Nearly every day during Advent we will hear the word “justice” in our Scripture readings.Often, “justice” is linked with “peace”. Recent Popes have linked them, too: “If you want peace, work for justice” (St Paul VI) and “there is no justice without forgiveness” (St John Paul II)

“The deepest level of communication is not communication, but communion … We are already one. But we imagine that we are not. And what we have to discover is our original unity. What we have to be is what we are.” (Thomas Merton, Trappist monk who died on this day in 1968)

Jesus had a thing for “the least.” Look it up in Mt 25. Hear it in today’s Gospel (Mt 11:11). In our 1st reading today Isaiah says God cares for the afflicted & the needy-for the ones treated as worms and maggots. (Is 41:13-20). “Fear not,” God says to them, “I will help you.”

Our Christmas Carol Festival is still on for 3pm today. As always, be extra careful and safe. If you can’t get here, be assured of our prayers.

We are in the third week of Advent. Cold outside, but our hearts are warmed with the joy of God’s presence, a presence that brings hope and the courage to love even in times of uncertainty and sadness. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love; come to teach us the path of knowledge! O come, Lord Jesus, come!

O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power! Help us to live by Your law, O sacred Lord, especially Your new commandment to love one another as You love us! Only then will we know true peace!

O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay! Lord, when we are dry, withered in spirit, bring forth new life, new joy, new purpose! Come, Lord Jesus, come!

O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. Help us to walk in Your light, O Lord, and to be light for the world. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save humanity, whom you formed from the dust!

O come, O come, Emmanuel!

It’s the last Sunday to take a look at the baby Jesus in the manger. This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Church’s official close to the Christmas Season. All are welcome! KidsLIT at the 10:30am Mass. Hospitality after the 7:30a 9a 10:30a 12 Masses

New St. Joan of Arc Office Hours begin today: Monday thru Friday: 9:30am-12:30pm; 1:30pm-4:30pm Monday thru Thursday: 6pm-8pm Saturday: 9:30am-12pm