Message from our Pastor
Pastor’s Message – Church of Saint Benedict
December 13, 2024
Memorial of St. Lucy, Virgin & Martyr
O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord’s Nativity, enable us, we prayer, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Collect for the Mass on Gaudete Sunday
Brothers & Sisters,
“Rejoice in the Lord always; I say it again, rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.” These words from St. Paul (Philippians 4:4–5) will greet us on the Third Sunday of Advent, or Gaudete Sunday.
The word “Gaudete” means “Rejoice” in Latin. On this day, the penitential purple vestments give way to rose or pink, and the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath is lit. These changes visually mark the nearing conclusion of Advent as Christmas approaches.
We are called to rejoice not only in the coming celebration of Christ’s Nativity but also because His Second Coming draws closer. God’s promises of redemption and salvation move ever closer to fulfillment. In the Gospel for Gaudete Sunday (Luke 3:10–18), John the Baptist proclaims that Christ will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, purging sin from our souls. This act of cleansing, born of God’s infinite love and mercy, calls us to repentance and conversion.
Because of Christ’s Divine Mercy, any fear of welcoming Him—in the present or future—should give way to joy. He is our hope, our salvation. Rejoice, for the Lord is near!
Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebrations
Thank you to everyone who joined yesterday’s Rosary and Mass honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. The celebration continues this Saturday at 4:00 PM in the parish church, with children reenacting the encounter between Our Lady and St. Juan Diego, a rosary, and dancers.
Bishop Konderla will celebrate the 5:00 PM Vigil Mass, followed by a procession to McGuire Hall for a reception with light refreshments. All are welcome.
Our Parish
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Retreat: Please pray for our 3rd and 4th-grade children and their families as they participate in a retreat this Sunday after the 9:00 AM Mass in McGuire Hall.
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Angel Tree Project: Thank you to everyone contributing gifts for children in need through the Angel Tree Project, in partnership with Broken Arrow Neighbors. Please return gifts to the church commons.
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2025 Calendars: Parish calendars are now available in the church commons—free to all.
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Film Screening: After the 9:00 AM Mass this Sunday, Room 101 will host a showing of “All or Nothing: Sr. Clare”, a documentary about Sr. Clare Crockett, who left a promising acting career to fully commit to Christ. All are invited.
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TMIY (That Man Is You): Our men’s ministry will take a break from Wednesday meetings and resume in January. Thanks to the core team and all participants in 2024!
Advent Masses
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Extra Masses: Early morning Masses are available on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 6:30 AM during Advent. Saturday’s liturgy will include a traditional Rorate Caeli Mass honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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Regular Daily Masses: Masses will also be held at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Sacraments of Healing
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Anointing of the Sick: This sacrament will be offered at the conclusion of all Masses this weekend. The elderly, those with chronic illnesses, or anyone preparing for medical procedures are encouraged to receive this sacrament.
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Reconciliation Service: Our Advent Reconciliation Service will be held on Tuesday, December 17, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Multiple priests will be available for confessions.
Christmas Masses
Masses for the Nativity of the Lord:
- Christmas Eve: 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and Midnight.
- Christmas Day: 10:00 AM.
Please invite anyone who has been away from Mass, regardless of their reasons or how long they have been absent, to join you for Christmas. Extend this invitation to those without a church home.
One of St. Benedict’s mottos reminds us to welcome everyone with respect and dignity as if they were Christ Himself. Let us make our parish a place of joy and hospitality as we celebrate the Lord’s Nativity.
God bless you and keep you safe.
Fr. Bryan
Fr. Bryan