Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
Advent Begins!
Symbolizing eternal hope, the wreath goes ’round and ’round, And where it starts or ends cannot be found. Woven of things that grow – for life, and hung for holiday delight, The wreath must be left in place From Advent through Twelfth Night. ~Unknown Today is the first day of Advent – a time of anticipation, darkness and preparation. While we are shopping for the perfect gifts, baking the delicious cookies, cleaning and decorating the house, let...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Luke 1:42 I love the gospel reading used in today’s Mass. From the book of Luke, the reading is about Mary’s visit with Elizabeth; both women are pregnant – Mary with Jesus and Elizabeth with John (the Baptist). Every time I have heard or read these verses, I have always wondered about the very human element of those involved. Certainly, these two unborn babies would...
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Third Sunday of Advent
Father, I trust in your love. Teach me the way of surrender, the way of peace. The readings from today are about bringing everything to God, carrying for those in need and the hope and the promise of the coming Savior, Jesus Christ. In the wake of the shootings at the Sandy Hook School, in Newtown, Connecticut, these ideas seem particularly timely. People discuss how this could happen and what could have been done to prevent it from occurring....
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
Second Sunday of Advent
Father, I want to hear your voice today. Open my ears, so that I can here you; Open my heart, so that I can embrace you. On December 9, 2012, I had the privilege of participating in the Rite of Acceptance with Kristi. The Mass was offered at Holy Trinity Church, where she and my son, Jeff, have been attending. Our entrance into the Mass was quite dramatic. Following the Introductory Rites, the teens in our RCIA group...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
First Sunday of Advent
O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. Today marks the first Sunday of Advent, that time when the colors in the church are a violet purple shade, the Advent wreath adorns the side altar, the Giving Tree is prominently displayed and we begin to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Earlier this...