This weekend the church year begins anew as we begin the holy season of Advent, a name derived from the Latin word adventus, which means “the coming.” This holy season looks to the two comings of Christ; first, we look forward to our Lord’s return in glory at the end of time, and, second, beginning December 17th, we look back remembering that our Lord came to us in time to be one with us in all things but sin. While it may not have the same depth of austerity as Lent, Advent is a penitential season where the words of the prophets echo to us from ages past to prepare a way for the Lord in our hearts and lives.
I know that this time of year is a busy time for many of us, but I encourage you to not get swept away in the commotion. Advent is a beautiful season and even though it is penitential (thus the use of the color violet), it also possesses a subdued joy and peace. I encourage you to make use of this season and set aside some time for yourself with the Lord. May every nation, home, and heart make room for Christ, the Prince of Peace.
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
This Friday, December 8th, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This day remembers that Mary, from the very first moment of her conception in the womb of her mother St. Anne, was kept free from all touch or stain of sin, thus the Latin inscription above the great mosaic in the Cathedral macula non est in te (no stain is in you). This great gift of grace was to prepare her to be a perfect vessel in which the Lord Jesus would take on our human nature in all things but sin, taking his flesh and bone from Mary. This great solemnity is a holy day of obligation; Masses will be at 5:15PM for the vigil on Thursday the 7th and at 7:00AM, 12:05PM, and 5:15PM on Friday the 8th. Come and honor Mary our Blessed Mother, the Immaculate Conception, who is patroness of our
cathedral, diocese, and nation.
Greetings from the Holy Land
As you read this I am in the middle of my time in the Holy Land, serving as spiritual director for the diocesan pilgrimage. Last week saw us in Galilee for a few nights and as of Saturday we
arrive in Jerusalem for six nights, returning home on the 8th. I am praying for all of you; please pray for the safe journey of the group. God bless you!
Father Christopher House is the Rector-Pastor of the Cathedral and serves in various leadership roles within the diocesan curia, specifically Chancellor and Vicar Judicial.