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Advent/ Newsletter 2020

Welcome to a . Now that may sound odd, given that we are still in November, but according to the Church’s Calendar, , November 29th, is the beginning of a new . Unlike a calendar year or a fiscal year, the Liturgical Year measures time a bit differently; through it, we recall and are invited to participate in the greatest to come from our good God – the life, death and Resurrection of . This remarkable story begins anew every . That time is now -- come, let us begin our journey together.

he season of Advent begins on the “I am the .” With Sunday closest to the feast of St. these words, our Lady greeted St. Bernadette T Andrew (November 30) and lasts for on March 25, 1858 and confirmed what had four Sundays in total. It is a time of spiritual been promulgated four years before in 1854. preparation for the faithful before the great The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception feast of Christmas. Traditionally, three teaches that Mary, from the moment of her things are emphasized – recalling the conception and by the “grace and privilege coming of Jesus in granted by almighty God,” was “preserved two thousand free from all stain of original .” years ago, actively seeking Him in our lives in the Although some form of this feast present moment, and existed in the Western Church as early as the looking forward in eleventh century, the Immaculate anticipation to His return at the end of time. Conception in its present form was not made The Advent is a good way to a feast in the Universal Church until Pope remind ourselves of this time of preparation. Pius IX proclaimed it as such in 1854. As each of the four is lit, it This feast is celebrated on symbolizes the growing light of Christ in the eighth; as the Immaculate Conception, Mary world; it all culminates with the lighting of is also the patron saint of the United States the Christmas on either Christmas and Brazil. will be celebrated on Eve or Christmas Day. On Saturday, Tuesday, December 8 at 12:10 p. m. and November 28 and Sunday, November 7:00 p.m. 29th, Masses will begin to be held in the church to begin the Advent season. he Feast of Christmas is, of course, he designation, Mother of God, observed on . In the highlights Mary’s role in the T midst of our celebration, however, T Incarnation, when she declares her we need to keep in “Fiat” in response to the ’s mind just how invitation. Some theologians have asserted wonderful a day this is that while Jesus was “first” in God’s mind – when God Himself for humankind’s redemption, Mary was entered our world as second, chosen from all eternity to be His one of us, in order to mother. Celebrated on 1, this feast bring salvation to all is also a day of prayer for world . humankind. “The people who walked in Mass will be on Thursday, darkness have seen a great light; upon those December 31, at 4:00 p.m. and Friday, who dwelt in the land of gloom at 10:00 a.m. a light has shone.” (Isaiah 9:1)

Christmas Eve Vigil Masses will be celebrated on Thursday, at hough traditionally celebrated twelve 4:00 and 7:00 p.m., and on Friday, days after Christmas, the Feast of the Christmas Day, at 10:00 a.m. For T in and Christmas Day the United States has Masses only, please telephone the office to been moved to the reserve your seat(s). (518) 654-2113. first Sunday after January 1; this year, the feast is commemorated on January 3. By way of the According to the Liturgical Calendar, the story of the , recounted in the Christmas season does not end December of Matthew, Epiphany celebrates the 25; it continues for another two weeks. manifestation of Jesus as , Son of God and Savior of the whole world. Vigil

Mass will be on Saturday, at elebrated on the Sunday within the 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 3 at 9:00 of a.m. Christmas, the C Feast of the commemorates he Baptism of the Lord marks the all three members of conclusion of the Christmas Season the Holy Family – T and the beginning of Jesus, Mary and Time. It’s a feast of transition from Jesus’ . In honoring hidden life to that of His public them, we also honor all families, big or ministry. Though Jesus did not need small. This year, this feast is celebrated on Baptism, it was nevertheless a moment of December 27. Vigil Mass will be on manifestation: “And a voice came from Saturday, December 26 at 4:00 p.m. and heaven saying, ‘This is my beloved Son; on Sunday, December 27 at 9:00 a.m. with whom I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:17) Vigil Mass is Saturday, January 9

at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 10 at 9:00 a.m.