2nd Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners,

Today’s Gospel is taken from the beginning of Mark. Unlike Luke and Matthew, Mark does not include any details of Jesus’ birth. Instead, Mark begins with the appearance of John the Baptist in the desert. On this Second Sunday of Advent, we are invited to reflect upon the role of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus and the salvation that He would bring to us. John the Baptist is presented to us as a model during Advent. We, too, are called upon to prepare a way for the Lord. Like John the Baptist, we are messengers in service to one who is greater than we are. Our Baptism commissions us to call other to life as disciples of Jesus.

Women and men religious have spent their lives serving others in prayer, ministry, education, and care for those in need—usually for little or no pay. Today, their religious communities do not have enough retirement savings. As they age, they require essential care and medications. Please support them by giving to the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your donation makes a difference for nearly 25,000 senior men and women religious.

The second collection today is for the Retirement Fund for Religious.

Please turn in all gifts for the Giving Tree by Wednesday, December 13 th . Please secure the name tag to the gifts.

River Parish Community Theatre’s annual Christmas concert will be on Sunday, December 17 th at 5:00 P.M. in St. Peter Church. It is free and open to the public.

Have a Blessed Advent Week!