St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church

Liturgical Readings - Second Sunday of Advent /USCCB
Reflection:

This Sunday we reflect on Advent readings of hope and God’s timing.  Advent is a perfect time because it is the time for hope. We are being guided by the writers that waiting will give way to hope but we have to wait. In the first reading, Isaiah was instructing the Jewish people who were in exile. The people have lost everything and are feeling defeated and in fear. He tells the people that God will give comfort to his people. “You are my people; the glory of the Lord will be revealed” (The Savior is coming so prepare the way). The people are instructed to wait patiently.

Good morning. Today is the first Sunday of Advent and we begin the path to prepare us for His birth, Christmas.

Our first reading is from the Old Testament honoring God and begging for His return while acknowledging our sinfulness and hardened hearts. I can feel the unwritten weight of this. Sometimes our path seems burdensome and bleak, yet the anticipation of God’s return is so joyous! The author is hopeful and looks to have God find us doing right upon His return. We know the Christmas season is not about gifts and presents, but of love; His love and bringing us into a relationship with God through Jesus. With so many of the current global events and tragedies I find myself questioning things and longing for His return too.

As we enter the Advent season and prepare our hearts for the birth of our Savior, please join SPARK Teen Ministry in our effort to love others as Jesus loves us.  This year we will again be sponsoring our Christmas Toy Drive to benefit the Catholic Family & Community Services-Christmas Blessings Project.  During the weekends of December 2/3 and 9/10, SPARK Teens will be collecting NEW UNWRAPPED toys for children 6 months -17 years old.

This year's children's nativity play will take place live on Christmas Eve at the 3 pm children's mass; the mass will also be live streamed.  Practices will be held on: 

- Sunday Dec. 10th 4:45 PM to 6 PM - Parts/Costumes/Walkthrough

-Monday Dec. 18th 6 pm to 7 pm - Dress Rehearsal with Music

- Sunday Dec. 24th Christmas Eve Mass - Live Nativity Play 3 pm (arrival 2:30 PM in costume)

A Penance service will be held in the church on 12/13/2023 at 7:00pm, with individual confessions
held in the parish office and sacristy afterward. 
 

Purchase gift cards for either gifting purposes or your own Christmas shopping, and support our parish in the process. The parish benefits from a percentage of each card purchased, with no extra costs incurred by you. Choose from a variety of options, including retail and restaurant cards.

To place your order and make payment by credit card, please use the secure link provided below on our website.