Advent Season 2017

---

We have been pointing to the coming of Advent for the last two Sundays. The Season is finally here. Today we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent. Welcome to the Advent Season.

As usual we wish to refresh our minds about our Catholic practices so that we may fully rejoice in them. Regarding Advent, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says:

“When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor's birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: ‘He must increase, but I must decrease’ (Jn 3:30)" (524).

The ancient expectancy of the Messiah talked about in the Catechism, is what we have begun to celebrate and make present today. Throughout Advent, as we listen to the readings from the Old Testament, we are going to spiritually be one with our ancestors in faith and share in their long preparation for the coming of the Savior. Our sharing in their preparation will renew our desire to receive him when he comes at the end of time; this will be brought out very well by the readings from the New Testament, which will remind us that Jesus will come again as judge of all.  Thus the season we have begun is a season of expectant hope and royalty. We await in joyful expectation the coming Our Lord and Savior.

Activities for the Season at Our Lady and St. Jude

1. Celebration of the Eucharist

Daily Masses  -  Monday to Friday [6:30 a.m.; 7:00 a.m.; 1:00 p.m.], Saturdays [6:30 a.m.; 7:00 a.m.;] with Advent homilies/reflections/exhortations.

Sunday Masses — the usual Sunday programme. Follow the homilies as we walk the Advent journey.  

2. Advent Wreath

Our Advent wreath, which has been blessed on this first Sunday of Advent, will remain in position for the entire Season. Make use of this symbol.

3. Holy hour with Vespers

Every Thursday evening (5:30 p.m.) there will be exposition of the blessed sacrament, as is always the case, for an hour. During the exposition we shall:

- recite psalms, listen to the word of God and have exhortations/reflections with Advent themes.

The hourly service before the Blessed Sacrament will be preparing us to be awake as we wait in joyful expectation for the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ as Emmanuel (God with us) and as one who comes to judge the living and the dead.

We shall be therefore expected to progress towards a renunciation of all ways which prevent us from receiving Jesus when he comes in our lives.

4. Penance

Although this is not a penitential season, all the same as a way of giving a chance to as many faithful as possible who would like to make their peace with God during this season of Advent, we shall retain our normal Saturday morning confessions (7:30 a.m.) and also encourage every one to use any available opportunity to request for the Sacrament of Penance.

5. Visiting the Sick and Elderly

The Liturgy leaders and the Good Samaritans will team up to visit  the sick and elderly in our communities .

We are all encouraged to be part of this arrangement. You can either point out a sick/elderly person, donate something for these people or join the team as they make the visits. It is also praise worthy to make your personal programme of visiting an elderly or a sick person in your community.

6. Recollections

We encourage leaders of Departments to arrange for special days of recollection. For example Catholic Men’s Gui8ld; Catholic Women’s Guild; The Youth; Children; Choirs etc…....

May the Season of Advent 2017, prepare us to joyfully meet Our Lord when he comes.

 

Wed 06, Dec 2017 08:12 am