Fr. Simon's Letter - December 5, 2021

There is something beautiful about all the lights that we now see around us in the streets and shop windows. As they shine and sparkle, they are trying to catch our eye and get our attention. As homes, towns and cities are decorated, clothed in a way in a festive ‘robe,’ and as days get darker and trees lie barren, we are reminded of the words of the prophet Baruch which we hear in the first reading this weekend, ‘Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God forever.’

While this year the pandemic has taken a toll on each of us, the Advent message lifts us up to recognize the gift of divine joy as we try to rebuild to a ‘new normal.’ The Jewish people had lost faith and hope in the promise of a messiah who would restore them to former days of glory. However, God had not forgotten them. He had other plans for them.  Many of us have come to accept the fact that there is no going back to what was before, the pre-pandemic time. We now must move forward, toward healing and a ‘new beginning.’ It will be well for us to do everything we can to welcome the ‘dawn of light’ into our lives and avoid anything that impedes what God wants to accomplish through us.

This weekend, we will have our tree-lighting ceremony before the 5pm Mass and next Sunday, December 12, I invite you to ‘Santa’s Drive-Thru for Share Christmas’ from 2 to 4pm. Like last year, I encourage you to bring an unwrapped gift of a toy, clothing, home goods or gift cards from Target, Walmart, Jewel or Amazon to Mass, or to our ‘Santa’s Drive-Thru for Share Christmas.’ Santa’s elves will be here to collect the gifts you bring. Afterwards, stop by for a cup of cocoa, games and pictures with Santa.  In the past, through your generosity and the efforts of our St. Vincent de Paul Society, QASPA and WAX, we were able to collect nearly 500 gifts that brought joy and happiness to those in need . (Details  are in this bulletin).

Later that evening, we will once again take part in the ‘Worldwide Candle Lighting Service’ honoring the memory of any child who has died. As the holidays can be especially difficult for grieving families, being a part of this service at QAS can bring solace to parents and families who are mourning the loss of a child.

On Saturday, December 18, along with the Filipino American Community Association (FACA) of Queen of All Saints we will celebrate Simbang Gabi for the 33rd year here at our parish. ‘Misa de Gallo,’ or Simbang Gabi, is a Filipino religious tradition dating back to the late 16th century that is celebrated during the season of Advent in preparation for the coming of Jesus on Christmas. Traditionally, this Mass is celebrated in the early morning hours, typically at 4am when the roosters crow to announce the coming of a new day. Hence, it is called Misa de Gallo ( Gallo means ‘rooster’). Here in the Unites States, these Masses are celebrated in the evening to accommodate work schedules and make the celebration more accessible to families. Thus, the name is changed from Misa de Gallo to Simbang Gabi, which means ‘Night Mass.’ 

By now I’m sure you see that there are a lot of good things happening this month. With all these activities, do not pass up the opportunity to make your confessions. Confessions are heard on Saturday mornings following the 8am Mass and on Mondays, through December 20, from 7 to 8pm.

Come and be part of our preparations for Christmas!!

Blessings!!