Christ The King!

Dear Parishioners,

Christ is King!  On Sunday, we celebrate Christ King of the Universe.  This solemnity emphasizes Christ’s role as the eternal King, who brings peace, truth, and justice.  The faithful are called to recognize the submit to His kingship by living out His teachings and following as his disciples.  This feast sets the stage for Advent, preparing us to welcome Christ as the newborn king foretold by Isaiah the prophet.  I would also like to wish you a blessed Thanksgiving! I will be celebrating Thanksgiving Mass at 8:00 am.  The word Eucharist means “thanksgiving”; what a great reminder to us of the immeasurable gift Christ offers to us of his most sacred body and blood.  I would like to thank you all personally and individually for all you do to give of yourselves to our parishes of St. Joseph and St. Mary.  Many of you do so many things for the parish behind the scenes that make our parish an incredible place to encounter the face of Christ.  I am truly grateful and humbled by the many ways in which you offer your time, talent, and treasure.

We will also be beginning the Advent Season!  Four weeks of preparation for the coming of Christ into the world.  I invite you to begin praying and considering how the Lord is inviting you and your families to make your home, work, and hearts a welcome place for the Holy Family.  Perhaps it will be with deepening your prayer life by setting aside dedicated time each day to pray.  Or maybe spending time with the Scriptures, especially reflecting upon the Gospels, which highlight the anticipation and fulfillment of the Messiah.  Set out reminders of the Advent season in your homes, such as the Advent Wreath and the weekly candles lit during supper.  This will be a time of hope and anticipation!  May we prepare well for the next part of the journey, as we celebrate with family and loved ones during this Thanksgiving time!

 Lastly, I would like to invite all our parishioners of St. Joseph and St. Mary to an Advent Open House at St. Joseph’s rectory on Saturday, December 13th, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Snacks and Refreshments will be provided, so please feel free to stop by and hang out!

In Christ,

Fr. Luke Fleck