Amidst the challenges of the pandemic which tend to cloud our vision from appreciating how blessed we still are, it is good to pause and know that we really have so much to be grateful for as individuals, and families, as a faith community here at church and school, and as a nation.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I invite you to gaze towards the Cross and see Our Lord not defeated but victorious – fulfilling His purpose to draw all people to Himself (John 12:32) – to reconcile us to Himself out of Love. This is the reason why we prepare during Advent in a spirit of hopeful longing, joyful expectation, prayerful penance, and spiritual preparation for the birth of the Emmanuel, God-with-us, on Christmas Day.

During the Advent season, families are encouraged to spend time together preparing for the approaching celebration of His birth. An Advent wreath can be a great focal point for family prayers and celebrations for the season.

What is an advent wreath? It is a wreath of laurel, spruce or similar foliage with four candles that are lighted successively in the weeks of Advent to symbolize the light that the birth of Christ brought into the world. Traditionally three of the candles are purple, the color of kings and of penance. A rose-colored candle is used to mark the Third Sunday of Advent as a time to rejoice over the closeness of Christmas and the coming of Christ.

Here at Saint Raymond’s, for the next four weekends, we will light the candle of the Advent wreath and we invite families to take part of this beautiful tradition in our liturgy. We have very limited numbers of spots. Kindly limit sign-up to only one so we can accommodate the first 20 families to help us do so.

Let us pray. God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. He is a sign of your love. Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent, As we wait and prepare for his coming. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.

Peace and blessings,
Father Erick