Theological Status: Critical Concern
Biblical Parallel(Archetype): Thyatira
❓ What do these grades mean?
🔍 Biblical Discernment: The 7 Church Parallels
The Cold Orthodox Parallel
Ephesus
Teaching that upholds doctrinal precision yet parallels the loss of the "first love"—the vital, motivating power of the Gospel (Rev 2:4).
Why strictly "Mark & Avoid"?
We do not issue this rating to attack the speaker, but to protect the listener. This church's overall teaching trend consistently deviates from sound doctrine. As per Romans 16:17, we identify these patterns so believers can guard their hearts.
We do not issue this rating to attack the speaker, but to protect the listener. This church's overall teaching trend consistently deviates from sound doctrine. As per Romans 16:17, we identify these patterns so believers can guard their hearts.
🧐 Overview
Sermon Summary: This service presents a vision of reverence and solemnity, yet its core message is one of ongoing sacrifice and human effort for salvation. It raises a critical question for every believer: Is salvation a gift to be received by faith once and for all, or is it a goal to be continuously earned through ritual and works? The Bible's answer is clear and offers a security this system cannot provide.
Big Idea: The third Sunday of Advent is referred to as Gaudete Sunday. The Latin word meaning rejoice, and there's rejoicing because of the proximity of our celebration of our Lord's birth, just about a week and a half more to go, and also for the proximity of His return in glory. [00:17:54 ▶️ 📄]
Pastoral Analysis: The entire liturgical framework constitutes a fundamental departure from the biblical gospel. It presents a synergistic, works-based soteriology where salvation is mediated through a priestly class and infused via sacraments. The central liturgical act, described as a 'sacrifice,' directly contradicts the biblical teaching of the final, sufficient, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. This is not merely a different emphasis; it is a different gospel.
Biblical Parallel(Archetype): Thyatira — The teaching system, like Jezebel, seduces people away from pure devotion to Christ alone and into a system of works, ritual, and reliance on other mediators.
🧭 Biblical Alignment Dashboard
Overall Verdict: Fundamentally in Error
| Category | Status | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Soteriology | ❌ FAIL | Salvation is presented as a process managed by a church and earned through sacramental participation and works, rather than a free gift received by grace through faith alone. This constitutes a synergistic system of justification, which is contrary to Scripture. |
| Bibliology | ❌ FAIL | The system elevates church tradition and magisterial authority to a level equal with Scripture, thereby denying the Bible's unique position as the sole, infallible rule for faith and life (Sola Scriptura). |
| Hermeneutic | ❌ FAIL | Scripture is interpreted through the predetermined lens of institutional tradition, rather than allowing the plain meaning of the text to critique and reform tradition. This leads to the defense of unbiblical doctrines. |
| Theology Proper | ⚠️ WEAK | While affirming God's triune nature, the system's emphasis on merit and appeasement through ritual obscures the biblical character of God's grace, which is given freely to the unworthy, and His justice, which was fully satisfied in Christ. |
| Sacramentology | ❌ FAIL | The communion rite is explicitly framed as an ongoing 'sacrifice,' teaching that the elements become the physical body and blood of Christ (Transubstantiation). This denies the finished work of the cross and the symbolic nature of the ordinance. Furthermore, the table is not biblically fenced with a call for self-examination. |
📖 How they Handle Scripture & Jesus
Primary Text: Matthew 11:2-11 (Topical (Safe))
Scripture Saturation: Verses Read: 20 | Referenced: 3 | Alluded: 0
Passages Read Aloud:
- Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 (Inferred) [00:08:23 ▶️ 📄]
- James 5:7-10 (Inferred) [00:13:24 ▶️ 📄]
- Matthew 11:2-11 [00:15:58 ▶️ 📄]
Key References: Philippians 4:4, Psalm 122:1, Luke 1:46-55 (Magnificat)
Christological Connection: Redemptive Trajectory: The homily explicitly connects the theme of rejoicing (Gaudete) to the proximity of Christ's First Coming (Nativity) and His Second Coming (Return in Glory), placing the current spiritual state within the broader timeline of redemption.
🧱 Sermon Outline
- Gaudete Sunday and the Proximity of Christ [00:17:54 ▶️ 📄] : Introduction of Gaudete Sunday (Rejoice) and its connection to the Lord's birth and second coming.
- Occasions of Joy and Charity [00:19:24 ▶️ 📄] : Listing joyful events (sacraments, birthdays) and defining joy as an effect of charity (St. Thomas Aquinas).
- Scriptural Foundation of Joy [00:22:45 ▶️ 📄] : Referencing Paul, Psalm 122, and Mary's Magnificat as expressions of joy in Christ.
- Joy vs. Happiness [00:25:08 ▶️ 📄] : Distinguishing joy (spiritual, fruit of the Holy Spirit) from happiness (emotional, temporal, shallow).
- Joy and Sainthood [00:27:34 ▶️ 📄] : Discussing the requirement of 'Expansive Joy' for sainthood candidates.
- Practical Steps (from James) [00:28:31 ▶️ 📄] : Concluding with practical advice from the second reading: do not complain and have patience.
💧 Sacraments & Ordinances
"graciously make holy these gifts we have brought to you for consecration, that they may become the Body and Blood of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ"
Fencing the Table (Communion):
- Believers Only Stated: ❌ No (Open Table Risk)
- Warning Against Unworthy Manner: ⚠️ None Detected
🗝️ Key Topics & Themes
- Joy : The central theme, defined as a spiritual fruit of the Holy Spirit and an effect of charity.
- Happiness : Contrasted with joy; defined as emotional or temporal.
- Gaudete Sunday : The liturgical context, meaning 'Rejoice,' marking the halfway point of Advent.
- Patience : A virtue required during Advent, drawn from the Letter of James.
✅ Commendations
Pastoral Tone | Encouragement Toward Patience
The exhortation from the letter of James to 'have patience in the midst of hardship' (00:28:45 ▶️ 📄) is a sound and necessary pastoral application for all believers navigating the trials of this life.
Liturgical Structure | Sober-Minded Reverence
The service is conducted with a high degree of order and reverence, fostering an atmosphere of seriousness appropriate for the worship of God. This stands in commendable contrast to services marked by frivolity.
⚠️ Theological Concerns
🔴 The Mass as a Propitiatory Sacrifice
Root Cause: Denial of Sola Fide / Sola Gratia: This error stems from a sacerdotal system that positions a priestly class as necessary mediators who must continually offer sacrifices, akin to the Old Covenant Levitical priesthood which was made obsolete by Christ's perfect sacrifice.
"May the sacrifice of our worship, Lord we pray, be offered to you unceasingly..." [00:37:26 ▶️ 📄]
Correction: The Lord's Supper is a remembrance of Christ's 'once for all' sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27, 9:28, 10:10). His final words on the cross were 'It is finished' (John 19:30), signifying the complete payment for sin.
🔴 Justification by Sacramental Infusion
Root Cause: Semi-Pelagianism / Synergism: This doctrine asserts that salvation is a cooperative effort between God and man, where grace is 'infused' to help man do his part. It violates the doctrine of Total Depravity by assuming man is capable of cooperating in his salvation and denies that grace alone, through faith alone, is the sole instrument of justification.
"We implore your mercy, Lord, that this divine sustenance may cleanse us of our faults and prepare us for the coming feast..." [01:01:45 ▶️ 📄]
Correction: Justification is a legal declaration by God (Romans 8:33) received through faith alone (Galatians 2:16), whereby Christ's perfect righteousness is imputed to the believer (2 Corinthians 5:21). It is not a process of being made righteous through sacraments.
🔴 Reliance on Intercession of Saints and Mary
Root Cause: Idolatry / Syncretism: This practice mirrors pagan traditions of appealing to demigods or ancestral spirits for favor. It denies the sufficiency of Christ's high priestly ministry by creating a pantheon of lesser mediators, violating the First and Second Commandments.
"...especially with the most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God... with all the saints on whose constant intercession in your presence We rely for unfailing help." [00:43:21 ▶️ 📄]
Correction: 1 Timothy 2:5 states, 'For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.' Hebrews 7:25 says Christ 'is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.'
📝 Other Corrections & Notes
- For any candidate... for sainthood, that the person had to have expressed and Expansive Joy... I read this about 200 years ago or so. → Correction: While joy is considered a hallmark of a saintly life, the claim of a specific, formal requirement being instituted 'about 200 years ago' is an oversimplification of a complex process. The criteria have evolved over centuries, and while a candidate's disposition is examined, it is not reducible to a single rule enacted at that specific time. (Historical record of the process of canonization.)
📜 Full Sermon Transcript (Audit)
Use the 📄 icons next to quotes above to automatically jump to their location in this raw transcript.
[00:00:23] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Let us pray.
[00:00:50] Let us pray.
[00:00:52] In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
[00:01:15] Amen.
[00:01:36] Let us pray.
[00:03:25] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
Good morning!
[00:03:28] We welcome any visitors who join us for worship today as we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent.
[00:03:36] Please turn off your cell phones or set them to silent mode.
[00:03:40] For safety reasons, we ask that all children be accompanied by an adult when attending the restrooms.
[00:03:47] There will be a second collection today to benefit the senior religious sisters and brothers who have dedicated their lives to service.
[00:03:56] Please be generous.
[00:03:58] Our presider for this Mass is Father Mark Lawler.
[00:04:02] and please join in our processional hymn which is number 59 in your breaking bread but breaking bread books lift up your head ye mighty gates and that's number five nine in your breaking bread book please stand and join us
[00:04:34] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Lift up your heads, ye martyrs, before the King of glory waits.
[00:04:49] The King of kings is drawing near The Savior of the world is near
[00:05:05] O blessed land, the city of us, Where Christ our ruler is confessed, O happy hearts and happy homes,
[00:05:27] To whom this King of triumph comes Bring forth the portals of your heart With it a temple set apart
[00:05:50] The intentions for our morning mass for the eternal
[00:06:19] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Peace, Matt Bewley, and Eternal Peace, Fred E. Henning, and a special welcome to our Knights gathered here in the front with spouses as well for their monthly Mass.
[00:06:32] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
[00:06:38] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Amen.
[00:06:39] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
The Lord be with you.
[00:06:40] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
And with your spirit.
[00:06:41] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
[00:06:59] Lord Jesus, you come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness.
[00:07:05] Lord, have mercy.
[00:07:06] Lord, have mercy.
[00:07:08] You are the Good Shepherd leading and guiding your flock.
[00:07:11] Christ, have mercy.
[00:07:13] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Christ, have mercy.
[00:07:15] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
You intercede for us with your Father.
[00:07:17] Lord, have mercy.
[00:07:19] Lord, have mercy.
[00:07:21] May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
[00:07:31] Let us pray.
[00:07:35] O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord's Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing.
[00:07:56] Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
[00:07:59] Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
[00:08:06] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Amen.
[00:08:23] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
[00:08:28] The desert and the parched land will exult.
[00:08:31] The steppe will rejoice and bloom.
[00:08:34] They will bloom with abundant flowers and rejoice with joyful song.
[00:08:39] The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.
[00:08:46] They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
[00:08:51] Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak.
[00:08:56] Say to those whose hearts are frightened, be strong, fear not.
[00:09:03] Here is your God.
[00:09:04] He comes with vindication, with divine recompense.
[00:09:08] He comes to save you.
[00:09:11] Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared.
[00:09:16] Then will the lame leap like a stag.
[00:09:20] Then the tongue of the mute will sing.
[00:09:23] Those whom the Lord has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy.
[00:09:31] They will meet with joy and gladness.
[00:09:35] Sorrow and mourning will flee.
[00:09:39] The word of the Lord.
[00:09:41] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Thank you.
[00:10:11] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Lord, come and save us, come and save us, come and save us Lord, come and save us, come and save us, come and save us
[00:10:35] The Lord God keeps faith forever Secures justice for the oppressed Gives food to the hungry The Lord sets captives free
[00:10:58] Come and save us!
[00:11:02] Come and save us!
[00:11:05] Come and save us!
[00:11:10] Come and save us.
[00:11:14] Come and save us.
[00:11:17] Come and save us.
[00:11:20] The Lord gives sight to the blind.
[00:11:26] The Lord raises up those who were bowed down.
[00:11:32] The Lord loves the just.
[00:11:36] The Lord protects strangers.
[00:11:42] Lord, come and save us.
[00:11:46] Come and save us.
[00:11:49] Come and save us.
[00:11:55] Come and save us!
[00:11:58] Come and save us!
[00:12:01] Come and save us!
[00:12:04] The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts.
[00:12:17] The Lord shall reign forever, your God, O Zion, through all generations.
[00:12:29] Come and save us!
[00:12:33] Come and save us!
[00:12:36] Come and save us!
[00:12:42] Lord, come and save us!
[00:12:45] Come and save us!
[00:12:48] Come and save us!
[00:13:24] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
A reading from the letter of Saint James.
[00:13:29] Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord.
[00:13:35] See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.
[00:13:49] You too must be patient.
[00:13:53] Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.
[00:14:00] Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged.
[00:14:09] Behold, the judge is standing before the gates.
[00:14:14] Take as an example of hardship and patience
[00:14:19] Brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
[00:14:26] The word of the Lord.
[00:14:28] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Thanks be to God.
[00:14:48] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
[00:15:09] The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.
[00:15:30] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Alleluia!
[00:15:35] Alleluia!
[00:15:35] Alleluia!
[00:15:55] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
The Lord be with you.
[00:15:56] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
And with thy spirit.
[00:15:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.
[00:16:05] Glory to you, O Lord.
[00:16:06] When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?
[00:16:20] Jesus said to them in reply, Go and tell John what you hear and see.
[00:16:25] The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
[00:16:40] and Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.
[00:16:43] As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John.
[00:16:49] What did you go out to the desert to see?
[00:16:51] A reed swayed by the wind?
[00:16:56] Then what did you go out to see?
[00:16:57] Someone dressed in fine clothing?
[00:17:01] Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
[00:17:04] Then what did you go out
[00:17:07] Why did you go out?
[00:17:08] To see a prophet?
[00:17:09] Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
[00:17:12] This is the one about whom it is written, Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you.
[00:17:19] He will prepare your way before you.
[00:17:22] A man, I say to you, among those born of women, there has been none greater than John the Baptist.
[00:17:32] Yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
[00:17:40] The Gospel of the Lord.
[00:17:54] The third Sunday of Advent is referred to as Gaudete Sunday.
[00:18:02] The Latin word meaning rejoice, and there's rejoicing because of the proximity of our celebration of our Lord's birth, just about a week and a half more to go, and also for the proximity of His return in glory.
[00:18:20] Now of that we don't know when it will be, but we do know that we are closer today than we were
[00:18:28] Yesterday.
[00:18:29] And so in our liturgical celebration, we lit the
[00:18:36] The rose candle of the Advent wreath, and the color calls for rose vestments.
[00:18:44] Some of the ushers usually have a different way of referring to these, but the official color is rose on Gaudete.
[00:18:52] And also the sense of flowers in the sanctuary, musical, a little bit more upbeat, and the whole sense is that our pilgrimage is continuing and we're getting closer to Christmas.
[00:19:06] So in a whole sense of gaudete, meaning rejoice or joyful, just we can reflect what are some situations or what are some occasions where we find joy?
[00:19:24] Some that I can relate to, the sacrament of baptism.
[00:19:30] We have baptisms here in a parish just about every weekend.
[00:19:34] And often you see great joy in the parents and the godparents, the grandparents, and even the siblings.
[00:19:42] A great joy, the sacrament of baptism, the first sacrament of the church.
[00:19:49] Weddings, we have lots of weddings here in the parish.
[00:19:54] And again, there's sometimes some crazy situations that lead up to it.
[00:19:57] But the weddings themselves are usually very joyful events.
[00:20:02] You can say birthdays.
[00:20:04] I was at a friend of mine, one of my cycling companions, was at his home last night.
[00:20:10] His wife and friends, they had a big party for his 50th birthday with a big fire going and lots of cheer.
[00:20:20] So birthdays can be times of celebration, of joy, ordinations.
[00:20:27] We're very excited in our diocese next spring.
[00:20:30] There'll be 10 new priests in the diocese
[00:20:34] And as long as I've been in the program, I never remember anything like that ordination with 10 in our diocese.
[00:20:42] So that's going to be very joyful for the diocese.
[00:20:46] Thinking of my own dear mother who passed away long ago, she had joy when everyone was home.
[00:20:55] Like, for example, for Thanksgiving.
[00:20:57] Everybody scattered around.
[00:20:59] When everyone was home, she had joy in preparing all of the plates and dishes and everything else.
[00:21:11] Sometimes I meet with people that aren't experiencing much joy.
[00:21:18] I remember meeting with a couple, I think they were around their 10th anniversary,
[00:21:25] And they were having a lot of conflict in their communication.
[00:21:30] I would say it would be more arguing than communication.
[00:21:34] And they were going back and forth and just wondering what kind of advice can I give them.
[00:21:42] And just very simple advice, try to rediscover your joy.
[00:21:48] Certainly it wasn't like this for the last ten years, you know.
[00:21:53] They would have never gotten married if they were arguing that bad.
[00:21:56] So try to rediscover your joy.
[00:21:58] Try to roll it back a little bit and put things in perspective.
[00:22:06] The great teacher, St. Thomas Aquinas, he taught that joy is not distinct from charity or love, but actually an effect of charity or love.
[00:22:19] And I think that that's true.
[00:22:20] Those of us, especially in this month, there's a lot of works of mercy.
[00:22:25] There's donations for food drives and for toys and for children and all these things.
[00:22:31] And these can be times of joy to help someone in need.
[00:22:36] So it really is a beautiful thing.
[00:22:39] Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
[00:22:45] There's a couple of Scripture passages that I can relate to of joy.
[00:22:51] The Apostle Paul in the letter to the Philippians, Rejoice in the Lord always, I say it again, rejoice.
[00:23:02] And one of my favorite Psalms, the Pilgrim's Psalm 122, I rejoiced when they said to me,
[00:23:09] Let us go to the house of the Lord.
[00:23:12] A sense of a joy in the pilgrimage to the house of the Lord.
[00:23:19] Again, that's one of my favorite psalms.
[00:23:24] I can't say that when I was little or in high school that was my idea of always going to the house of the Lord, but certainly now I greatly appreciate that.
[00:23:35] The foundation of our joy is life in Christ.
[00:23:40] Born in the little town of Bethlehem, came to reconcile humanity to the Father, to pay the debt for our sins.
[00:23:55] Gospel means good news.
[00:24:00] And so if you had someone coming to see you,
[00:24:04] You might could read on the person's face whether the person was bearing good news or not.
[00:24:13] So in that sense, when we're sharing the gospel, it's always good news, joy in the Lord.
[00:24:22] Mary in a visitation with her kinswoman, Elizabeth,
[00:24:28] and the Magnificat, my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
[00:24:38] Mary in the Visitation expressed joy, joy in her Savior, her very Son.
[00:24:49] So we have certainly the expression of joy in the saints,
[00:24:54] Joy here in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and in daily life as well.
[00:25:01] Find those moments of joy.
[00:25:08] can be related to a day of joy.
[00:25:09] Reflecting back to Easter Sunday, the day of the resurrection, opening the gates to eternal life, joy on Sunday, the day of the Lord, the day of joy.
[00:25:24] Some years ago, a friend of mine from the parish said to me, he said, Father, you are a happy priest.
[00:25:36] And I thought about that and said, I don't really...
[00:25:40] I wouldn't say that.
[00:25:41] I'm a joyful priest.
[00:25:43] And I think there is a distinction I know in our culture or society.
[00:25:47] The words are sometimes used interchangeably.
[00:25:50] But I see there is a significant difference between joy and happiness.
[00:25:57] Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
[00:26:00] So there's always a sense of a spiritual connection with joy.
[00:26:06] Where there's happiness,
[00:26:08] can be more related to the emotional or the temporal order.
[00:26:15] Happiness can actually be shallow at times.
[00:26:21] For example, in the sports world, so to speak, a person can be happy if his or her favorite team wins.
[00:26:35] But again, that doesn't really advance salvation.
[00:26:38] And then on the other hand, a person could be happy if their rival team loses.
[00:26:44] Say, well, I'm so glad they got beat.
[00:26:47] And so the sense of happiness there.
[00:26:52] For golfers, we used to have an usher who would always talk about the two times he had a hole-in-one.
[00:27:00] And again, that can be, if you're a golfer and you make a hole in one, something I don't think I'll ever do, that's a time of happiness.
[00:27:08] But again, that doesn't really advance salvation so much, you know, one shot on the golf course.
[00:27:15] So again, when I was working on my little book,
[00:27:19] And I was looking, trying to figure out a subtitle.
[00:27:23] I thought about what that woman had said, I'm a happy priest.
[00:27:25] I said, no, Reflections from the Life of a Joyful Priest, Joy in the Lord.
[00:27:34] The cause for saints, it was interesting, I read this about 200 years ago or so.
[00:27:43] In the Vatican, they were looking at the process where the Pope, as kind of the chief pastor of the church, would name saints.
[00:27:53] And there's different investigation and different things.
[00:27:57] But one of the things that was decided was for any candidate, a name being put forth for sainthood, that the person had to have expressed
[00:28:09] and Expansive Joy.
[00:28:12] So in a certain sense, no gloomy or no grouchy saints, joyful saints.
[00:28:21] So I would say if you want your image on a stained glass window or on a holy card, first step is to be joyful, you know.
[00:28:31] The second reading today from
[00:28:35] from the Apostle St. James gives us some practical things too.
[00:28:39] Do not complain.
[00:28:41] Again, a good lesson for us, don't complain.
[00:28:45] Have patience in the midst of hardship.
[00:28:51] Again, all of these can help in the spiritual life.
[00:28:55] So today on this Sunday, we can say with joy, Gaudete, rejoice, the Lord is near.
[00:29:29] I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
[00:29:38] I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages, God from God, light from light, true God, true God, begotten
[00:29:53] The Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man.
[00:30:09] For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
[00:30:13] He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
[00:30:20] He ascended into heaven.
[00:30:22] I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
[00:30:46] I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
[00:30:51] I confess one baptism with forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
[00:30:59] Amen.
[00:31:01] In hope we pray for the needs of the church and the world.
[00:31:19] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
That civil officials and leaders may have the wisdom and virtues to address the challenges in their areas to advance the common good.
[00:31:29] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:31:31] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:31:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
For those with illnesses of body or mind and for those who care for them with compassion, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:31:42] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:31:44] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
That this season of Advent may be a time of hope, reconciliation, and peace within families and nations, and that the wandering sheep of the flock will return for Christmas.
[00:31:57] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:31:59] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:32:01] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
For the eternal rest for all the faithful departed, especially those we miss in these holy days, and for all grieving loved ones.
[00:32:10] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:32:12] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:32:14] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
For those preparing for sacraments and for our catechists, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:32:20] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:32:22] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
For the safety of those who daily serve for the protection, defense, and rescue of others abroad and here in the homeland, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:32:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:32:35] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
That our preparation for the celebration of the Lord's birth may inspire greater respect for God's gift of life and for all expectant parents.
[00:32:46] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:32:47] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:32:49] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
For participation in the works of mercy, especially in our local area, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:32:56] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:32:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
That the God of mercy will hear the prayers we now speak in the silence of our hearts.
[00:33:09] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:33:10] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:33:14] Eternal and gracious God, we lift up our prayers to you from our hearts and pray that you grant them through Christ our Lord.
[00:33:28] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Amen.
[00:33:28] Our offertory hymn is number 415 in your Gather Hymnal, My Soul in Stillness Waits, number 415.
[00:33:47] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
O Lord, my soul in stillness waits To Thee my hope is in You O Lord of light, our only hope of glory The radiance shines in all who look to You
[00:34:27] True, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits.
[00:34:36] Truly, thy hope is in you.
[00:34:44] Lord, rain down upon our spirits Our thirsty hearts are yearning for your Lord Come make us whole, be comfort to our hearts For you, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits
[00:35:15] Our hope reborn in dying and in rising
[00:35:48] For you, O Lord, my soul in stillness lays, to Thee my hope lives anew.
[00:36:32] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Let us pray.
[00:37:06] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
I pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the Almighty Father.
[00:37:15] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of His name, for our good
[00:37:26] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
May the sacrifice of our worship, Lord we pray, be offered to you unceasingly to complete what was begun in sacred mystery and joyfully accomplish for us your saving work through Christ our Lord.
[00:37:45] Amen.
[00:37:45] The Lord be with you.
[00:37:46] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
And with your spirit.
[00:37:48] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lift up your hearts.
[00:37:50] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
We lift them up.
[00:37:51] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
[00:37:55] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
It is right and just.
[00:37:59] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God, through Christ our Lord.
[00:38:12] For he assumed at his first coming
[00:38:14] The lowliness of human flesh and so fulfilled the design you formed long ago and opened for us the way to eternal salvation that when he comes again in glory and majesty and all is at last made manifest we who watch for that day may inherit the great promise in which now we dare to hope.
[00:38:39] And so, with angels and archangels, with thrones and dominions, and with all the hosts and powers of heaven, we sing the hymn of your glory, as without end we acclaim.
[00:39:02] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Holy Lord, who is Lord God of hosts, Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
[00:39:30] Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.
[00:39:31] Blessed is he who comes in
[00:39:37] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
You are indeed holy, O Lord, and all you have created rightly gives you praise, for through your Son,
[00:40:01] Our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power and working of the Holy Spirit, you give life to all things and make them holy, and you never cease to gather a people to yourself, so that from the rising of the sun to its setting, a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name.
[00:40:20] Therefore, O Lord,
[00:40:24] We humbly implore you, by the same Spirit, graciously make holy these gifts we have brought to you for consecration, that they may become the Body and Blood of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at whose command we celebrate these mysteries.
[00:40:44] For on the night He was betrayed, He Himself took bread, and giving you thanks, He said the blessing,
[00:40:51] Broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take this, all of you, and eat of it.
[00:40:59] For this is my body, which will be given up for you.
[00:41:19] In a similar way,
[00:41:23] When supper was ended, he took the chalice, and giving you thanks, he said a blessing, and gave the chalice to his disciples, saying, Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
[00:41:44] Do this in memory of me.
[00:42:04] The mystery of faith.
[00:42:12] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Save us, Savior of all worlds, Lord, by your cross and resurrection,
[00:42:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the saving Passion of Your Son, His wondrous Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven, and as we look forward to His Second Coming, we offer You in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice.
[00:42:59] Look, we pray, upon the oblation of Your Church, and recognizing the sacrificial victim by whose death You willed to reconcile us to Yourself, grant that we, who are nourished by the Body and Blood of Your Son and filled with His Holy Spirit,
[00:43:17] may become one body, one spirit in Christ.
[00:43:21] May he make of us an eternal offering to you so that we may obtain an inheritance with your elect, especially with the most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with blessed Joseph, her spouse, with your blessed apostles and glorious martyrs, with Saint Therese and with all the saints on whose constant intercession in your presence
[00:43:47] We rely for unfailing help.
[00:43:49] May this sacrifice of our reconciliation, we pray, O Lord, advance the peace and salvation of all the world.
[00:43:58] Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity
[00:44:02] Your Pilgrim Church on earth with Your servant Leo our Pope and Michael our Bishop, the Order of Bishops, all the clergy, and the entire people You have gained for Your own.
[00:44:15] Listen graciously to the prayers of this family whom You have summoned before You.
[00:44:21] In Your compassion, O merciful Father, gather to Yourself all Your children scattered throughout the world.
[00:44:32] To our departed brothers and sisters and to all who were pleasing to you at their passing from this life, give kind admittance to your kingdom.
[00:44:42] There we hope to enjoy forever the fullness of your glory.
[00:44:47] Through Christ our Lord, through whom you bestow on the world all that is good.
[00:45:00] Through Him and with Him and in Him, O God, Almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours, forever and ever.
[00:45:26] At the Savior's command, informed by divine teaching, we dare to say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
[00:45:50] Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
[00:45:53] On earth as it is in heaven give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil deliver us Lord we pray from every evil graciously grant peace in our days that by the help of your mercy we may be always free from sin and safe
[00:46:23] from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
[00:46:35] Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your apostles, Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will.
[00:46:50] Live and reign
[00:46:52] Forever and ever.
[00:46:55] The peace of the Lord be with you always.
[00:46:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
And with thy spirit.
[00:46:59] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Let us offer each other a sign of peace.
[00:47:04] Peace, peace, peace.
[00:47:20] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
and more.
[00:47:32] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
The Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
[00:47:55] You take away the sins of the world Have mercy on us And with all You take away the sins of the world Grant us
[00:48:42] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.
[00:48:48] Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.
[00:48:54] Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
[00:49:34] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Let us pray.
[00:49:54] Let us pray.
[00:50:07] Let us pray.
[00:50:34] Let us pray.
[00:50:48] Let us pray.
[00:51:14] Let us pray.
[00:51:44] In Jesus' name we pray.
[00:52:06] Amen.
[00:52:34] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
There's a blossom as a rose Rising radiant as it grows All around a crimson show Come to us, O God of hosts
[00:53:00] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Mercy land, we come astream, Flowing down to Palmyra, Clear cascade from heaven above, Come to us, O God above.
[00:53:23] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Weakened hands be now made strong Silent tongues break forth in song Blinded eyes your sight employ Come to us, O God of joy
[00:53:40] For the faithful holy crown, Saved from angry, warring beasts, Come to us, O God of peace!
[00:53:53] Hallelujah!
[00:54:00] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Sing God's praise Jerusalem, Hope to your man peace shall come, Sorrow's tiny doubt dispel, Come to us Emmanuel.
[00:54:16] King of glory, soul of bliss, Everlasting life is this, Near to God our God to prove, Thus to sing and thus to love.
[00:54:33] Hallelujah!
[00:54:47] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Our communion song is 422 in your Gather Hymnal, Gift of God, number 422.
[00:55:05] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Come to us, O Emmanuel
[00:55:10] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O wisdom, breathe within us Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O mighty, tender Teacher Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and show us how to lead Come to us, O Emmanuel
[00:55:41] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O Lord of ancient Israel Come to us, O Emmanuel You who lead us through the desert Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and set your people free
[00:56:05] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O root of Jesse's lineage
[00:56:18] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O ruler of all nations Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and be our Savior sure Come to us, O Emmanuel Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O holy key of David
[00:56:46] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and open hearts to knowledge Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and break the chains of death Come to us, O Emmanuel Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O radiant song of justice
[00:57:15] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and shine on those in darkness Come to us, O Emmanuel All who dwell in shades of day Come to us, O Emmanuel Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O light of all the nations
[00:57:43] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, bright morning star of new hope Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and shine upon us, ye Come to us, O Emmanuel
[00:58:03] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O living flame of freedom Come to us, O Emmanuel Living hope of our redemption Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and lead us to new life
[00:58:28] Come to us, O Emmanuel.
[00:58:32] Come to us, O Emmanuel.
[00:59:17] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Let us pray.
[00:59:41] Let us pray.
[01:00:57] God Bless!
[01:01:45] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Let us pray.
[01:01:45] We implore your mercy, Lord, that this divine sustenance may cleanse us of our faults and prepare us for the coming feast through Christ our Lord.
[01:02:04] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
Mary's Women of Joy registration will close tomorrow for Walking Through the Gospels with Jesus, Our Divine Healer.
[01:02:14] More details are in the bulletin and on the website.
[01:02:18] Come and join us after the 5.30 p.m. Mass this weekend for the annual Children's Christmas Pageant in the church.
[01:02:26] After the pageant, enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and crafts in the family room.
[01:02:31] All are welcome.
[01:02:33] Please join us for a healing Mass on Wednesday evening.
[01:02:36] We will begin with Holy Hour and Confessions at 5.30 pm, followed by Mass at 6.30 pm.
[01:02:44] All are welcome.
[01:02:46] Our 2026 St. Therese calendars are here.
[01:02:50] You can find them on the back tables in the narthex.
[01:02:53] Please take one per family.
[01:02:56] Come and celebrate Father Engelbert's 50th birthday with us this Saturday after the 5 p.m. Mass in the multi-purpose room of the Parish Life Center.
[01:03:06] RSVP by Monday.
[01:03:08] All are welcome.
[01:03:10] Feeling spiritually stuck?
[01:03:12] Start the new year with a faith-sharing experience.
[01:03:16] Join a group reading The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality.
[01:03:21] Details are in this weekend's bulletin.
[01:03:24] The new St. Joseph Missals are available for purchase in the parish office.
[01:03:29] Pick up your copy today.
[01:03:31] Please check the bulletin for more information about what's happening here at St. Therese.
[01:03:38] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
The Lord be with you.
[01:03:39] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
And with your spirit.
[01:03:41] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
May Almighty God bless you, Father and the Son and Holy Spirit.
[01:03:47] Amen.
[01:03:47] Go in peace.
[01:03:49] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Thanks be to God.
[01:03:51] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
Please join in our recessional hymn of anticipation in your gather books number 418 on Jordan's banks.
[01:04:00] That's 418.
[01:04:15] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
On Jordan spake the Baptist's cry, Announces that the Lord is nigh.
[01:04:27] Awake at our heard glory brings, The tidings of the King of Kings.
[01:04:41] Then cleansed be every eye,
[01:04:44] Make straight the way for God with him, and let each heart prepare a home where such a mighty guest may come.
[01:05:02] For you are our salvation, Lord, Our refuge and our great reward.
[01:05:14] Without your grace we waste away The flowers that wither and decay.
[01:05:26] To heal the sick, stretch out your hand and bid the fallen sinner stand.
[01:05:37] Shine forth and let your light restore as on true loveliness once more.
[01:05:59] Let's pray.
[01:07:04] Let us pray.
[01:07:48] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
[01:08:14] Amen.
[01:08:35] Thank you for watching!
Let us pray.
[00:00:50] Let us pray.
[00:00:52] In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
[00:01:15] Amen.
[00:01:36] Let us pray.
[00:03:25] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
Good morning!
[00:03:28] We welcome any visitors who join us for worship today as we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent.
[00:03:36] Please turn off your cell phones or set them to silent mode.
[00:03:40] For safety reasons, we ask that all children be accompanied by an adult when attending the restrooms.
[00:03:47] There will be a second collection today to benefit the senior religious sisters and brothers who have dedicated their lives to service.
[00:03:56] Please be generous.
[00:03:58] Our presider for this Mass is Father Mark Lawler.
[00:04:02] and please join in our processional hymn which is number 59 in your breaking bread but breaking bread books lift up your head ye mighty gates and that's number five nine in your breaking bread book please stand and join us
[00:04:34] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Lift up your heads, ye martyrs, before the King of glory waits.
[00:04:49] The King of kings is drawing near The Savior of the world is near
[00:05:05] O blessed land, the city of us, Where Christ our ruler is confessed, O happy hearts and happy homes,
[00:05:27] To whom this King of triumph comes Bring forth the portals of your heart With it a temple set apart
[00:05:50] The intentions for our morning mass for the eternal
[00:06:19] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Peace, Matt Bewley, and Eternal Peace, Fred E. Henning, and a special welcome to our Knights gathered here in the front with spouses as well for their monthly Mass.
[00:06:32] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
[00:06:38] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Amen.
[00:06:39] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
The Lord be with you.
[00:06:40] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
And with your spirit.
[00:06:41] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
[00:06:59] Lord Jesus, you come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness.
[00:07:05] Lord, have mercy.
[00:07:06] Lord, have mercy.
[00:07:08] You are the Good Shepherd leading and guiding your flock.
[00:07:11] Christ, have mercy.
[00:07:13] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Christ, have mercy.
[00:07:15] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
You intercede for us with your Father.
[00:07:17] Lord, have mercy.
[00:07:19] Lord, have mercy.
[00:07:21] May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
[00:07:31] Let us pray.
[00:07:35] O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord's Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing.
[00:07:56] Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
[00:07:59] Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
[00:08:06] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Amen.
[00:08:23] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
[00:08:28] The desert and the parched land will exult.
[00:08:31] The steppe will rejoice and bloom.
[00:08:34] They will bloom with abundant flowers and rejoice with joyful song.
[00:08:39] The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.
[00:08:46] They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
[00:08:51] Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak.
[00:08:56] Say to those whose hearts are frightened, be strong, fear not.
[00:09:03] Here is your God.
[00:09:04] He comes with vindication, with divine recompense.
[00:09:08] He comes to save you.
[00:09:11] Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared.
[00:09:16] Then will the lame leap like a stag.
[00:09:20] Then the tongue of the mute will sing.
[00:09:23] Those whom the Lord has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy.
[00:09:31] They will meet with joy and gladness.
[00:09:35] Sorrow and mourning will flee.
[00:09:39] The word of the Lord.
[00:09:41] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Thank you.
[00:10:11] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Lord, come and save us, come and save us, come and save us Lord, come and save us, come and save us, come and save us
[00:10:35] The Lord God keeps faith forever Secures justice for the oppressed Gives food to the hungry The Lord sets captives free
[00:10:58] Come and save us!
[00:11:02] Come and save us!
[00:11:05] Come and save us!
[00:11:10] Come and save us.
[00:11:14] Come and save us.
[00:11:17] Come and save us.
[00:11:20] The Lord gives sight to the blind.
[00:11:26] The Lord raises up those who were bowed down.
[00:11:32] The Lord loves the just.
[00:11:36] The Lord protects strangers.
[00:11:42] Lord, come and save us.
[00:11:46] Come and save us.
[00:11:49] Come and save us.
[00:11:55] Come and save us!
[00:11:58] Come and save us!
[00:12:01] Come and save us!
[00:12:04] The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts.
[00:12:17] The Lord shall reign forever, your God, O Zion, through all generations.
[00:12:29] Come and save us!
[00:12:33] Come and save us!
[00:12:36] Come and save us!
[00:12:42] Lord, come and save us!
[00:12:45] Come and save us!
[00:12:48] Come and save us!
[00:13:24] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
A reading from the letter of Saint James.
[00:13:29] Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord.
[00:13:35] See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.
[00:13:49] You too must be patient.
[00:13:53] Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.
[00:14:00] Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged.
[00:14:09] Behold, the judge is standing before the gates.
[00:14:14] Take as an example of hardship and patience
[00:14:19] Brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
[00:14:26] The word of the Lord.
[00:14:28] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Thanks be to God.
[00:14:48] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
[00:15:09] The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.
[00:15:30] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Alleluia!
[00:15:35] Alleluia!
[00:15:35] Alleluia!
[00:15:55] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
The Lord be with you.
[00:15:56] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
And with thy spirit.
[00:15:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.
[00:16:05] Glory to you, O Lord.
[00:16:06] When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?
[00:16:20] Jesus said to them in reply, Go and tell John what you hear and see.
[00:16:25] The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
[00:16:40] and Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.
[00:16:43] As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John.
[00:16:49] What did you go out to the desert to see?
[00:16:51] A reed swayed by the wind?
[00:16:56] Then what did you go out to see?
[00:16:57] Someone dressed in fine clothing?
[00:17:01] Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
[00:17:04] Then what did you go out
[00:17:07] Why did you go out?
[00:17:08] To see a prophet?
[00:17:09] Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
[00:17:12] This is the one about whom it is written, Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you.
[00:17:19] He will prepare your way before you.
[00:17:22] A man, I say to you, among those born of women, there has been none greater than John the Baptist.
[00:17:32] Yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
[00:17:40] The Gospel of the Lord.
[00:17:54] The third Sunday of Advent is referred to as Gaudete Sunday.
[00:18:02] The Latin word meaning rejoice, and there's rejoicing because of the proximity of our celebration of our Lord's birth, just about a week and a half more to go, and also for the proximity of His return in glory.
[00:18:20] Now of that we don't know when it will be, but we do know that we are closer today than we were
[00:18:28] Yesterday.
[00:18:29] And so in our liturgical celebration, we lit the
[00:18:36] The rose candle of the Advent wreath, and the color calls for rose vestments.
[00:18:44] Some of the ushers usually have a different way of referring to these, but the official color is rose on Gaudete.
[00:18:52] And also the sense of flowers in the sanctuary, musical, a little bit more upbeat, and the whole sense is that our pilgrimage is continuing and we're getting closer to Christmas.
[00:19:06] So in a whole sense of gaudete, meaning rejoice or joyful, just we can reflect what are some situations or what are some occasions where we find joy?
[00:19:24] Some that I can relate to, the sacrament of baptism.
[00:19:30] We have baptisms here in a parish just about every weekend.
[00:19:34] And often you see great joy in the parents and the godparents, the grandparents, and even the siblings.
[00:19:42] A great joy, the sacrament of baptism, the first sacrament of the church.
[00:19:49] Weddings, we have lots of weddings here in the parish.
[00:19:54] And again, there's sometimes some crazy situations that lead up to it.
[00:19:57] But the weddings themselves are usually very joyful events.
[00:20:02] You can say birthdays.
[00:20:04] I was at a friend of mine, one of my cycling companions, was at his home last night.
[00:20:10] His wife and friends, they had a big party for his 50th birthday with a big fire going and lots of cheer.
[00:20:20] So birthdays can be times of celebration, of joy, ordinations.
[00:20:27] We're very excited in our diocese next spring.
[00:20:30] There'll be 10 new priests in the diocese
[00:20:34] And as long as I've been in the program, I never remember anything like that ordination with 10 in our diocese.
[00:20:42] So that's going to be very joyful for the diocese.
[00:20:46] Thinking of my own dear mother who passed away long ago, she had joy when everyone was home.
[00:20:55] Like, for example, for Thanksgiving.
[00:20:57] Everybody scattered around.
[00:20:59] When everyone was home, she had joy in preparing all of the plates and dishes and everything else.
[00:21:11] Sometimes I meet with people that aren't experiencing much joy.
[00:21:18] I remember meeting with a couple, I think they were around their 10th anniversary,
[00:21:25] And they were having a lot of conflict in their communication.
[00:21:30] I would say it would be more arguing than communication.
[00:21:34] And they were going back and forth and just wondering what kind of advice can I give them.
[00:21:42] And just very simple advice, try to rediscover your joy.
[00:21:48] Certainly it wasn't like this for the last ten years, you know.
[00:21:53] They would have never gotten married if they were arguing that bad.
[00:21:56] So try to rediscover your joy.
[00:21:58] Try to roll it back a little bit and put things in perspective.
[00:22:06] The great teacher, St. Thomas Aquinas, he taught that joy is not distinct from charity or love, but actually an effect of charity or love.
[00:22:19] And I think that that's true.
[00:22:20] Those of us, especially in this month, there's a lot of works of mercy.
[00:22:25] There's donations for food drives and for toys and for children and all these things.
[00:22:31] And these can be times of joy to help someone in need.
[00:22:36] So it really is a beautiful thing.
[00:22:39] Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
[00:22:45] There's a couple of Scripture passages that I can relate to of joy.
[00:22:51] The Apostle Paul in the letter to the Philippians, Rejoice in the Lord always, I say it again, rejoice.
[00:23:02] And one of my favorite Psalms, the Pilgrim's Psalm 122, I rejoiced when they said to me,
[00:23:09] Let us go to the house of the Lord.
[00:23:12] A sense of a joy in the pilgrimage to the house of the Lord.
[00:23:19] Again, that's one of my favorite psalms.
[00:23:24] I can't say that when I was little or in high school that was my idea of always going to the house of the Lord, but certainly now I greatly appreciate that.
[00:23:35] The foundation of our joy is life in Christ.
[00:23:40] Born in the little town of Bethlehem, came to reconcile humanity to the Father, to pay the debt for our sins.
[00:23:55] Gospel means good news.
[00:24:00] And so if you had someone coming to see you,
[00:24:04] You might could read on the person's face whether the person was bearing good news or not.
[00:24:13] So in that sense, when we're sharing the gospel, it's always good news, joy in the Lord.
[00:24:22] Mary in a visitation with her kinswoman, Elizabeth,
[00:24:28] and the Magnificat, my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
[00:24:38] Mary in the Visitation expressed joy, joy in her Savior, her very Son.
[00:24:49] So we have certainly the expression of joy in the saints,
[00:24:54] Joy here in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and in daily life as well.
[00:25:01] Find those moments of joy.
[00:25:08] can be related to a day of joy.
[00:25:09] Reflecting back to Easter Sunday, the day of the resurrection, opening the gates to eternal life, joy on Sunday, the day of the Lord, the day of joy.
[00:25:24] Some years ago, a friend of mine from the parish said to me, he said, Father, you are a happy priest.
[00:25:36] And I thought about that and said, I don't really...
[00:25:40] I wouldn't say that.
[00:25:41] I'm a joyful priest.
[00:25:43] And I think there is a distinction I know in our culture or society.
[00:25:47] The words are sometimes used interchangeably.
[00:25:50] But I see there is a significant difference between joy and happiness.
[00:25:57] Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
[00:26:00] So there's always a sense of a spiritual connection with joy.
[00:26:06] Where there's happiness,
[00:26:08] can be more related to the emotional or the temporal order.
[00:26:15] Happiness can actually be shallow at times.
[00:26:21] For example, in the sports world, so to speak, a person can be happy if his or her favorite team wins.
[00:26:35] But again, that doesn't really advance salvation.
[00:26:38] And then on the other hand, a person could be happy if their rival team loses.
[00:26:44] Say, well, I'm so glad they got beat.
[00:26:47] And so the sense of happiness there.
[00:26:52] For golfers, we used to have an usher who would always talk about the two times he had a hole-in-one.
[00:27:00] And again, that can be, if you're a golfer and you make a hole in one, something I don't think I'll ever do, that's a time of happiness.
[00:27:08] But again, that doesn't really advance salvation so much, you know, one shot on the golf course.
[00:27:15] So again, when I was working on my little book,
[00:27:19] And I was looking, trying to figure out a subtitle.
[00:27:23] I thought about what that woman had said, I'm a happy priest.
[00:27:25] I said, no, Reflections from the Life of a Joyful Priest, Joy in the Lord.
[00:27:34] The cause for saints, it was interesting, I read this about 200 years ago or so.
[00:27:43] In the Vatican, they were looking at the process where the Pope, as kind of the chief pastor of the church, would name saints.
[00:27:53] And there's different investigation and different things.
[00:27:57] But one of the things that was decided was for any candidate, a name being put forth for sainthood, that the person had to have expressed
[00:28:09] and Expansive Joy.
[00:28:12] So in a certain sense, no gloomy or no grouchy saints, joyful saints.
[00:28:21] So I would say if you want your image on a stained glass window or on a holy card, first step is to be joyful, you know.
[00:28:31] The second reading today from
[00:28:35] from the Apostle St. James gives us some practical things too.
[00:28:39] Do not complain.
[00:28:41] Again, a good lesson for us, don't complain.
[00:28:45] Have patience in the midst of hardship.
[00:28:51] Again, all of these can help in the spiritual life.
[00:28:55] So today on this Sunday, we can say with joy, Gaudete, rejoice, the Lord is near.
[00:29:29] I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
[00:29:38] I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages, God from God, light from light, true God, true God, begotten
[00:29:53] The Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man.
[00:30:09] For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
[00:30:13] He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
[00:30:20] He ascended into heaven.
[00:30:22] I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
[00:30:46] I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
[00:30:51] I confess one baptism with forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
[00:30:59] Amen.
[00:31:01] In hope we pray for the needs of the church and the world.
[00:31:19] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
That civil officials and leaders may have the wisdom and virtues to address the challenges in their areas to advance the common good.
[00:31:29] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:31:31] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:31:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
For those with illnesses of body or mind and for those who care for them with compassion, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:31:42] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:31:44] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
That this season of Advent may be a time of hope, reconciliation, and peace within families and nations, and that the wandering sheep of the flock will return for Christmas.
[00:31:57] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:31:59] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:32:01] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
For the eternal rest for all the faithful departed, especially those we miss in these holy days, and for all grieving loved ones.
[00:32:10] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:32:12] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:32:14] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
For those preparing for sacraments and for our catechists, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:32:20] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:32:22] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
For the safety of those who daily serve for the protection, defense, and rescue of others abroad and here in the homeland, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:32:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:32:35] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
That our preparation for the celebration of the Lord's birth may inspire greater respect for God's gift of life and for all expectant parents.
[00:32:46] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:32:47] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:32:49] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
For participation in the works of mercy, especially in our local area, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:32:56] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:32:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
That the God of mercy will hear the prayers we now speak in the silence of our hearts.
[00:33:09] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:33:10] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:33:14] Eternal and gracious God, we lift up our prayers to you from our hearts and pray that you grant them through Christ our Lord.
[00:33:28] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Amen.
[00:33:28] Our offertory hymn is number 415 in your Gather Hymnal, My Soul in Stillness Waits, number 415.
[00:33:47] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
O Lord, my soul in stillness waits To Thee my hope is in You O Lord of light, our only hope of glory The radiance shines in all who look to You
[00:34:27] True, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits.
[00:34:36] Truly, thy hope is in you.
[00:34:44] Lord, rain down upon our spirits Our thirsty hearts are yearning for your Lord Come make us whole, be comfort to our hearts For you, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits
[00:35:15] Our hope reborn in dying and in rising
[00:35:48] For you, O Lord, my soul in stillness lays, to Thee my hope lives anew.
[00:36:32] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Let us pray.
[00:37:06] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
I pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the Almighty Father.
[00:37:15] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of His name, for our good
[00:37:26] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
May the sacrifice of our worship, Lord we pray, be offered to you unceasingly to complete what was begun in sacred mystery and joyfully accomplish for us your saving work through Christ our Lord.
[00:37:45] Amen.
[00:37:45] The Lord be with you.
[00:37:46] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
And with your spirit.
[00:37:48] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Lift up your hearts.
[00:37:50] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
We lift them up.
[00:37:51] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
[00:37:55] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
It is right and just.
[00:37:59] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God, through Christ our Lord.
[00:38:12] For he assumed at his first coming
[00:38:14] The lowliness of human flesh and so fulfilled the design you formed long ago and opened for us the way to eternal salvation that when he comes again in glory and majesty and all is at last made manifest we who watch for that day may inherit the great promise in which now we dare to hope.
[00:38:39] And so, with angels and archangels, with thrones and dominions, and with all the hosts and powers of heaven, we sing the hymn of your glory, as without end we acclaim.
[00:39:02] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Holy Lord, who is Lord God of hosts, Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
[00:39:30] Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.
[00:39:31] Blessed is he who comes in
[00:39:37] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
You are indeed holy, O Lord, and all you have created rightly gives you praise, for through your Son,
[00:40:01] Our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power and working of the Holy Spirit, you give life to all things and make them holy, and you never cease to gather a people to yourself, so that from the rising of the sun to its setting, a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name.
[00:40:20] Therefore, O Lord,
[00:40:24] We humbly implore you, by the same Spirit, graciously make holy these gifts we have brought to you for consecration, that they may become the Body and Blood of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at whose command we celebrate these mysteries.
[00:40:44] For on the night He was betrayed, He Himself took bread, and giving you thanks, He said the blessing,
[00:40:51] Broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take this, all of you, and eat of it.
[00:40:59] For this is my body, which will be given up for you.
[00:41:19] In a similar way,
[00:41:23] When supper was ended, he took the chalice, and giving you thanks, he said a blessing, and gave the chalice to his disciples, saying, Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
[00:41:44] Do this in memory of me.
[00:42:04] The mystery of faith.
[00:42:12] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Save us, Savior of all worlds, Lord, by your cross and resurrection,
[00:42:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the saving Passion of Your Son, His wondrous Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven, and as we look forward to His Second Coming, we offer You in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice.
[00:42:59] Look, we pray, upon the oblation of Your Church, and recognizing the sacrificial victim by whose death You willed to reconcile us to Yourself, grant that we, who are nourished by the Body and Blood of Your Son and filled with His Holy Spirit,
[00:43:17] may become one body, one spirit in Christ.
[00:43:21] May he make of us an eternal offering to you so that we may obtain an inheritance with your elect, especially with the most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with blessed Joseph, her spouse, with your blessed apostles and glorious martyrs, with Saint Therese and with all the saints on whose constant intercession in your presence
[00:43:47] We rely for unfailing help.
[00:43:49] May this sacrifice of our reconciliation, we pray, O Lord, advance the peace and salvation of all the world.
[00:43:58] Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity
[00:44:02] Your Pilgrim Church on earth with Your servant Leo our Pope and Michael our Bishop, the Order of Bishops, all the clergy, and the entire people You have gained for Your own.
[00:44:15] Listen graciously to the prayers of this family whom You have summoned before You.
[00:44:21] In Your compassion, O merciful Father, gather to Yourself all Your children scattered throughout the world.
[00:44:32] To our departed brothers and sisters and to all who were pleasing to you at their passing from this life, give kind admittance to your kingdom.
[00:44:42] There we hope to enjoy forever the fullness of your glory.
[00:44:47] Through Christ our Lord, through whom you bestow on the world all that is good.
[00:45:00] Through Him and with Him and in Him, O God, Almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours, forever and ever.
[00:45:26] At the Savior's command, informed by divine teaching, we dare to say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
[00:45:50] Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
[00:45:53] On earth as it is in heaven give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil deliver us Lord we pray from every evil graciously grant peace in our days that by the help of your mercy we may be always free from sin and safe
[00:46:23] from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
[00:46:35] Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your apostles, Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will.
[00:46:50] Live and reign
[00:46:52] Forever and ever.
[00:46:55] The peace of the Lord be with you always.
[00:46:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
And with thy spirit.
[00:46:59] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Let us offer each other a sign of peace.
[00:47:04] Peace, peace, peace.
[00:47:20] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
and more.
[00:47:32] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
The Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
[00:47:55] You take away the sins of the world Have mercy on us And with all You take away the sins of the world Grant us
[00:48:42] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.
[00:48:48] Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.
[00:48:54] Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
[00:49:34] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Let us pray.
[00:49:54] Let us pray.
[00:50:07] Let us pray.
[00:50:34] Let us pray.
[00:50:48] Let us pray.
[00:51:14] Let us pray.
[00:51:44] In Jesus' name we pray.
[00:52:06] Amen.
[00:52:34] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
There's a blossom as a rose Rising radiant as it grows All around a crimson show Come to us, O God of hosts
[00:53:00] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Mercy land, we come astream, Flowing down to Palmyra, Clear cascade from heaven above, Come to us, O God above.
[00:53:23] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Weakened hands be now made strong Silent tongues break forth in song Blinded eyes your sight employ Come to us, O God of joy
[00:53:40] For the faithful holy crown, Saved from angry, warring beasts, Come to us, O God of peace!
[00:53:53] Hallelujah!
[00:54:00] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Sing God's praise Jerusalem, Hope to your man peace shall come, Sorrow's tiny doubt dispel, Come to us Emmanuel.
[00:54:16] King of glory, soul of bliss, Everlasting life is this, Near to God our God to prove, Thus to sing and thus to love.
[00:54:33] Hallelujah!
[00:54:47] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Our communion song is 422 in your Gather Hymnal, Gift of God, number 422.
[00:55:05] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Come to us, O Emmanuel
[00:55:10] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O wisdom, breathe within us Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O mighty, tender Teacher Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and show us how to lead Come to us, O Emmanuel
[00:55:41] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O Lord of ancient Israel Come to us, O Emmanuel You who lead us through the desert Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and set your people free
[00:56:05] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O root of Jesse's lineage
[00:56:18] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O ruler of all nations Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and be our Savior sure Come to us, O Emmanuel Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O holy key of David
[00:56:46] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and open hearts to knowledge Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and break the chains of death Come to us, O Emmanuel Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O radiant song of justice
[00:57:15] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and shine on those in darkness Come to us, O Emmanuel All who dwell in shades of day Come to us, O Emmanuel Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O light of all the nations
[00:57:43] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, bright morning star of new hope Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and shine upon us, ye Come to us, O Emmanuel
[00:58:03] Come to us, O Emmanuel Come, O living flame of freedom Come to us, O Emmanuel Living hope of our redemption Come to us, O Emmanuel Come and lead us to new life
[00:58:28] Come to us, O Emmanuel.
[00:58:32] Come to us, O Emmanuel.
[00:59:17] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Let us pray.
[00:59:41] Let us pray.
[01:00:57] God Bless!
[01:01:45] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Let us pray.
[01:01:45] We implore your mercy, Lord, that this divine sustenance may cleanse us of our faults and prepare us for the coming feast through Christ our Lord.
[01:02:04] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
Mary's Women of Joy registration will close tomorrow for Walking Through the Gospels with Jesus, Our Divine Healer.
[01:02:14] More details are in the bulletin and on the website.
[01:02:18] Come and join us after the 5.30 p.m. Mass this weekend for the annual Children's Christmas Pageant in the church.
[01:02:26] After the pageant, enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and crafts in the family room.
[01:02:31] All are welcome.
[01:02:33] Please join us for a healing Mass on Wednesday evening.
[01:02:36] We will begin with Holy Hour and Confessions at 5.30 pm, followed by Mass at 6.30 pm.
[01:02:44] All are welcome.
[01:02:46] Our 2026 St. Therese calendars are here.
[01:02:50] You can find them on the back tables in the narthex.
[01:02:53] Please take one per family.
[01:02:56] Come and celebrate Father Engelbert's 50th birthday with us this Saturday after the 5 p.m. Mass in the multi-purpose room of the Parish Life Center.
[01:03:06] RSVP by Monday.
[01:03:08] All are welcome.
[01:03:10] Feeling spiritually stuck?
[01:03:12] Start the new year with a faith-sharing experience.
[01:03:16] Join a group reading The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality.
[01:03:21] Details are in this weekend's bulletin.
[01:03:24] The new St. Joseph Missals are available for purchase in the parish office.
[01:03:29] Pick up your copy today.
[01:03:31] Please check the bulletin for more information about what's happening here at St. Therese.
[01:03:38] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
The Lord be with you.
[01:03:39] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
And with your spirit.
[01:03:41] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
May Almighty God bless you, Father and the Son and Holy Spirit.
[01:03:47] Amen.
[01:03:47] Go in peace.
[01:03:49] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Thanks be to God.
[01:03:51] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
Please join in our recessional hymn of anticipation in your gather books number 418 on Jordan's banks.
[01:04:00] That's 418.
[01:04:15] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
On Jordan spake the Baptist's cry, Announces that the Lord is nigh.
[01:04:27] Awake at our heard glory brings, The tidings of the King of Kings.
[01:04:41] Then cleansed be every eye,
[01:04:44] Make straight the way for God with him, and let each heart prepare a home where such a mighty guest may come.
[01:05:02] For you are our salvation, Lord, Our refuge and our great reward.
[01:05:14] Without your grace we waste away The flowers that wither and decay.
[01:05:26] To heal the sick, stretch out your hand and bid the fallen sinner stand.
[01:05:37] Shine forth and let your light restore as on true loveliness once more.
[01:05:59] Let's pray.
[01:07:04] Let us pray.
[01:07:48] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
[01:08:14] Amen.
[01:08:35] Thank you for watching!
