Movie theater gift cards (scrip), back packs, duffle bags, camping gear, basketballs, footballs, soccer

balls, scarves, winter hats, purses, board games and socks, especially long athletic socks.)

Our annual Scholastic Book Fair will begin on December 9th and run through December 19th.

ST. EDWARD SCHOOL NEWSLETTERSCHOOL PRINCIPAL – Jaci Garvey

SCHOOL OFFICE – 872-6391SCHOOL SECRETARY – Trudy Banks

GIFTS FOR STAFFAny Scrip order intended for staff gifts are due by Dec. 6th.  If you have any questions, contact Julie Pohlen at 828-7392.  

CHRISTMAS CONCERTMrs. Rybinski and students have been working hard preparing for

the Christmas concert. Please plan on joining us on

Wednesday, December 11th at 1:30pm and again at 7:00pm. Students are asked to be in

their classrooms no later than 6:45pm for the evening

performance.  There will be a pulled pork sandwich meal

served in the church basement from 5:00-6:30pm.  The

proceeds will help to fund a scholarship for a graduate from

the Class of 2020

Ignite the F.I.R.E. Families Involved in Religious Education

December 1, 2019 - Vol. 2, No. 4

I. ADVENT - THE NEW YEARDecember 1st this year marks the beginning of the new liturgical calendar and the beginning of Advent...a time set aside for Christians to prepare for the coming of Christ. As we get busy with lists, shopping, baking, traveling, donating our time & talents, etc., the season of Advent is God calling us to draw into Him, to let Him love us, and to know that we have already received the best gift ever...the promise of eternal life in Heaven with Him. If you feel yourself being overwhelmed with the world’s ideas of what the next 24 days are about, remember where Christ is always...in our churches, in the tabernacles, all over the world. We don’t genuflect & kneel for no apparent reason in Catholic churches, we do it because the little candle in the church by the tabernacle tells us that He is present, His body and blood, under the appearance of bread and wine. So come to the Church, even if for a few minutes, to sit in the quiet and let the Lord speak to your heart. There are several times a week that there is Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, including during Religious Education classes, from 6:30-7:30pm on Wednesdays. All are welcome! Even if there is not a scheduled Adoration time, know that you can still come to the Church to pray.There is a song that comes to mind as I am writing this and I can imagine God speaking to us…

“I will come to you in the silence, I will lift you from all your fear. You will hear my voice, I claim you as my choice, be still and know I am here. I am hope for all who are

hopeless, I am eyes for all who long to see. In the shadows of the night, I will be your light,come and rest in me. Do not be afraid, I am with you. I have called you

each by name. Come and follow me, I will bring you home; I love you and you are mine.”

Have a blessed and safe Advent season! “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire!” ~ St. Catherine of Siena