As each year draws to a close it is customary to look back and count our blessings as well as take stock of the trials and tribulations, considering how we might have handled them differently—and hopefully better. 2018 was a blessed year here at Saint Catherine of Siena Parish! We are blessed in that we have a parish that works very well together. We benefit from the blessings of a committed and dedicated staff who consistently seek the “big picture,” meaning the greater good of the parish

This last Sunday in Advent brings us to the brink of Christmas—but we still have one weekend left in this season of preparation. The readings have now changed a bit in direction as we are focusing on the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ. What we celebrate in Advent, as I mentioned during the first Sunday of Advent, is Two Comings of Christ: first, we celebrate the Nativity or the birth of baby Jesus—the Incarnation of God into humanity.

Why is one candle not like all the others? Advent and its counterpart, Lent, are seasons of penitence. On the Advent wreath, the three purple candles mark the preparation Christians undergo while awaiting the arrival of Christ on Earth. But, unlike dour Lent, Advent is usually a happy season, full of food, parties, shopping, music and lights. In the retail world, Christmas begins right after Halloween and then kicks into overdrive on the day after Thanksgiving. Many people mirror this, barely putting away the leftover turkey before putting up every Christmas decoration they own.

Advent, as the new beginning of the liturgical year, brings with it a new gospel companion for most of the upcoming year—this year we shall hear from the Gospel of Luke—one of two evangelists, the other being Mark, and Luke’s writings speak to us about the origins and birth of Jesus Christ and of the ministry of John the Baptist.