The motto of Archbishop Flynn is "Come, Lord Jesus." If you are ever at a meeting or gathering when Archbishop Flynn leads prayer, you will usually hear this familiar refrain, "Come, Lord Jesus, come!" This is also the central theme of the Season of Advent. With Christians throughout the world, we remember that we are waiting for Christ to return, and we long for that coming. We commemorate His first coming as a child in Bethlehem, but we also "wait in joyful hope for the (second) coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ."

Prayer at Mass after the Lord's Prayer

Our Gospel today depicts a frightening scene of the end of the world when "people will die of fright" at what they see happening. But we are not to fear. Rather, we must "stand erect and raise our heads because our redemption is at hand." How do we stand erect? How do we raise our heads? The Church gives us several ways to do both during this Season of Advent and throughout the year.
We stand erect by being vigilant and not getting caught up in the cares and anxieties of this world. Jesus teaches in the Gospel today that our hearts must not become drowsy. 'Carousing and drunkenness' can certainly cause drowsiness. But so also do the 'anxieties of daily life.' When we stand erect, we see beyond those daily anxieties. We have clearer vision. We see that all things earthly are passing. When we pray regularly and from our hearts, we soon begin to stand erect, spiritually speaking. In other words, our posture is like that of a watchman, ever vigilant and ready for the coming of Christ. Earthly things lose their flavor because we see beyond the horizon of this life, and we begin to savor the things of heaven.
How do we raise our heads? We raise our heads when we open ourselves to the grace and mercy of God.  "To you, O Lord, I lift my soul," is our responsorial today.  We raise our heads by lifting our hearts and souls to the Lord. Psalm 25 reminds us that the Lord shows His way to sinners and those who are humble, and He leads them to justice. It is in the Sacrament of Reconciliation that this happens most effectively in our lives.
Through the grace of this sacrament, we recognize our sins and grow in humility. God's mercy leads us to live more just lives, with love for God and neighbor. 
Let us take the opportunity this Advent to stand erect and raise our heads. In the midst of all the busyness of this season, take the time to pray. Read the Scriptures; visit the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.  Recognize Christ and see where He is leading us. And let us raise our heads by recognizing our sinfulness.
When we humbly admit our sins, a tremendous peace fills our souls, and we can in turn extend God's mercy to others. 

Archbishop Flynn has generously agreed to preside and preach at our two communal penance services this Advent (see schedule below). We will also have 20 priests present at each service to assist with individual
confessions and absolution. 

What a wonderful opportunity to prepare for Christ's coming, both at Christmas and when He comes again. Come, Lord Jesus!

Friday, December 8, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception, as proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854 teaches: The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.

This feast is a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning that all Catholics, unless impeded by a serious reason, should attend Mass. Mary of the Immaculate Conception is the patroness of the United States. On this, her feast, let us pray for our country, for peace at home and abroad, and that all human life may be held sacred and protected.

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS invite everyone to pray an Advent Rosary in St. John's Chapel of the Angels on Sunday, December 10, at 2:00 p.m. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the 43-inch World Apostolate of Fatima Monstrance by Father Skluz�ček before the Rosary begins, and he will give a Benediction at 3:00 p.m. If you have questions, call Maury at (651) 633-8333, ext. 1224.

� Sunday, December 17, 4:00 p.m.
Communal Penance Service with
Individual Private Confessions & Absolution

� Wednesday, December 20, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Individual Private Confessions

� Thursday, December 21, 7:00 p.m.
Communal Penance Service with
Individual Private Confessions & Absolution

� Friday, December 22, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Individual Private Confessions

� Saturday, December 23, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Individual Private Confessions