The Advent season is filled with preparation and expectation. Everyone is getting ready for Christmas — shopping and decorating, baking and cleaning. Too often, however, we are so busy with the material preparations that we lose sight of the real reason for our activity: the Word made flesh coming to dwell among us. Christians are urged to preserve the spiritual focus of Christmas amidst the prevailingly secular and consumer-driven society.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season, let us strive to keep Advent a season of waiting and longing, of conversion and hope, meditating often on the incredible love and humility of our God in taking on flesh of the Virgin Mary. In our shopping and baking, let us remember to purchase and prepare something for the poor. When we clean our homes, let us distribute some of our possessions to those who lack many necessities. While we are decking the halls of our homes, let us not forget to prepare a peaceful place in our hearts wherein our Saviour may come to dwell.

Come and join with us on  Sunday 1^st December for Children’s Liturgy as we celebrate the beginning of the new church year.

Seasons for Growth continues this Thursday 3:30 pm in top room.  We have one more session to conclude for this year.

Baskets for our Giving Mass on Thursday 12^th December are at the front office.

We continue to blossom and grow at St. Mary’s

Anne Saunderson