Cathedral Family,
We are already in the Second Sunday of Advent. The season is calling us to enter more deeply into what we are really longing. Through the readings and prayers and music of the season, we are meant to become more contemplative in our spirit. To allow ourselves to hear our inner selves’ true needs; and by encountering our deepest needs---we encounter the power of God working in our lives. We are in need of more silence, more stillness. Do you know how you could accomplish that in your daily schedule?
I am delighted to share with you that just prior to the departure of Bishop Checchio, he assigned Deacon Bob Yunker to the Cathedral of St. Francis. As many of you know, Deacon Bob and his wife Elaine had been long time parishioners here prior to his ordination as a deacon. He was then assigned to St. Helena in Edison for the past 14 years. I am so happy he will establish his diaconal ministry among us. Elaine is one of the directors of Life Choices, across the street from the Cathedral, which does so much good to advance the mission of life. Welcome to both of them as they return home to the Cathedral.
This Saturday will be the lighting of the Christmas trees and the blessing of the crèche. This year, we are blessed to have a brand new stable built by one of our own parishioners, Mr. Joe DeMeglio. He has spent hours crafting this crèche with love for the Lord. We are most grateful to his stewardship for our parish. We also have a new set of nativity figures---that are much larger and in color! Thank you to all who memorialized a figure in honor of a loved one. I believe that our patron, St. Francis of Assisi, must be very happy with his parish---as it was he who created the first crèche scenes as a means to evangelize about the story of Christ’s birth. May many who look upon this sacred scene be moved by God’s love for us and choose to take Him into their heart this Christmas season.
This coming Friday, please join us for Praise and Worship of the Blessed Sacrament at the Friday night, Holy Hour. We will also have priests available for confession.Let us remain fixed on Jesus coming again in Glory! We know not the day nor the hour---but He wants to find us ready. Going to confession, receiving the Eucharist faithfully…spending time praying the rosary. Let us stay awake for the Lord’s appointment with our soul.
In Jesus,
Father Christy