Dear Prince of Peace Parishioners:
… … Happy Advent Season … …
- Archbishop Etienne invites you to come back to Mass. I, too, join Archbishop to also invite you back to celebrating the Eucharist begin in this Holy Season of Advent. This is the invitation letter from the Archbishop:
“…The general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation (including the Saturday/vigil Mass) is to be reinstated (CIC, can. 1247) during Advent on December 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Advent is a wonderful time to draw near to Christ. It is time to renew our faith through personal reception of the sacraments and rebuild the relationships and community life of our parishes.
As has always been the case, those who have a serious reason are excused from attending Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2181). This includes those who are ill, have significant health risk factors or care for someone who is ill or immunocompromised, as well as those who have significant fear or anxiety about contracting COVID in a large group.
Be a part of our family of faith. Make the Lord’s Day a true celebration of the Resurrection, and a great celebration of being renewed in his life, mercy and love.”
- Ending the week of “Thanksgiving Day”, the spirit of “thanks” also extended to the many families who have renewed their support to the parish in returning a Stewardship Card to the parish. As a sign of a good steward, for those who didn’t have opportunity to fill out “A Stewardship of Treasure Card”, please recommit your support to our parish by returning you Stewardship Card in the collection basket or mail to the parish office.
- The new Liturgical Year begins with the Advent Season in which the people of God recalled the “longing of the Messiah” coming as promised in the Scripture and for His coming again in our time. Today, the Church lights the first of four candles on the Advent wreath to reflect upon the great mystery, perhaps, you will want to light a candle as well in reflecting along with the Church and your own thoughts as we recalled this great event. Advent 2021 starts on Sunday, November 28, and lasts until Christmas Eve, December 24. It's a time of preparing our hearts and minds for the celebration of our Lord’s birth on Christmas and his second coming at the end of time.
The season of Advent invites us to walk a path of quiet reflection and deep renewal. As we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s first coming and vigilantly await his second coming, Jesus also invites us to a more intimate and life-giving encounter with him in the many ways he comes to us each day.
Take some quiet time this week to pause and prayerfully reflect on how you can draw nearer to Christ this Advent. Consider renewing your commitment to spend time with him in Scripture, to receive his presence in the Eucharist and his forgiveness and healing in the sacrament of reconciliation, and to do works of love for those in need.
Along with the regular Scripture readings of this First Advent week, let’s also reflect with people of our local Church, the Archdiocese of Seattle, in preparing for a meaningful Season of Grace in the “Knowing Jesus Christ, Embracing His Mission”. Read through these four pages to get an overview and focus on steps 3, 4 and 5 for intentional reflection for these 4 weeks of Advent and try to live it out in this Holy Season of Advent & Christmas and this coming New Year 2022.
- Please make a notice to a few important dates in the Advent Season:
- Wednesday, December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception - Masses at 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
- Simbang Gabi – Novena Prayers in preparation for Christmas – Saturday Dec. 18 – 6:30 PM.
- Individual Reconciliation: Tuesday, Dec 14 12:00 - 1:00 PM; Wednesday, 15 6:30 – 7:30 PM; Thursday, Dec. 16 6:30 – 7:30 PM.
- Please remember to pray for our new Catechumens and Candidates in the C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adult) as they prepare for the Rite of Acceptance/Welcome to officially prepare for the Easter Initiation Sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).
Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Phuong Hoang