Happy New Year!!!
By the time many of you will have the chance to read this latest post, I imagine I will already be on my way to Edmonton but I wanted to write one last time before the end of the liturgical year and announce that I have been asked to serve another year as Newsletter co-Editor for the Challenge Movement! Also, I urge you to stay tuned for the next post as I will be interviewing and introducing to you all my new Newsletter co-Editor Partner! I look forward to it and hope you all are as well!
As I prepare for this short trip, I must admit that although I am excited to be heading to Edmonton for the 98th Grey Cup where the Montreal Alouettes will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders for a second consecutive year, my main concern was where the closest parish was so I could celebrate mass on Sunday morning. With November marking the end of the liturgical year, I am reminded that Advent, much like Lent, is a time of preparation and prayer. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the faithful are asked:
• to prepare themselves worthily to celebrate the anniversary of the Lord's coming into the world as the incarnate God of love,
• thus to make their souls fitting abodes for the Redeemer coming in Holy Communion and through grace, and
• thereby to make themselves ready for His final coming as judge, at death and at the end of the world.
It’s a time to think of the journey we’re on, where we’re headed, what we’re preparing for, what we believe is yet to come… As much as I try to focus on what I’m journeying towards, I can’t help but find myself still at times looking back at what I’m journeying away from. It can be scary at times but I can just imagine myself tripping over, falling or bumping into something if I try to walk forward while simultaneously looking back... As I celebrate mass on Sunday at St-Patrick’s Parish in Edmonton, I will be thinking of you all, thanking God for sending me such great people who continue to help, push and encourage me along the way. The next 4 weeks are sure to ignite a sense of excitement in me as I wait in joyful anticipation for the celebration of the birth of our Saviour and King. I look forward to my return to Montreal (hopefully once again hoisting up the Grey Cup) but more so to journey the rest of the Advent season with you all. A new liturgical year awaits us; let’s remember what we’re waiting for and celebrate!
Blessings in Christ always,
Liz V.
