This weekend is the 3rd Sunday of Advent & we light the rose candle on the Advent wreath, reminding us that the celebration of the coming of Christ is near. Next week, as we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent, that celebration will be very, very near. This is one of those years, where the 4th Sunday of Advent & Christmas Eve both fall on the same day.

  With that happening, the question may arise, “What do I need to do Mass wise?’ The answer is that we need to attend Mass once for the 4th Sunday of Advent & once for Christmas Eve/Day. The obligation for the 4th Sunday of Advent is satisfied by Mass on either Saturday evening or Sunday morning & the Christmas obligation is satisfied by Mass on either Sunday evening or Monday morning. One Mass doesn’t count for both obligations. So it will be a busy few days here at the parish. We will have our regular weekend schedule on Saturday evening & Sunday morning for the 4th Sunday of Advent Mass & then we’ll also have our normal Christmas Eve/Day schedule on Sunday evening & Monday morning. That will also mean that when you come to Mass for the 4th Sunday of Advent, no matter which Mass you come to, the church will be pretty much decorated for Christmas, with maybe just a few decorations that will be put out after the Sunday morning Mass is complete. For example, when you come to Mass on the 4th Sunday of Advent, you will see the structure of the Nativity Scene in place, but none of the figures. They will be put out after the morning Mass & be ready for our Christmas celebrations. For those who will be here for the celebrations, we look forward to celebrating with you! For those who are traveling for the Christmas holiday, please know of my prayers for a blessed & holy celebration! Have a blessed week & happy ALMOST Merry Christmas!