Dear St. Raphael Parishioners,

 Isabelle Mary Kowalski, 1927-2023.  My mother passed into eternal life last Saturday, December 2, at the age of ninety six.  She is mother of six and grandmother/great grandmother to seven.  Some of the parish has heard this announcement but it may be news to others.  Please keep the repose of her soul in your prayers this week.  The funeral is yet to be scheduled, but will probably be Monday or Tuesday December 11—12.  We will update via flock note email later this week, likely before this is printed.  A long life is often thought of as a blessing.  Although my family was as prepared as we could be for this, it is still very difficult to handle the loss of a family member. Especially one who has been present for so many years.
 
Comfort my People:  Isaiah speaks words of encouragement to the Jews in the Sunday’s first reading.  My family and I are certainly looking for some comfort from God this week.  Isaiah urges them to get prepared for God’s arrival, and uses the familiar image of a shepherd to describe God’s loving care for His flock.  Isaiah’s words are echoed in the gospel of Mark, “Prepare the way of the Lord”!  The coming of Jesus fulfills the ancient prophecies, but in a mostly unexpected way.  The Kingdom of God is indeed coming, but not the glorious triumph the crowds of the Jews were hoping for. The Kingdom of God can be found in our daily life.
 
Adoration & Confessions December 12:   Advent confession times begin the evening of December 12, from 7 to 8 pm.  There will be two confessors, with Spanish language available.  There will also be a Holy Hour with Exposition and Eucharistic Adoration from 7 to 8 pm.  Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is at the usual time of 8:30 in the morning.  December 12 is not a day of obligation in the United States.  Confessions on Saturday, December 16 will start at 2:30 instead of the normal 3 pm.
 
Simbang Gabi 2023 - Filipino Christmas Tradition:  Simbang Gabi, which means "Night Mass or Evening Mass," is a novena, a devotional 9-day series of Masses attended by Filipino Catholics in anticipation of Christmas and to honor the Blessed Mother.  It culminates on Christmas Eve with the midnight Mass. The 9 Masses represent the 9-month stay of the Infant Jesus in the womb of our Lady leading up to Christmas, and so, we join or accompany her, so to speak, as she awaits the birth of her Son.  St. Raphael is pleased to host the evening Mass on Saturday December 16, at 7 pm.  All are invited to see the decorations and festivities provided by the Filipino families of St. Raphael church! It is a Sunday Mass this year, giving you a choice between 4 pm and 7 pm next Saturday.
 
May God grant us peace,
 
Fr. Matthew Kowalski