December 5-6

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Advent is a season of preparation and today’s Scriptures emphasize our need to prepare for the Lord’s coming.  Last week we heard the Lord say, “Be watchful!  Be Alert!”  You do not know when the time will come (Mark 13:33).  Today we are consoled, as was the people of Israel during a time of great duress by the prophet Isaiah.  Further St. Peter reminds us that the Lord does not delay in keeping His promises and someday, be it a year, a millennium, or a “million” years He will come.  So be ready!

How then do we make ourselves ready for Him?  The herald of the Lord, John the Baptist calls us, beyond the centuries, to repent.  We need to seek forgiveness from the Lord and, if need be, from one another.  Our merciful Savior has provided the means by which we can assuredly be forgiven – the Sacrament of Reconciliation.   What, after all is more important?  Decking the halls with boughs of holly or offering the Lord a purified soul cleansed by the works of absolution?   In order that you may present God with the latter we remind you of the many opportunities for Confession posted in last week’s bulletin.  Every Saturday from 10:30 AM until noon, Confessions are heard at the Mary Magdalen; everyday prior to Mass and afterwards as well.  This Sunday, beginning at 2 PM a number of priests will be hearing confessions at St. Thomas More, Lake Ariel (by reservation) and December 21^st (Monday at 6 PM) in St. Mary Magdalen.

Also, remember that Vespers and Benediction are celebrated Sunday evenings at 4 PM in St. John’s – no reservations necessary.

This coming Tuesday, December 8^th is the patronal feast day of our nation dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary.  It is a Solemnity and Holy Day, but because of the Covid 19 virus the obligation to attend Mass is mitigated.  Nonetheless, Masses for the Solemnity will be Monday at 6 PM, Tuesday at 7:25 AM, 12:05 PM and 6 PM.  All Masses are at St. Mary Magdalen.

Finally, December 12^th is the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, Mass will be offered Saturday morning at 8 AM in St. Mary Magdalen.

With Blessings,

Father Langan