Fr. Jim's Jots - Gaudete Sunday at St. E's - Third Sunday of Advent

 Gaudete Sunday

Third Sunday of Advent

December 12, 2021

Fr. Jim's Jots

Greetings!

It is Gaudete Sunday:  "Rejoice, the Lord is near!"  This Sunday we light the pink third candle on our Advent wreath.  Ready or not, Christmas is coming!  I pray for all our parishioners and friends during this year full of both joy and sorrow.

We have all been surely challenged with COVID.  My Mother moved from Naples, FL, in July to St. Mary's of the Woods in Richmond, only to die of the Virus on January 22, 2021, just one week before she was scheduled to get her first vaccine.  It has been a difficult year for so many of us.

Advent is a time to stop and reflect, to pause and pray.  I hope that you will be able to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday, December 18th at 1 p.m., with me and 3 other priests.  I am so grateful for the many acts of kindness this year:

~ The men who mow the lawn:  Howard Braxton, Eddie Gorman and Matthew Shishi

~ The wonderful Community Life Ladies who do a phenomenal job helping with our parish receptions

~ The folks who count our collections

~ The great and renowned Gospel Choir

~ All the Ministers who help with the liturgies

~ The office folks who have kept things going during the illness and death of our beloved Ms. Ethel Cooley

~ Pat Cleary and Gary Williams who replaced the side door to the Rectory office

~ Connie and all the members of our Social Justice Committee

~ The Parish Council and Finance Council members

All are loved and needed.  I "Rejoice" in ministries!

You are a Blessing,

Fr. Jim

~ Image Source