Second Sunday of Advent 2012

 

 

Hinges make it possible for doors to function -

     The quality and strength of the hinges

           Increase the function of the door.

 

Advent is the door through which we pass each year to prepare to remember the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

And like all trustworthy doors, Advent rests on sturdy hinges. This door hinges on scriptural reminders of God's promise to Israel to send them a savior.

          God's promise to free them from oppression

              God's promise to be their God

                        And Guide through the ups and downs of life.

 

Let us hinge our preparation for Christmas on a strong Advent of prayer, generosity, and works of charity and compassion.

Let us also remember the words of Pope Benedict XVI, who once wrote, "It is the beautiful task of Advent to evoke in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope."

 

                                                           ~ Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP

Band of Sisters at Bantam Cinema

On Saturday, November 17, over 40 people from the tri-state area came to Bantam Cinema in Bantam, CT, to view the new documentary, "Band of Sisters."

Director and  producer Mary Fishman, from Chicago, was present to answer questions from the audience and Sisters Rosemarie Greco and Jo-Ann Iannotti led a Q&A session after the film.

The film dealt with how sisters in the Catholic Church responded to the call for renewal which came from the Second Vatican Council.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advent Hope

The Advent mystery focuses on the light of faith, upon the very meaning of life, history, humanity, the world, of our very being.

In Advent we celebrate the coming of the presence of Christ in our world.

The fact that the world is other than it might be does not alter the truth that Christ is still present in it...

Our Advent is a celebration of this hope.

 

                                                               -   Thomas Merton

Red Biretta

       On November 23, Pope Benedict XVI created six new Cardinals.  As he placed the red biretta on them, he reminded them that the red biretta was a symbol of a “life entrusted with the service of love:  love of God, church, and an unconditional love for your brothers and sisters, even to shedding of blood in martyrdom."

 

 

        The cardinals are asked to “serve with the transparency and wisdom of teachers, the energy and strength of shepherds, and the fidelity and courage of martyrs.”

Thankful

Thanksgiving Day reminds us to celebrate

             the bounty of the earth,

                    the gift of family and community,

                                     the presence of our

                                                             God.