Dear Parishioners,

Today we begin the season of Advent. “Advent” means “arrival” and this season speaks to us of the Advent of Christ. Actually the Church reflects on three arrivals of Christ. We remember His coming into the world as a human being. We look forward to Christ’s coming in glory at the end of the world. We realize that Christ comes to us every day in the people and events of our life. During the first part of Advent the Church focuses on the future arrival of Christ. This part of Advent lasts from today through December 16. On December 17 the Church’s focus shifts to preparing to celebrate the birth of God made flesh. I think that for most of us Advent is very difficult to celebrate well because what the Church asks us to do is very different from what our society is doing. I hope that we can experience these days of Advent as a time to be prepared for Christ’s arrival. Let me conclude by noting that part of getting ready to welcome Christ with joy is celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. That is why we schedule Communal Celebrations of Confession in addition to our usually scheduled times. Below is our Communal Penance schedule for this Advent. I encourage taking advantage of one of these opportunities.

Communal Penance Services:
Kentland – Tuesday Dec. 6th 7PM (CST)
Oxford – Tuesday Dec. 13th 7PM
Sacred Heart – Tuesday Dec. 20th 1PM
Otterbein – Tuesday Dec. 20th 7PM

Fr. Richard Weisenberger