From Our Pastor: 2nd Sunday of Advent

This weekend’s readings we hear about the comfort of the Lord and how he comes to save us. And for us to know that our salvation is near he sends us a messenger. A voice crying out in the desert that we make straight a pathway for the Lord most especially of our heart. That we cry out from the mountaintops like that messenger this good news of the Lord and his coming. This brings us to John the Baptist this weekend who does just this. He cries out in the desert announcing the way of the Lord. He calls us to conversion to prepare for the coming of our God. He announces the greatness of God and humbles himself. We need to follow the example of John the Baptist in our own life of faith. We need to echo his words, “He must increase; I must decrease.”

Someone in the parish tailored the parish’s really old gold cope. They did such a phenomenal job. It was starting to tear, and they made it look perfect again. I can’t remember who that was so I hope you’re reading this and will come forward and let me know. I thought I knew who it was, but it wasn’t. So please catch me after mass or call the parish office and let me know if it was you.
Last weekend we had a wonderful experience with lessons and carols. If you don’t come to that I really do encourage you to come to that next year. Make the time, it is well worth it. Bring your children they will love it. Thank you to Jesse Mose for all he does to make this possible every year. Thank you to the QU choirs and musicians for all that they have done this year. Thank you to the QU professors and all their work in making this possible. You get to sing your favorite Christmas carols and hear wonderful music to prepare for the coming of Christmas, as well as preparing your heart with the scriptures. Thank you also to Dr. McGee, our Parishioner and president of the university. It is a great relationship we have with now Quincy University, and I am very grateful for it.

This week we were able to finish the audio-visual work in the hall, and we were able to fix the clock tower and bells. We are moving along in our projects. I also finished the work I have been doing on a master’s degree to become a better administrator. The degree is from the University of St. Thomas Houston as a Masters in Ecclesial Administration and Management. It is a Master of Science in administration and management to be exact. This program has been immensely helpful already, and I can’t wait to use what I have learned in the program to continue to lead better in our parish.

As we begin to put the Manger scene out, we’re trying a new tradition. There will be a basket of straw nearby. I encourage you and your children to come forward and take a piece of straw from the basket and place it in the Manger scene. This way we all participate in preparing the Manger for the Lord. Even if you leave early or if you hightail it out of here as fast as you can, for once I encourage you to come over and place a piece of straw in the Manger. This way we all can participate in making a home for the Lord in our church and in our hearts.

- Rev. Steven Arisman