GOD SO LOVED HE GAVE

FROM A HEART OF GRATITUDE
WE GIVE OUR
TIME, TALENT & TREASURE

Everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God.
Stewardship is the ability to share our gifts of life – Time, Talent & Treasure with others, no strings attached and no conditions. We share these gifts out of our love for God and gratitude to Him.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matt 6:23

The word "Advent" comes from the Latin Adventus, which means "coming." It is a time for quiet reflection, prayer and conversion in anticipation of the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. The readings and the liturgies during Advent prepare us for the birth of Jesus, but they also prepare us for the Second Coming of Jesus at the end of the world. The season offers us the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert as we await his Second Coming. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. It ends at sundown on Christmas Eve. Since Christmas falls on different days of the week, Advent can range in duration from 22 days when Christmas falls on a Monday to 28 days when Christmas falls on a Sunday. Advent marks the beginning of the Church year. Unlike the secular year, which marks the passage of time, the liturgical year celebrates the sacred mysteries of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The year begins during Advent in anticipation of the coming of Jesus with reflections on the Hebrew prophecies and the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah.

OSV Weekly News

Traditions:  Advent wreath

For centuries, Catholics have lit the Advent wreath as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas. The evergreen branches shaped into a circle represent everlasting life promised by Jesus. Since Advent falls during the darkest time of the year, the lighting of the candles reminds us that Jesus came into the world to dispel darkness and radiate the light of God's love.

To make your own Advent wreath, you'll need four candle holders, three purple candles, one pink candle and real or artificial evergreen branches to circle the candles in the shape of a wreath. Some families like to add a white Christ candle in the center, which is lit on Christmas Eve.

There are a variety of different interpretations as to what each candle represents. For some, the candles represent an individual such as St. John the Baptist or Our Lady. For others, the candles represent places such as Bethlehem or Nazareth. For others, the candles represent a virtue, such as faith, hope, joy and love.

Here is a simple candle-lighting ceremony with ideas on how you can incorporate symbolism and prayer into your Advent wreath:

1st week of Advent: The first purple candle signifies hope. Light the candle and pray: Dear God, help each person in our family to wait patiently for the coming of Jesus. Fill us with hope. Amen.

2nd week of Advent: The second purple candle signifies peace. Light two purple candles and pray: Dear God, help each person in our family experience wonder and awe as we await the coming of the Christ Child. Fill us with a deep sense of peace. Amen.

3rd week of Advent: The pink candle signifies joy. Light two purple candles, one pink candle and pray: Dear God, help each person in our family understand the true meaning of Christmas. Fill us with joy as we anticipate the birth of Jesus. Amen.

4th week of Advent: The fourth candle signifies love. Light all of the candles and pray: Dear God, help each in our family grow in our appreciation of others as we prepare for the birth of Jesus. Fill us with love as we grow closer to the birth of Jesus. Amen.

 This article comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.

DONATE ON-LINE

Making a financial donation
to St. Thomas More
is now quick and easy
with our new on-line
donation form.
Please consider making
a donation today.

 Upcoming Events

CATHOLIC WEB LINKS

www.marriageuniqueforareason.org

www.21stcenturycatholicevangelization.org
Washington State Catholic Conference
North West Immigrants Rights Project
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Catholic Refugee and Immigration Services
Fr. Jim Northrop
St. Thomas More Relics on Display

Funerals
 

Parish Annual Report is here! Click on the link to see what's going on in our parish.