Today
is the final Sunday in the Liturgical Year A, the Feast of Christ, King of the
Universe. Next Sunday, the First Sunday in the Season of Advent, we begin cycle
B. The Feast of Christ the King was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 as an
antidote to secularism, a way of life which leaves God out of man's thinking
and living and organizes his life as if God did not exist. The feast is
intended to proclaim, in a striking and effective manner, Christ's royalty over
individuals, families, society, governments, and nations.
Today's
Mass establishes the titles for Christ's royalty over us: 1) Christ is God, the
Creator of the universe and hence wields a supreme power over all things;
"All things were created by Him"; 2) Christ is our Redeemer, He
purchased us by His precious Blood, and made us His possession; 3) Christ is
Head of the Church, "holding in all things the primacy"; 4) God
bestowed upon Christ the nations of the world as His special possession and
dominion.
Today's
Mass also describes the qualities of Christ's kingdom. This kingdom is:
- supreme, extending not only to all people but also to their princes and kings;
- universal, extending to all nations and to all places;
- eternal, for "The Lord shall sit a King forever";
- spiritual, Christ's "kingdom is not of this world".
Up-coming
Important Dates to remember –
just
around the corner................
- November 26, 1:30 pm and November 28, 7 pm Reconciliation class for students preparing for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Bake sale after 5pm Mass. Fundraiser for St. Dominic’s statue.
- December 1 – Youth Group meeting in the hall – 7 – 9 pm
- December 2-3 - First Sunday in Advent Enrollment Sunday for all those preparing for Reconciliation of First Holy Communion. All parents and students to attend one of the Masses this weekend to be enrolled and receive their cross. St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Collection will be taken this Sunday at all Masses.
- Tree Lighting and Evening with Santa after 5pm Mass. Tree Blessing followed by the festivities in the hall.
- December 5, 7 pm and December 9, 9:15 am Celebration of the Sacrament of First Reconciliation.
- December 6, 7:30 pm in the hall Baptismal Preparation for parents and God-parents having children baptised.
- December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception – Mass at 8 am and concert at 8 pm.
- December 10 – 12:30 pm Youth Group meeting in the hall. Young people and their parents. (Special Presentation about the youth programs we will offer. Our presenter will be Mr. John McMullin from the Office of Catholic Youth).
There
will be an itemized list of all activities happening here over Christmas and
New Year’s in the bulletin next week
Finally,
a note of thanks for your generous contributions to the Shepherd’s Trust
collection – the priest retirement fund.
Wishing
you all a great week as we move into the season of Advent.
Fr.
Phil
