Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Mary’s of the Lake:

This Sunday, in union with the universal Church, we begin our Advent Season. ADVENT is the term derived from Latin,

which means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival.’ ADVENT has a two-fold character: As a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ’s FIRST COMING into the world is remembered, and as a season when that remembrance directs our minds & hearts to await Christ’s SECOND COMING at the end of time. The four general areas of focus of Advent are: HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE!

From the depth of our hearts we can ask ourselves: What is our HOPE of Advent? A Hope for some wished-for gifts? A hope for nice time of shopping, parties, or visits? Such hopes are all good! But as followers of Christ, our true hope has to be Jesus, who did come into the world. Advent is a reminder that we need to open our hearts, our homes, our church for Him and His way, His truth, His teachings, and His values. This Advent we sing again, O come, O come Emmanuel! ‘Emmanuel’ means ‘God-with-us.’ What can we do to let Jesus and his way be ‘with us’? Besides all the external preparations for Christmas, with the grace of God, our high Hope for this Advent can be:

•   In addition to being faith to weekend Mass, if your schedule allows, go to weekday Mass a few times this Advent. Be sure to go to church on the holy day of obligation Dec. 8 (Immaculate Conception). Also: Take time for the Holy Hour on FRI Dec 7th from 9 to 10 am.

•   Manage to 'slow down' and spend some time to pray, to do some spiritual readings, and to reflect on the ‘Reason for the Season!’ May I suggest that you take some time to read the Book “THE HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF GREEN BAY” to see how God has worked in our Diocese and in all the parishes in the Diocese during the past 150 years. Consider joining the ‘Book Group’ led by Caroline Lampereur, etc.

•   Plan ahead for the Parish Advent Reconciliation Service (with individual Confession) on TUE December 11 (4:30 PM in Wabeno) or THU Dec 13 (6 PM in Lakewood) as our interior preparation for Christmas. Check the Bulletin for other time available for individual Confession.

  You may want to find a way to share the meaning of Advent & Christmas with your children or grandchildren etc. Review & share the meaning of such symbols as Christmas trees & lights, candy canes, or Santa Claus... with them, too. These are just a few suggestions. You may come up with your own Advent practices. Whatever you do, may the Emmanuel bless you and yours in a special way during Advent with

  Hope & Peace, Joy & Love. Fr. Philip