Dear Brothers and Sisters,
 
December is here, the time when many people prepare for their favorite day, Christmas. During this time, many people decorate their Christmas trees, listen to carols, buy gifts, and prepare for the end of the year. Of course, we also do these things to prepare for the end of the year, but as Catholics, we begin a new liturgical year in the Church as we start the first week of Advent. 
 
Advent is the season of preparation and hope. The word ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin adventus, meaning ‘coming’ or ‘arrival.’ ‘Advent’ is a time to meditate on the ‘first coming’ of Jesus Christ (Christmas) and prepare for His ‘second coming’ on the last day. Advent invites us to reflect on the light of Christ breaking into the darkness of the world. It is a time of waiting, active anticipation, and hope. Through prayer, acts of charity, and meditating on the scripture, we prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus into our lives more fully. 
 
Today, the first Sunday of Advent, we hear the gospel about the second coming of Jesus. Why do we hear this gospel? As I said, Advent prepares us not only for the celebration of Jesus' birth at Christmas but also for His return in glory at the end of time. This Gospel describes cosmic signs and calls believers to stand firm in faith, lifting their heads in hope because "your redemption is at hand." It reminds us that Advent is about anticipating both the past and future comings of Christ. 
 
Also, this passage ends with a promise of hope: the coming of the Son of Man in glory. Advent points to the light of Christ that will triumph over all. This Gospel sets the tone for the season by reminding us that we have hope in Christ's saving power even in uncertainty and challenge.
 
By listening to this Gospel at the start of Advent, we are reminded to lift our eyes to Christ, who is both the fulfillment of God’s promises and the One who will come again to make all things new. It is a call to prepare our hearts and lives for His coming, both at Christmas and at the end of time.
 
Today, we light the first candle of the Advent wreath. These four candles help us journey through the season, symbolizing hope, peace, joy and love. These candles remind us of the growing light of Christ as we draw close to Christmas, the day we celebrate God becoming one of us. May the Lord's blessings be with you during this time of preparation for Christmas. This Christmas season, let us be Christians who spread the light of Jesus Christ not only to our families and friends around us, but also to those who are struggling and in need. Then, we will become the manger that holds the baby Jesus.
 
Here’s some information for you this week: Construction on the new rectory is starting soon! This week, Payne & Payne will begin to do some site prep work on the southeast plot of land where the old convent used to be. Next week, they will begin the excavating phase of construction. Construction will last 9-11 months. Orange fencing will be placed around the perimeter of the construction site. Access to the south school driveway during the week will be limited to drop-off and pick-up for parents and guardians throughout the entire time of construction. There may be limited access to the school driveway on weekends. Please use the north driveway to get in and out of the back parking lot while the rectory is under construction.
 
Immaculate Conception - A Holy Day of Obligation
Please note that the Christmas letter mailed to families was incorrect. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception was transferred from Sunday to Monday, December 9 and it IS a holy day of obligation. This was clarified after our Christmas mailer went out, and I apologize for the miscommunication. We will celebrate Immaculate Conception on Monday, December 9 at St. Patrick's with Mass at 7:00 pm, and at St. Mary's with Masses at 7:30 am, 9:30 am (with the school), and 7:30 pm.
 
Mark your calendars for Advent Vespers at St. Patrick's! We will celebrate Vespers (also known as Evening Prayer) each night in St. Patrick's Church at 7 pm from Tuesday, December 17 through Monday, December 23. Fill your hearts during the last week of Advent with this beautiful and solemn communal prayer of the Catholic Church!
 
In Christ, 
Fr. Fabian Han