Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
The holy season of Advent is a time dedicated to penance and preparation. The Holy Mass requires the clerics to wear purple vestments which connote repentance for our sins. We also prepare for the Lord Jesus Christ’s return in glory to bring justice remembering His first coming in Bethlehem 2021 years ago. How, then, should we make a good Advent?
First, observe Advent by doing penance. Give up T.V. or social media in order to pray more. Offer up inconveniences or setbacks in order to become more like Our Lady and
St. Joseph who experienced many such things. Give to the poor since Jesus Himself was born in poverty. Pray daily so that you might make your heart a clean manger wherein Our Lord may find shelter.
Second, prepare for the Lord’s second coming. Go to Confession in order to purge any cooperation with evil in your life. Then you will be ready to meet the Lord when he comes. Perform acts of mercy so that Jesus will recognize you as one who served Him in the least of His brothers. Eagerly expect Jesus to return soon with a growing desire for the blessedness of Heaven which He came to give.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 