"PREPARE THE WAY of the Lord. Make straight the Lord's path." What gives us the courage to "prepare the way of the Lord" as John the Baptist did? How can we continue to work, watch, and wait for the reign of God in a world where progress seems impossible? We are energized by the confident hope that Christ will ultimately triumph over every mountain, gorge, and rough way. The Christ who came into human history once, and comes to save each of us from sin day by day, will indeed come again to establish his reign of justice over the whole universe so that "all flesh will see the salvation of God." We express the fullness of this Advent hope when we proclaim: "Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory." How are we using the Advent materials that you picked up in Church? Is there time for the family to gather and pray?

ATTN., all 2^nd Grade Faith Formation Parents: On Wednesday, December 13, we will go to the New Brighton Care & Rehabilitation Home (formerly know as Trevilla), right across the street from St. John's, to sing Christmas carols with the residents and give out treat bags. Permission slips were given out last week; parents are welcome to join us. We will meet in the 2^nd grade classrooms first for attendance and prayer. All other classes have a regular night of Faith Formation.

ARISE, SHINE, for Your Light is Come! A concert of music and poetry for the Season of Advent, sung by the Cathedral & St. Cecilia Choirs, is Sunday, December 17, at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul. For more information, please call (651) 228-1766.

THE CATHEDRAL YOUNG ADULTS welcome everyone to partake in their many events. Call (651) 291-4488 for more information, or e-mail your request for a newsletter on the many social, spiritual, and justice activities sponsored by the Cathedral Young Adults (CYA): cya@cathedralsaintpaul.org.

THE CATHOLIC SINGLE ADULTS CLUB of the Twin Cities invites all single Catholics, 21 and older, for the Annual Christmas Dinner & Dance on Saturday, January 6. Social hour and dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. and dancing begins at 8:00 p.m. The cost for dinner & dance is $20; dance only is $10. Deadline for dinner reservations is Friday, December 22. Call Carl for details, (651) 603-1412.

MEN'S FELLOWSHIP OF ST. JOHN'S meets every Thursday, 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m., in St. Joseph Hall. Visit our website at www.sjbmen.org, or call (612) 799-5618. We are faithful to all the teachings of Christ and His Church. We will have new events starting in January 2007!

ARE YOU HURTING IN YOUR MARRIAGE? Do you have: trouble communicating, frequent arguments, or feelings of going your own way? Twin Cities Retrouvaille has a weekend scheduled each month for saving your marriage. Please call (651) 464-5855 to learn more.

Everyone interested in quilting is invited to our meeting on Thursday, December 14, at 1:00 p.m. in Room LL108. Please join us. Quilting is fun for people of all ages.