As we gather for the Eucharist today, most of us are still savoring the long Thanksgiving weekend. On this last weekend in November, we have been reminded of the many things we indeed should be thankful for in our nation of plenty. We also remember in our prayers all the men and women of our Armed Forces, who are serving us overseas at this holiday time, particularly those in the war zones of the Middle East.

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, the commercial world is in full swing with preparations for Christmas. With December's arrival this Monday, we know that Christmas is not far away! As we enter church this weekend, we are made aware that we have stepped into a new liturgical season and a brand new liturgical year! Our simple Advent wreaths and purple Advent banners remind us that once again, we are in preparation for the celebration of Christ's coming. Our Advent Scripture readings will have us focus on longing and waiting: Israel's waiting for the coming of the Messiah some 2000 years ago, the church's waiting for the coming of Christ at the end of time, and our own immediate waiting for the arrival of Christ this Christmas 2003.

As we begin this short Advent Season of a mere 25 days, we know it is an opportunity for us to step aside from the frenetic activity of holiday planning for a bit of spiritual preparation for a holy and meaningful Christmas. The flyer in today's bulletin gives you a listing of the many spiritual opportunities available to you in our own parish during these next three weeks. Now is the time to plan on taking advantage of a few of these prayer experiences.

Sunday Eucharist for each of the four Sundays of Advent and Mass attendance on the December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception (a holy day of obligation) are the most important ways to prepare for the Christmas Season. You might consider attending daily Mass one day a week during Advent, or plan on attending the feast day Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12.

On the three Thursdays of Advent, Fr. David Fontaine will be conducting special Scripture sessions to reflect on the upcoming Sunday readings. Fr. David will be offering two sessions each Thursday in the Cook Room at St. Joseph Parish; one at 10:00a.m., and another at 7:15p.m. Feel free to come to all three in the series or any one that you are able to attend! Some quiet time with the beautiful Advent Scripture readings will give you a sense of peace that will center you during this hectic pre-holiday time!

On Monday, December 1, at 7:00p.m., join us for a Holy Hour of Advent Lessons and Carols at St. Joseph Church, or spend some quiet time any Advent Wednesday in Eucharistic Adoration at Immaculate Conception's Mary Chapel. Finally, plan on attending our Advent Penance Service at 7:00p.m., December 17, at Immaculate Conception!

God grant you all a holy Advent Season!