Fr. Simon's Letter - December 11, 2022

JOY is the theme for the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. There is a shift in the focus of our Advent preparation. For the first two weeks of Advent, the focus can be summed up in the phrase, “The Lord is coming.”  But beginning with Gaudete Sunday, the summary might be, “The Lord is near.”  A lighter mood and a heightened sense of joyous anticipation mark this shift.

Liturgically, the colors lighten as well. The priest usually wears rose-colored vestments, a hue seen only on Gaudete Sunday and Laetare Sunday. On this day, we light the third candle of the Advent wreath, which is also rose-colored. The word “Gaudete” is Latin for “Rejoice.” This celebration reminds us that God, who loves us, is still in charge and that we await his coming not with fear but with tremendous joy. 

Most of us have been on the receiving end of a joyful experience. In all of the mess that surrounds us, we still experience moments of joy. The news of a pregnancy, the birth of a child, a promotion or raise at work, an all-clear report from the doctor, these and other events are all moments that bring us joy. There are also times when we can offer hope and joy to others through our attitude and generosity. We can be faithful witnesses to Jesus in our lives.

Joy filled the hearts of many children, parents, and parishioners who came to our - hold your breath - ‘Christmas Cottage Brunch, Pictures with Santa and Share Christmas’ celebrations last Sunday. There were children dressed in the finest to get a picture with Santa. While many children ran excitedly towards Santa, some had to be calmed down and assured that jolly old St. Nick had a treat for them. Families enjoyed a spread of goodies and hot chocolate while buying little gifts for others, and many of you brought gifts to share with those in need. Thank you for your generosity to the ‘Share Christmas’ effort that brings joy into the lives of many families. Please join me in thanking the members of the Women's Guild who transformed the Parish Center into a Christmas Cottage and for the wonderful spread of tasty treats we all enjoyed (no calorie counting today!). A special thank you goes to Laurie Vlasic, Dave Kennedy, Cathy Carroll, our Scouts, and the host of student volunteers who made it possible for all to get into the spirit of the season. Thank You!

Next Saturday, December 17, along with the Filipino American Community Association of Queen of All Saints (FACA), we will celebrate Simbang Gabi. This year marks the 34th annual celebration of Simbang Gabi at Queen of All Saints! "Misa de Gallo" or Simbang Gabi is a Filipino religious tradition that dates back to the late 16th century. Simbang Gabi takes place during the season of Advent in preparation for the coming of Jesus on Christmas Day. Traditionally, this Mass occurs in the early morning hours, typically at 4 am, when the rooster's crow announces the coming of a new day. Hence, it is called Misa de Gallo (‘Gallo’ means ‘rooster’). Here in the United States, these Masses are celebrated in the evening to accommodate work schedules and make the celebration more accessible to families. Thus, the name was changed from Misa de Gallo to Simbang Gabi, meaning ‘Night Mass .’ Following Mass, the celebration continues in the gym with a taste of Filipino food and culture. I invite you to take part in this year's Simbang Gabi celebration.

As we draw closer to the great feast of Christmas, I invite you to prepare for our Savior's coming spiritually. At home, pray with your family around the Advent wreath. Set time aside to go to the basilica for quiet prayer and reflection and to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. Confessions are heard on Saturday morning following the 8 am Mass and on Monday, December 19, in the evening from 7 to 8 pm. Please note that confessions will not be heard on Christmas eve morning so the 19th will be your last opportunity for confession before Christmas. 

Come. Join us in our offerings for this Advent season.

Blessings!!