December 2022 archive of Pastor's Notes
Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God
Posted by Maria Franxman on 12/22/22
The Madonna & Child has been a classic theme for art through the centuries. The painting at left by Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato (August 25, 1609 – August 8, 1685) is just one beautiful example among hundreds. In medieval and renaissance paintings as well as contemporary exhibits, the ... Read More »
The Nativity of the Lord
Posted by Maria Franxman on 12/22/22
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do ... Read More »
4th Sunday of Advent
Posted by Maria Franxman on 12/15/22
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence is among my favorite liturgical songs. The text of this Eucharistic song is derived from the "Prayer of the Cherubic Hymn" from the Litany of St. James written in the 4th Century. It was translated from Greek to English by Gerard Moultrie, 1864.
... Read More »
Third Sunday in Advent
Posted by Maria Franxman on 12/09/22
Advent begins with looking forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of the age before returning to a spiritual remembrance of Christ’s First Coming in Bethlehem. This looking forward as well as looking back is quite natural for us human persons. Our dreams & goals are as important ... Read More »
Second Sunday of Advent
Posted by Maria Franxman on 12/02/22
Advent is a great season to discuss and pray and teach the Faith to your children with. They understand viscerally the idea of waiting and preparing as they look forward to Christmas (presents!) and the culmination is a wholly Christian event – the Birth of Christ. The season is ... Read More »