Recently during a panel session at a retreat at the Motherhouse, the question, “What element of your charism is your favorite?” was asked.   

Without exception each Sister repeated, “Belonging totally to Jesus.” Wait, there was one who answered differently.  She said, “Belonging totally to the King.”  While each Sister said the same thing, He blesses each of us uniquely.  He is infinite; He can be totally ours for each of us and be absolutely faithful.  If only we could be as faithful.   

Advent calls us to prepare a place for Jesus, to give Him a warm welcome.  He who welcomes us without reserve, asks to be welcomed by us. He comes as a Babe in order to be approachable. The relationship is reciprocal; it has to go both ways. Sometimes I wish He had given us less choice. I’d like to say, “Come on, Jesus, overwhelm us with love, You who are all powerful, make it so obvious we have to believe and love You always.  That way my dullness and stupidity can’t get in the way.”  Yet He chooses gentleness and comes as a helpless Babe, and lets my brokenness get in the way. Rats, to the last part, anyway.  

“Lord, help us welcome you well, and help us to enable those around us to do the same.”  Early on here I noticed there were sometimes moms in the back of the church at the school Masses who had a baby and a toddler.  Sometimes that can be challenging, so I offered to take the baby a few times.  Most days now I can find a mom with a little one and a toddler, and “help” with a baby.  As they get used to me and are at peace it has made for beautiful meditations on the incarnation and Advent.  Wondering at the manner in which God is incarnate in each of the little ones, and the fact that He chose to become so entirely at Jesus’ birth, the opportunity is grace filled.  Today that little guy seemed to like to lean his head against mine.  Little gifts that make it so easy to love…. I think I’ll spend part of the rest of the day leaning my head against the Father. He likes it, too. 

Blessed Advent. 

Sister Mary Michael, C.K.

November 30: 8B Class Mass (St. Andrew)

December 1: MCA collection; First Friday

December 3: First Sunday of Advent; family holy hour (see details below)

December 5: Band Concert (7 p.m. at Pius--see details below)

December 6: St. Nicholas; Father Kipper's feast day; 1:30 Recorder Concert

Tiger moms and Irish Setter dads...learning purpose in life.  (p. 195)

The St. Teresa parish family invites you to a family holy hour on Sunday, December 3rd, 1-2 p.m. See this link for details!

Page One is an extra-curricular literature program for children in 3^rd – 8^th grades. We are in need of coaches for our Level II and III teams. (5^th-6^th graders are in Level II; 7^th-8^th graders are in Level III.) Please contact Jean Timmerman if you are able to coach or assist or if you have questions. The season begins in February and runs for about ten weeks. jeanmtimmerman@outlook.com

Thank you!