The First Sunday of Advent
From The Font
““Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.”
Advent is a season of waiting. In the first few weeks, our readings on Sunday and during the week are all about waiting for the Second Coming of Jesus. In the last few weeks, the readings are all about remembering the waiting before the Christ Child was born.
The modern world makes waiting hard! Even if we can get Amazon to deliver us a fancy fur- lined Swedish shoe caddy in 48 hours or less, there are some things which can’t be rushed. You can’t hurry love, as the song says. You can’t rush practice or training. You can’t speed up virtue or learning. And you can’t make the spiritual life happen without waiting.
Even though “the Christmas season” tends to overshadow Advent, there’s a lot of wisdom to be found in the simple Advent message of waiting. Patience is, as they say, a virtue. And a virtue is, at its most fundamental level, a habit. Even the great theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Love, are habits. Love, for example, is “willing” the good of the beloved. So if I love someone, I make a habit of working for their good. I support them emotionally. I may give them gifts or help them out in their need. If that love is mutual, the habit of love may extend even further. But no matter how we frame it, love is the consistent “willing” of the good of the beloved.
Patience, too, in the spiritual sense, is a consistent habit of trusting in the Lord by waiting and by not reacting negatively to the lack of getting my way.
Advent calls for us to consider that we don’t know when Jesus will return. Will it be in my lifetime? It could be... Or not... There’s no way to know. There’s no secret code or trick to find out. We just have to wait... That’s not an accident. It’s actually good training because regardless of when Jesus returns, most of us are going to meet Him again when we die in this life. And we have no way of knowing when that will be either! So it’s a win-win to take advantage of Advent to build up the virtue of patience. We can start doing that concretely, by building in more silent time to our daily prayer. Even a minute or two of quiet listening to the Lord during prayer can be life changing!
Thoughts from Fr. Ryan
As the season of Advent unfolds, a purposeful atmosphere permeates all the Liturgies of the Church. Amidst the anticipation and hope, there’s the distinctive absence of the Gloria during Sunday Mass. This intentional silence holds a profound significance, inviting us to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation and the spirit of penance that characterizes this sacred season.
The Gloria, a hymn of praise and adoration, is a central element of the Roman Catholic liturgy, traditionally sung during the Mass. However, during Advent, it is purposefully withheld. This omission is not a sign of neglect or oversight but a deliberate choice that carries deep theological and spiritual meaning.
Advent, which is derived from the Latin word meaning "coming," marks the beginning of the liturgical year. It is a season of joyful anticipation as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. However, this period is not only about looking back to the historical event of Christ's birth but also about anticipating His glorious Second Coming.
The omission of the Gloria during Advent is a liturgical expression of this dual focus. The Gloria resounds with exuberant praise, proclaiming the glory of God revealed in the Incarnation. Its absence during Advent creates a sense of yearning, underscoring the longing for the Savior's arrival. The Church, during this time, embraces a posture of waiting, cultivating a spirit of patient expectation.
But Advent isn’t just about waiting and what will be... Advent is a penitential season, inviting believers to engage in self-reflection, repentance, and spiritual preparation. The withholding of the Gloria aligns with this penitential character, emphasizing a more somber and reflective tone in worship. The liturgy during Advent directs attention to the themes of hope, repentance, and quiet anticipation, setting the stage for the festive celebration of Christ's birth.
In this intentional silence, the Church echoes the sentiments of John the Baptist, the herald of Christ, who proclaimed, "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths" (Matthew 3:3). The omission of the Gloria serves as a symbolic act of clearing away the noise and distractions, creating a spiritual space for believers to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Lord.
As the season progresses, the liturgy subtly shifts. In some places, even the shade of violet or purple vestments is changed from a darker purple to a bluer one. This is meant to be a nod to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to signal a shift in tone from “early Advent” to “late Advent” which begins on the 17th of December, after Rose Sunday.
The Advent silence is fully broken on Christmas Eve when the Church joyfully declares with the Angel, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will!" The resounding return of the Gloria marks the culmination of the Advent journey, celebrating the fulfillment of God's promise in the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mass Intentions for the Coming Week
- Sat 5:30p In memory of Nettie and Phillip Scurria/family
- Sun 9:30a Pro Populo for the Living & Deceased Members of our Parish
- Mon No Mass
- Tue 9:00a In memory of Delia Trichell/T Trichell
- Wed 9:00a In memory of Leon Humphries
- Thu 9:00a In memory of Rosa and Gus Gremshell and May DiTomasso
- Thu 5:30p Vigil of Holy Day In memory of Carl and Mary Larpenter/Rome
- Fri 5:30p Holy Day of Obligation In memory of Becky Lancaster/family
- Sat 5:30p In memory of Dale Magoun/family
- Sun 9:30a Populo for the Living Deceased Members of our Parish
ALTAR CANDLES this week are burning for the special intentions of MaryAnne Gilfoil
Assistants at Holy Mass
| Date | Servers | Lectors | EMHCs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/2 5:30p | None Scheduled | MK Book | M Rome |
| 12/3 9:30a | Kathleen and Evelyn | A Oliver | None Scheduled |
| 12/9 5:30p | None Scheduled | L Bullard | A Keene |
| 12/10 9:30a | Chandler and Annie | B Sullivan | None Scheduled |
| 12/16 5:30p | None Scheduled | A Farlow | N Ernst |
| 12/17 9:30a | MaryKatherine and Courtland | Youth | None Scheduled |
Upcoming Events
- Confessions every Friday & Saturday from 5p until Mass and on Sunday from 9a until Mass
- Sunday Catechism with Coffee and Donuts after Mass unless otherwise indicated
- Wednesday Morning Catechism about 9:30 a.m in Church and on Facebook and YouTube
- Pastoral Council meeting monthly on the third Wednesday at 6p
- Dec 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Holy Day of Obligation)
- Dec 17 Birthday Party for Jesus - Church Hall - following Sunday Mass
- Dec 17 Adult Christmas Party - Church Hall - 6 p.m.
For Your Information:
ROSARY GROUP… a group of parishioners is meeting on Monday at 5:30 p.m. to pray the Rosary. Everyone is invited to join the group. If you need additional information, please contact the Coordinator, Louise Magoun, at 318-341-2403.
PILGRIMAGE!... Fr Ryan is leading a Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome in Italy in September of 2024. More information is available at HolyTravels.org/FrHumphriesItaly . Please pass the word around!
FORMED.ORG… FORMED has an entire page of weekly featured videos that are worth checking out at https://watch.formed.org/this-week-on-formed. Remember to sign in using our parish’s zip code (71282) at http://signup.formed.org
PLEDGE TO HEAL...If you or a family member has been abused or victimized by a representative of the Catholic church or a member of the clergy, please believe in the possibility for hope and help and healing. Dr. Lee Kneipp, Clinical Psychologist, Victim Assistance Coordinator, Diocese of Alexandria encourages those persons to come forward and speak out. Dr. Kneipp is establishing support groups in the central Louisiana area for victims and family members. The focus of these groups is to further emotional and spiritual healing as an adjunct to therapy, in an atmosphere of others who understand the pain, betrayal, and fear associated with abuse. Dr. Kneipp can be reached at 318-542-9805. All calls are confidential.
BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS…DECEMBER 17…will be held in the Church Hall on Sunday following Mass. Kendra Collins is giving leadership to the event; and, if you can assist her in any way, please contact Kendra, Father Ryan, or the Church Office.
THE CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR ADULTS will return this year! Our date is Sunday evening, December 17 at 6 p.m. As in the past, you are free to invite folks from the community, but no one under 21 is allowed. Thanks in advance to all who will help us bring back this fun tradition!
CALENDARS…Our Catholic calendars for 2024 can be found on the table at the entrance of the church. We have enough copies available for families to have one for home and one for their office. All of the Holy Days of Obligation as well as other notations relating to special days of prayer are shown. Please take some copies for your use.
POINSETTIAS AND CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS ENVELOPES…there are envelopes on the table at the entrance of church which you can use to make donations “In Memory of…” or “In Honor of…” family and friends and contribute to the poinsettias and decorations for the Advent and Christmas season. You can drop your envelope (or check with a notation that it is for flowers) in the collection basket or give it to Father Ryan or leave it at the office.
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY…a Holy Day of Obligation…to satisfy your obligation to attend Mass, there will be a Mass of Anticipation on Thursday, December 7 at 5:30 p.m. as well as the Mass on the feast day, Friday, December 8, at 5:30 p.m.
Stewardship We are the servants of God, each with his or her own task. We will be judged good stewards if, at His coming, He finds us ready and conscientiously pursuing the tasks to which we have been called.
SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for our once a month Building Fund.
Our Return to the Lord
| Weekly Budget FY 2022-23 | $ 2,111 |
| October Budget | $ 10,555 |
| October income | $ 9,500 |
| October Expenses | $ 14,826 |
| November Budget | $ 8,444 |
| November Income To Date | $ 6,997 |
Let us Rejoice in the Lord!
Happy Birthday Nick Hall (Dec 7), Chris Hall (Dec 7)
Happy Anniversary Dana and Randy Dukes (Dec 3)
In Our Daily Prayers…
Please let us know of anyone who is ill or hospitalized and would like to receive a visit from Father. Also, help us keep our prayer list up to date by advising us of those who should be added or removed.
Our Pope Francis; Bishop Robert Marshall, and our Diocesan leaders, our President, Governor, Mayor and national, state and local elected representatives
Our parishioners who are sick, shut-in, or otherwise in need of our prayers: MaryKathryn and Nap Book, Connie and Dan Copes, Elizabeth Crothers, Leslye Ellerbee, Susan and Johnny Gilfoil, Margaret and Pat Gilfoil, Terry Farlow Hall, C.W. and Alyce Keene, Bill Kennedy, Hannah Wood McCarty, Ed Mills, Terry and Susie Murphy, Bobby Reynolds, Sue & Mike Rome
Those under full-time care: Frances Kennedy
Our friends and relatives who need our prayers: Lee Adams (Smith), Ashley Alexander (Regan), Graham Allen (S Gilfoil), Kathryn Wood Allsopp (D Wood), Pam Amacker (Gilfoil), James Arceneaux (Book), Marie Farlow Bellard, Tommy Bickham (C Copes), Chris Breard (Gilfoil), Willetta and Mac Cagnolatti, Sarah Cannon (Gilfoil), Fran Castile (Keene), Jeannie and Donald Collins, Jami Cook (Wilks), Bobbe and Gene Cox, Marla Evans Cummings, Susan Ward Daigle (Gilfoil & Keene), Carol Dipert (Rome), Mac Donaldson (Ellerbee), Joe Farlow, Mike Farlow, Patty Farlow, Monique Florence, Judy Fortenberry, April Franklin (Wilks), Larry Garley (Gilfoil), Thom Gilfoil, Wyly Gilfoil (Gilfoil), Charlotte Green, Rita Hargrave, Ralph Harris (Gilfoil), Arlice Evans Headley, Evie Hilburn (Lancaster), Charles Howington, Will Irby (P Gilfoil), Dee Jones (Keene), LaLa Lopez (Hernandez), Caroline Marcello (Watts), Michelle McGuire(Gilfoil), Kiely McKellar (S Gilfoil), Mona Martin (MA Gilfoil), Cindy Mathieu (Wilks), Boyce Miller, John Neill, Caryn Oliver, Wayne Pitre (Gilfoil), Bailey, Scott and Tiffney Rome, Dianne W. Roper (Murphy), Janie Saxon (Lancaster), Walter and Vivian Scott, Debbie Kedrick Sims, Tommy Trichell, LeeAnn Rome Tranchina (Rome), Mary Claire Warner and her parents, MaryBeth and Steve
Our collegiates: Aidan Collins, Preston Collins, Henry Ellerbee, Callie Ezell, Lilly Falgout, Jag Gilfoil, Chris Hall (USMC), Nick Hall, Bruen Johnson, Matilda Johnson, Caroline Marsh, Emmy Lu Marsh, Blake Sullivan, Carter Sullivan, Walker Sullivan, Marsh Wood
