“All you mortals, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.  Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.  Servants of the Lord, bless Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.  Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.” –Daniel 3:82-86

All week, the Church has been using excerpts from this hymn as the responsorial psalm at Mass.  For context, this hymn was sung by Daniel and his three friends after they had been thrown into the fire by the king, but were being protected by the angel of the Lord.  It’s an interesting attitude, isn’t it?  That in the face of such a persecution, they are able to not only see all the goodness of the Lord, but to be so inspired as to sing about it?

We will likely never face to face such persecutions, but we all have to face our own hardships, some little, some small.  This time of year is always hectic and seems to give rise to those frustrations and hardships.  Remember that Advent is a great season of hope, and a time to bless the Lord and praise Him for all things He has done for us, and will yet still do.  Make sure to find some time for personal prayer every day of this Advent to prepare for the coming of Christ.

Some news and notes:

PRAYERS are requested for Kristen Cuniak and Josh Nixon, who will be getting married tomorrow.  The wedding’s not here, it’s at Saint Elizabeth in Pleasant Hills, so the 5:00 crowd gets a reprieve from my voice.  Prayers also needed for Mila Belle Jurcevich, who will be baptized this Sunday.  Finally, please remember in your prayers John Simon, whose funeral will be celebrated today, and for Robert Pavlecic, whose funeral will be on Monday.

ADORATION:  Starts a little later today, following the Totus Tuus Mass, so approximately at 10 AM.  Come spend time with Jesus!  (This would have been more relevant had I got this email out in a timelier manner…)

MEN’S NIGHT OF REFLECTION: All men of the parish are invited to the Knights of Columbus Night of Reflection on December 8th following 5:00 mass. The evening will include dinner followed by reflection with Bishop Zubik. For additional information or to register please click on the link below.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-richards-knights-of-columbus-mens-night-of-reflection-tickets-39655810597

Deadline for registration is Monday!

ANNIVERSARY T-SHIRTS:  If you ordered a Saint Richard t-shirt as part of our anniversary celebration, you can pick it up any time at the parish office.

ADVENT:  Lots of Advent happenings to be aware of.  Check your bulletin this weekend, the website, the display in the narthex, or the postcard that should be arriving at your home today or tomorrow.  The first happening is Evening Prayer and Benediction on Sunday at 6.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION:  Just a reminder that next Friday is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and is, indeed, a Holy Day of Obligation.  Vigil Mass Thursday at 6 PM, and Masses Friday the 8^th at 8 AM and 5 PM.

Enjoy the beginning of a new month!  Know that you’re loved!  See you at Mass!

Peace,

Fr. Mike