From the Desk of the Pastor                December 11, 2025
                                             
GAUDETE SUNDAY

Dear Friends in Christ,

This weekend we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent and we rejoice in the nearness of the Lord. Rose vestments are worn and the readings exhort us to rejoice always. Today, I offer you a reflection of this Advent Sunday given by Pope Benedict in 2011. He offers us a wonderful reflection on the nature of the “Joy” with which we await the coming of the Lord:

The liturgy of this Sunday, known as “Gaudete” Sunday, is a special invitation to us to joyfulness, to a vigilance that is not sad but happy. “Gaudete in Domino semper”, St Paul wrote: “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil 4:4). True joy is not a fruit of “divertirsi” [having a good time] understood in the etymological sense of the word di-vertere (di-version), that is, shirking the commitments of life and one’s responsibilities.

True joy is linked to something deeper. Of course, in the all too often frenetic pace of daily life it is important to find time for rest and relaxation, but true joy is linked to our relationship with God. Those who have encountered Christ in their own lives feel a serenity and joy in their hearts that no one and no situation can take from them. St Augustine understood this very well; in his quest for truth, peace and joy, after seeking them in vain in many things he concluded with his famous words: “and our heart is restless until it rests in God” (Confessions, I, 1,1).

True joy is not merely a passing state of mind or something that can be achieved with the person’s own effort; rather it is a gift, born from the encounter with the living Person of Jesus and, making room within ourselves, from welcoming the Holy Spirit who guides our lives. It is the invitation of the Apostle Paul who says: “May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thess 5:23).

In this Season of Advent let us reinforce our conviction that the Lord has come among us and ceaselessly renews his comforting, loving and joyful presence. We should trust in him; as St Augustine says further, in the light of his own experience: the Lord is closer to us than we are to ourselves: “interior intimo meo et superior summo meo” (“higher than my highest and more inward than my innermost self”) (Confessions III, 6, 11).

POPE BENEDICT

GIVING TREE AND GIVING GARLANDS

A huge thank you to all who participated in our annual Christmas giving projects. You are really brightening up the holiday season for the people you are helping. Thank you for imitating the generosity of Christ who gives us the best gift of all, his very self. Particular thanks to all who have organized these efforts and helped make them a great success.  Last week the gifts were due at St Jude. This weekend, the gifts are due at Holy Innocents and St Anthony. Many thanks!

ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICES

One of the best ways to prepare our hearts for Christmas is to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. The penance services below are the best time make your pre-Christmas confession. This sacrament God’s forgiveness heals our sins, and helps us begin anew, and prepares us for Christ’s coming.

PENANCE SERVICES

Friday, December 12, 6- 8 PM Adoration and Confession

with 1 confessor at St Anthony

Wednesday, December 17 –

               7 PM at St Jude with 6 confessors

Thursday, December 18-

               7 PM at Holy Innocents with 3 confessors

Please join us in remembering the mercy of God.

ST ANTHONY’S SILVER BELL CELEBRATION SUNDAY DECEMBER 21 AT REMLINGER FARMS

To get everyone in the spirit of the season, you are all invited to St. Anthony's Silver Bell Celebration at will be at Remlinger Farm in beautiful Carnation.

SILENT AUCTION. Between the hours of 2pm and 4pm, St. Anthony will host a Silent Auction with items donated by Parishioners from our Parish Family.

GREAT FOOD. Everyone can then partake in Remlinger's Full Restaurant and Brewery Menu! Some special winter warm up cocktails are also available along with house made beer, wine and ciders! For dessert you can also purchase from the country store their famous pies to go or homemade brownies, carrot cake, and ice cream.

CHRISTMAS SHOW. But the highlight, not to be missed, from 5pm to 7pm is The Fabulous Orchids 90 minute Christmas Show! You will be captivated by the harmony of these female singers and their 5-piece backup band! Dancing Christmas Trees and Elves, Mrs. Claus passes out goodies from Santa's bag, and snow will fall while freshly baked cookies fill the air during the finale! The show is FREE to our wonderful community and parishioners of our Parish Family! A free-will offering will be take up to benefit St Anthony, our historic church in the heart of Carnation. Don’t miss this great event!

 
Blessings on your week!
 
Fr. Johnson