Fourth Sunday of Advent

My Dear Parishioners,

As we assemble to celebrate the Lord’s Day we also mark the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Our Advent journey is nearly complete for we have only five days before reaching the Solemnity of Our Lord’s Nativity. In today’s Gospel we hear about the journey made by the Mother of God to her relative Saint Elizabeth. Mary’s travels from Nazareth south to Ein Karem, the village of Zachariah and Elizabeth. When the Blessed Virgin arrives and the two pregnant women embrace the Prophet John stirs within Elizabeth’s womb in recognition of the presence of the Lamb of God. Saint Elizabeth cries out: BLESSED ARE YOU AMONG WOMEN AND BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF YOUR WOMB.

The Lord wants to visit with us if we have room in our hearts for Him. When sin and evil take up residence in our souls we need to seek repentance and forgiveness in the sacrament of penance. Confession is the spiritual cleansing we need to undergo to make ourselves right with God and one another. I pray that you and your family will come to confession tomorrow evening (Monday) at 7 o’clock for our Advent Penitential Devotions. A number of priests will be available for confession. Our Advent journey is not complete without the sacrament of penance.

Last Sunday Father Jamie announced at the two masses he celebrated that he would no longer be coming to Rockaway for Mass. Father Jamie has taken on added responsibilities in the religious institute of which he is a member. This lack of time and the burden of driving one hour from New York State to Rockaway has taken its toll. Father has agreed to return when I am in dire need for help. Father Jamie will be with us until January 3rd. In the meantime, I extend an invitation to you to join with me in a reception for Father Jamie in Hayes Hall of Sunday, December 27th following the 12:15 p.m. Mass. I know that Father will be happy to see you and for you to give him your best wishes.

I look forward to seeing all of you in church for Christmas. This is a major feast day and a holy day of obligation. Please take careful note of the Mass times because I have made a few adjustments to the schedule.

Please remember to keep Christ in Christmas!

God bless you!
Father Zig