First Sunday of Advent

by Fr. John Granato  |  11/30/2025  |  Words from Fr. John

My Dear Friends,

Today we begin the season of Advent. In our sanctuaries of the two churches we have the Advent wreath with four candles, three purple and one rose colored. Advent prepares us for the joyous season of Christmas. This is my fourth season of Advent and it will be my fourth Christmas with you at Our Lady of Hope. These four years have gone by so quickly. Despite the season of hope, peace and joy, Advent and Christmas itself can also be a painful time for many people.

Christmas can bring forth depression in some people. Others remember loved ones who have died, or are currently dying. Others are in nursing homes alone with no family around to visit them. The Church's role in all of this is one of fostering joy and hope through her liturgy and through her corporal and spiritual works of mercy. We have many opportunities within our parish community and within our families and work places to allow the Holy Spirit to anoint us with the spirit of hope and peace and joy.

As Advent begins, maybe a good thing for us to do is for us to put aside our political and religious differences and seek to find common ground in what unites us instead of focusing on what divides us. Have a blessed beginning of Advent.

God bless