Tis the most wonderful time of the year! As we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity—the Incarnation of Christ—and the coming of God made man, we also celebrate Easter and the Resurrection with the gift of Eternal Life all rolled into One. Truly Christmas and Easter are intimately connected because we have faith that what God has planned—the returning home of each one of us to His Divine Life and Love—will be fulfilled

Our Advent Giving Tree program is off and running. We are collecting financial donations to support: Neighbors’ In Need: which provides financial assistance to parishioners and Simsbury-area residents who are having a difficult time with skyrocketing grocery bills, heating costs, auto repair bills, shot water heaters and much needed furnace work not to mention assistance with medicine.... Malta House of Care: provides medical diagnosis, treatment and assistance with medical needs for those who have no insurance.

‘Holy flying reindeer, Santa’—it’s nearly Christmas! The older I get, the faster things fly by. Here we are about to enter the last week of Advent—thankfully this year the fourth week is a full week at least. But as we approach the Nativity of the Lord and all that comes with these final days of Advent—parties, last minute “forget-me-nots” and more, we cannot lose sight of the true meaning of the season. Sometimes I wonder if I ever really get the meaning…or at least that I get it in time to live out the real meaning of the Season of Christmas during these last days of Advent

Advent is a penitential season, so the priest normally wears purple or /violet vestments. But on Gaudete Sunday, having passed the midpoint of Advent, the Church lightens the mood a little, and the priest may wear rose vestments. The change in color provides us with encouragement to continue our spiritual preparation—especially prayer and fasting—for Christmas.

If you are interested in attending an informational and training session for Eucharistic Minsters please know that a two-part meeting will take place on January 14th, 10 a.m. The meeting will begin with information about requirements for being a Eucharistic Minister in the Catholic Church as well as the role and responsibilities of a Eucharistic Minister

In today’s first reading, the Prophet Isaiah speaks to Jewish people taking for granted God’s promise that a descendant of King David will rule forever and the failure to fulfill their responsibilities to the Covenant of Mt. Sinai, while causing social injustice in the land to grow and their rituals to become perfunctory. While the prophet warns against this lackluster attitude spilling over into their daily religious practices, he nonetheless expresses his hope that the son of David will lead them back to God.