Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Take a moment to look around the church some time. You will see families of all sizes, shapes, and descriptions. Some are the biological variety, with a dad and mom and children of different ages. Some may be blended or adopted, foster families or families with only one parent in the home. Sometimes it is grandparents who open their homes to their grandchildren, or siblings who share an apartment and function as a family. Maybe the time has come for an elderly relative to move into your home.
Fr. John Daniel has served as Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe for the past 3 ½ years. During that time, he has been in residence at the rectory of Our Lady of Fatima and assisted with Masses and Confessions here in our parish. Fr. John has accepted a new assignment as Pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Los Alamos effective Wednesday, January 16th. We thank Fr. John for his sacramental ministry at Our Lady of Fatima and offer our best wishes for him in his new assignment. Please join us for a farewell reception with light refreshments on Sunday, January 13 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM in Fatima-Gallagher Hall.
Christmas is nearly here!. It may be a very busy time for you, but please take the time to read the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. You will hear about Elizabeth, her husband Zechariah, the angel Gabriel, Mary and Joseph and the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. If you do this, you will likely be better prepared to celebrate with joy the birth of our Savior this Christmas.
Today, the Third Sunday of Advent, is known as “Gaudete Sunday” and is marked by a rose colored candle on the Advent wreath. The use of the rose-colored candle rather than a purple one symbolizes “the light at the end of the tunnel” so to speak – that Christmas is getting nearer. The Latin word gaudete means “rejoice” and is taken from Philippians 4:4 in which Saint Paul declares: “Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again, rejoice!” The title “Gaudete Sunday” thus refers to the joy that we feel as Advent is half over and Christmas is drawing near. The season of Advent is one of preparation and anticipation. Today, as the celebration of the Birth of the Lord approaches, we are filled with joy.
Beginning on January 16, 2019 the Adult Faith Formation Groups will begin a study of the book “Signs of Life” by Dr. Scott Hahn. After completing this book, the Adult Faith Formation groups will begin a study of the book “Into His Likeness” by Dr. Edward Sri. The Adult Faith Formation groups meet at Fatima-Gallagher Hall. One group meets Wednesday evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. A second group meets on Thursday mornings from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
In addition to our normal time for Confessions from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays, Confession will also be available on Tuesday, December 18th from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Please make time to go to Confession before Christmas!
Many of us may be living lives that are full but not fulfilling. We may be overwhelmed with responsibilities and worries, consumed by busyness, clutter, or demands being made upon us. What we really long for is peace, wholeness, and simplicity. We are in a holy season that unfortunately has been overrun by consumerism. Many people will be stressing out trying to come up with the perfect gift for the person who already has too much “stuff” to begin with. Indeed, many people feel trapped by possessions, time, and work. The more possessions they have, the less time they have for themselves and others because of the pressure to get even more or “better” possessions. This might be a good time to take a few moments of silence and reflection, and ask ourselves if this is what we really want to keep on doing?
Have you ever wondered about the end of the world? The end of the world is a fascination shared by many people. Predictions about how and when the world might end are commonplace. In today’s Gospel, even Jesus offers a scenario as to how the world might end. He tells his disciples that the sun, moon and stars will change; the seas will roar; and the heavens will be shaken. He warns that when all this happens the end is near, and then cautions his listeners to remain alert and vigilant, steadfast in faith and persistent in strength.