Dear Parishioners, 
             Advent 2017 -  Human beings cannot live without hope.  Unlike the animals, we are blessed (or cursed) with the ability to think about the future.  So essential is this to human life, that human beings cannot live without hope, without something to live for, without something to look forward to.  To be without hope, to have nothing to live for, is to surrender to death and despair.  However, we can find all sorts of things to live for, and we can hope for almost anything.  We hope for our children's future, that they might be saved from our mistakes and find a better life than we have known; for a better world, free of war, hatred and revenge; we hope scientists will finally discover a cure for cancer.  We hope that this year we will feel closer to God.  Advent helps us to learn what to hope for.  Advent reminds us that we are close to God, that Jesus became one like us in all things but sin.  Advent prepares us for the celebration of Christmas, when God became human and gave all of humanity hope for a better future.
The first Sunday of Advent also ushers in the new liturgical year.  This year we are in year "B" and we will hear from Mark's Gospel.  Mark's is the shortest Gospel of the four evangelists.  His gospel contains "just the facts."  His simple style of writing is straightforward.  Mark contains no infancy narratives about Jesus, no Bethlehem scene, no shepherds or angels.  The Gospel begins when Jesus was about thirty years old.  The opening chapter goes right to John the Baptist baptizing in the Jordan river.  Take time to read the Gospel of Mark during this Advent season.
Congratulations to Judy Testa who will receive the Immaculata Award at our Cathedral next Sunday.  This award honors lay people who generously give of themselves to parish and community.  Judy is very generous with her time and helps in various parish ministries.  She always contributes great cookies and deserts for our monthly bake sales.  She has served as a Eucharistic Minister and is active in parish organizations.  Many thanks to Judy and her husband Ted Testa for all that they do for our parish.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary is Friday, December 8th.  We will have an anticipated Mass for the holyday on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m.  Vigil Mass (St. Anthony's) is at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, and Mass (St. Mary's) 9:00 a.m. & 12:10 p.m.              Many thanks. God Bless You,  Fr. Paul J. Alciati