Author: diocesan-crownpoint

Dear Friends in Christ at Holy Spirit and St. Helen’s,

If you ever wondered what is Advent all about, you need only to look at today’s Gospel reading from St. Luke. What a touching story about two women, both are pregnant, both are filled with the Holy Spirit, though they are far apart in years both are new to this whole experience of being with child.

The interplay between these two faith filled women speaks to the experience in which each of us are invited every Advent season. They recognize the God is at work in their very bodies. The Holy Spirit is stirring them into action. Joy is expressed and a sense of completeness pervades their encounter. They trusted that the Lord’s word to them would be fulfilled. They said yes and accepted God’s request that they allow God to work through them to make our world a better place.

Christmas is just days away. Are we ready? Have we truly prepared ourselves to receive the gift of God’s Son into our lives? Are we willing to be interments of God’s grace to the world in which we live? Christmas is far more than presents under a tree. It is more an exchange of cards, gifts and well wishes. Are we willing to embrace the full meaning of Christmas allowing ourselves to be infused with the grace and love that Mary and Elizabeth exchanged during their brief visit?

You see Advent is all about searching for the joy God wishes to share with us. It is about our efforts to welcome God into our lives so that God’s grace can act within us. Advent is about vigilance in making provisions to assist others who are in need. Advent is about the energy we radiate to bring Christmas closer to ourselves but even importantly to others.

We do have a few more days. We can be ready to welcome the Christ into our lives. We can come together like Mary and Elizabeth to celebrate the work God has begun in us.

May you and your family have a very Merry Christmas! May the Angels blessings of peace, become a source of joy for you!!!

Fr. Tom

Flocknote is a way for you to connect directly with St. Helen, Holy Spirit, or the diocese through text messages or emails.   You will receive links to video messages, notifications about parish ministries, upcoming events and more. You can choose which flock to join or you may join them all.

To join Holy Spirit’s flock:  There are two ways to join.  Visit our network at flocknote.com/holyspiritwinfield and follow the steps to join, or using your cell phone text belong to 845876 and follow the steps.

To join St. Helen’s flock: There are two ways to join. Visit our network at flocknote.com/sthelen and follow the steps to join, or using your cell phone text helen to 84576 and follow the steps.

To join The Pastoral Center for the Diocese of Gary’s flock:  There are two ways to join. You can visit www.flocknote.com/DioceseofGary and follow the sign-up steps. Or, you can text the word GARY to the phone number 84576, which will take you to the sign-up page.  When you sign up, you’ll receive links to video messages from Bishop Hying, notifications about upcoming events and much more.

**You don’t have to download an app. You don’t have to pay to join. (Text STOP to 84576 to stop txt notifications at any time. Text HELP for help. There is no charge for this service, but your carrier message and data rates may apply. View privacy policy & conditions at www.flocknote.com/txt.