Advent is Here!

Dear Missionary Disciples of SFB, and Assumption Parishes,


Advent is upon us. We begin our Advent season this Sunday, Nov. 30. Advent also marks the beginning of our new

liturgical year.


Advent is a season of our liturgical year in which we focus on the preparation for the Solemnities of Christmas and look

forward to Christ's Second Coming.


"When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming." Catechism of the Catholic Church para. 524


Let us commit to a year of prayer or possibly recommit. A new year of strengthening our prayer life, both communal, especially at the Holy Mass, and in private personal time with God. There is an ongoing opportunity for formation, growth, and education in this liturgical year.


Advent into Christmas is a season of opportunity for growth in Jesus Christ. All the sacraments, such as the Eucharist and Reconciliation, are opportunities to encounter Jesus Christ. Through these sacraments, we experience the presence of Christ in our lives, strengthening our faith and deepening our relationship with Him.


In the lobby of the churches, as well as in Jesuit Hall (SFB), we will also have available the Little Blue Book -Advent and Christmas Seasons 2025-2026. The daily reflections include the Christmas Season, which ends with the Baptism of the Lord on Jan. 11.


May you enter more deeply into the mystery of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through prayer and the Sacraments.


Peace,

Father Maassen

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Dear Missionary Disciples of Jesus Christ, Before you hit send, is this an act of love? Before you say what you are about to say, is this an act of love? This is especially true on e-mails and social media. There are countless scripture quotes on how to treat other people, your neighbor, and even your enemies. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" Luke 6:27. "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you... For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?” Matt 5:44. "And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them" Luke 6:31. There are many more Scripture passages on how we are to treat our neighbor and even our enemies. Jesus does not condition loving anyone on whether we agree with them on any issue. Jesus does not condition any of these commands on whether we are angry or not. Jesus’ commands are unconditional. As Catholics, as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to rise above our anger and disagreements and treat one another with love. This does not mean we have to agree. It does mean we are to love. I also encourage you to talk face-to-face with someone you are angry with or disagree with; this takes courage and is the loving way. The following is right out of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 2477 and 2478): Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. He becomes guilty: of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor; of detraction who, without objectively valid reason, discloses another's faults and failing to persons who did not know them; concerning them. I will end this letter with an incredibly challenging quote from Dorothy Day: "I really only love God as much as the person I love the least."  Peace, Father Maassen
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