In this edition:

1. Liturgy Committee Mission
2. Liturgical News
3. Advent Table Prayers
4. Advent Reflections
   1. Advent 2009
   2. Advent/Christmas Reflection Calendar
5. Advent/Christmas Liturgies at St. Tom's 2009

Liturgy Committee Mission

The mission of the liturgy team is to provide education, understanding and enrichment of liturgical prayer for the assembly, including members and guests of St. Tom's through the liturgical year. The team seeks to promote full and active participation in the liturgy.

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Liturgical News

Popular Piety and the Advent Liturgy

Advent is a time of waiting, conversion and of hope:

• waiting-memory of the first, humble coming of the Lord in our mortal flesh; waiting-supplication for his final, glorious coming as Lord of History and universal Judge;
• conversion, to which the Liturgy at this time often refers quoting the prophets, especially John the Baptist, "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mt 3,2);
• joyful hope that the salvation already accomplished by Christ (cf. Rm 8, 24-25) and the reality of grace in the world, will mature and reach their fulness, thereby granting us what is promised by faith, and "we shall become like him for we shall see him as he really is" (John 3,2).

Popular piety is particularly sensitive to Advent, especially when seen as the memory of the preparation for the coming of the Messiah. The Christian people are deeply conscious of the long period of expectation that preceded the birth of our Saviour. The faithful know that God sustained Israel's hope in the coming of the Messiah by the prophets.

Popular piety is not unaware of this extraordinary event. Indeed, it is awestruck at the prospect of the God of glory taking flesh in the womb of the humble and lowly Virgin Mary. The faithful are particularly sensitive to the difficulties faced by the Virgin Mary during her pregnancy, and are deeply moved by the fact that there was no room at the inn for Joseph and Mary, just as she was about to give birth to the Christ child (cf Lk 2,7).

Various expressions of popular piety connected with Advent have emerged throughout the centuries. These have sustained the faith of the people, and from one generation to the next, they have conserved many valuable aspects of the liturgical season of Advent.

The Advent Wreath

Placing four candles on green fronds has become a symbol of Advent in many Christian home, especially in the Germanic countries and in North America.

The Advent wreath, with the progressive lighting of its four candles, Sunday after Sunday, until the Solemnity of Christmas, is a recollection of the various stages of salvation history prior to Christ's coming and a symbol of the prophetic light gradually illuminating the long night prior to the rising of the Sun of justice (cf. Ml 3,20; Lk 1,78).

Advent processions

In many regions, various kinds of processions are held in Advent, publicly to announce the imminent birth of the Saviour (the "day star" in some Italian processions), or to represent the journey to Bethlehem of Joseph and Mary and their search for a place in which Jesus would be born (the posadas in the Hispanic and Latin American tradition).

The Winter Interstice

Advent is celebrated during the Winter interstice in the northern hemisphere. This indicate a change of seasons and a moment of rest in many spheres of human endeavour. Popular piety is extremely sensitive to the vital cycle of nature. While the Winter interstice is celebrated, the seed lays in the ground waiting for the light and heat of the sun, which begins its ascent with the Winter solstice, and eventually causes it to germinate.

In those areas where popular piety has given rise to the celebration of the changing season, such expressions should be conserved and used as a time to pray the Lord, to reflect on the meaning of human work, which is a collaboration with the creative work of God, a self-realisation of the person, service to the common good, and an actualization of the plan of redemption(114).

The Blessed Virgin Mary and Advent

The Liturgy frequently celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary in an exemplary way during the season of Advent(115). It recalls the women of the Old Testament who prefigured and prophesied her mission; it exalts her faith and the humility with which she promptly and totally submitted to God's plan of salvation; it highlights her presence in the events of grace preceding the birth of the Saviour. Popular piety also devotes particular attention to the Blessed Virgin Mary during Advent, as is evident from the many pious exercised practised at this time, especially the novena of the Immaculate Conception and of Christmas.

However, the significance of Advent, "that time which is particularly apt for the cult of the Mother of God"(116), is such that it cannot be represented merely as a "Marian month".

In the calendars of the Oriental Churches, the period of preparation for the celebration of the manifestation (Advent) of divine salvation (Theophany) in the mysteries of Christmas-Epiphany of the Only Son of God, is markedly Marian in character. Attention is concentrated on preparation for the Lord's coming in the Deipara. For the Orientals, all Marian mysteries are Christological mysteries since they refer to the mystery of our salvation in Christ. In the Coptic rite, the Lauds of the Virgin Mary are sung in the Theotokia. Among the Syrians, Advent is referred to as the Subbara or Annunciation, so as to highlight its Marian character. The Byzantine Rite prepares for Christmas with a whole series of Marian feasts and rituals.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is profoundly influential among the faithful, is an occasion for many displays of popular piety and especially for the novena of the Immaculate Conception. There can be no doubt that the feast of the pure and sinless Conception of the Virgin Mary, which is a fundamental preparation for the Lord's coming into the world, harmonizes perfectly with many of the salient themes of Advent. This feast also makes reference to the long messianic waiting for the Saviours's birth and recalls events and prophecies from the Old Testament, which are also used in the Liturgy of Advent.

The novena of the Immaculate Conception, wherever it is celebrated, should highlight the prophetical texts which begin with Genesis 3,15, and end in Gabriel's salutation of the one who is "full of grace" (Lk 1, 31-33).

The approach of Christmas is celebrated throughout the American continent with many displays of popular piety, centred on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (12 December), which dispose the faithful to receive the Saviour at his birth. Mary, who was "intimately united with the birth of the Church in America, became the radiant Star illuminating the proclamation of Christ the Saviour to the sons of these nations"(117).

The Christmas Novena

The Christmas novena began as a means of communicating the riches of the Liturgy to the faithful who were unable easily to grasp it. It has played a very effective role and can continue to play such a role. At the same time, in current conditions where the faithful have easier access to the Liturgy, it would seem desirable that vespers from the 17-23 of December should be more solemn by adopting the use of the "major antiphons", and by inviting the faithful to participate at the celebration. Such a celebration, held either before of after which the popular devotions to which the faithful are particularly attached, would be an ideal "Christmas novena", in full conformity with the Liturgy and mindful of the needs of the faithful. Some elements, such as the homily, the use of incense, and the intercessions, could also be expanded within the celebration of Vespers.

The Crib

As is well known, in addition to the representations of the crib found in churches since antiquity, the custom of building cribs in the home was widely promoted from the thirteenth century, influenced undoubtedly by St. Francis of Assisi's crib in Greccio. Their preparation, in which children play a significant role, is an occasion for the members of the family to come into contact with the mystery of Christmas, as they gather for a moment of prayer or to read the biblical accounts of the Lord's birth.

Popular piety and the spirit of Advent

Popular piety, because of its intuitive understanding of the Christian mystery, can contribute effectively to the conservation of many of the values of Advent, which are not infrequently threatened by the commercialization of Christmas and consumer superficiality.

Popular piety perceives that it is impossible to celebrate the Lord's birth except in an atmosphere of sobriety and joyous simplicity and of concern for the poor and imarginated. The expectation of the Lord's birth makes us sensitive to the value of life and the duties to respect and defend it from conception. Popular piety intuitively understands that it is not possible coherently to celebrate the birth of him "who saves his people from their sins" without some effort to overcome sin in one's own life, while waiting vigilantly for Him who will return at the end of time.

From the CONGREGATION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP AND THE DISCIPLINE OF THE SACRAMENTS, Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, Principles and Guidelines, Vatican City, December 2001.

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Advent Table Prayers

Prayers at meal time.

Week One:

Light one candle.

The day is coming when you will fulfill your promise
to the house of Israel and Judah, O God,
the day that we wait in anticipation
for the coming of your son into our hearts anew.
This day we lift our hearts to you.
We trust in you for you are kind and merciful.
We ask that you send your son to a world
that still knows the anger and bitterness of war.
May his peaceful light shine on all humanity
and reshape our hearts and minds.
As we gather around our tables we ask that you bless us
and that you increase our love for one another.
For our part, we will do our best to live our lives
in a pleasing manner so that we are ready
to open our hearts to the coming Prince of Peace.
As we raise our eyes to the star filled nights
that blanket the sky around the globe,
we ask for peace in our homes and peace
in the Holy Land, through Jesus Christ,
who is Lord of all humanity.
Amen.

Week Two:

Light two candles.

O loving God, you gather your children
from east to west and give us reason to rejoice.
For you remember your little ones and this fills us with joy.
Help us prepare for the coming of your son
by lowering the mountains of prejudice with understanding,
straightening the path of revenge with forgiveness
and smoothing the road of anxiety with patience.
We give you thanks for the food you have placed before us
always mindful of those in the world
who go without the proper nourishment each day.
Let us hear your majestic voice to heighten the awareness
for the need for our generosity to level the field of wealth
and poverty in our community and world.
Help us to remove the robes of mourning and misery
on the poor and place upon them the cloak of your justice O God.
We ask this through the one
who hears the cries of the children
from Indiana and Iraq and everywhere in between,
Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Week Three:

Light three candles.

As we wait in joyful anticipation of your Word made flesh,
we rejoice in the love you have for your people, O God.
Help us to grow in holiness during this sacred time
at our places of work, at our homes, and in our community.
As we enjoy this meal that has been lovingly prepared,
continue to bless us and nourish us in body, mind and spirit.
In this time of world turmoil, we make a plea for peace
that will bring an end to war and lead our service men
and women back home to their families.
Help all of us to know your peace that surpasses all understanding
guarding our hearts and minds today and for all time.
We pray for our needs by crying out to you
with joy and gladness through Jesus Christ our Lord, our Peace.
Amen.

Week Four:

Light four candles.

The time draws near that your glory will shine forth
like the dawn, O God, of salvation.
Soon you will deliver a king in the form of an infant
born to a woman who did not know man.
As this season of Advent draws to a close,
may we find ourselves closer to you through the compassion,
forgiveness and generosity that we have shown to others
just as the men and women religious have shown to your people.
Help us to continue on this straightened path
that leads us to you and when we falter,
give us humble hearts to turn to you for forgiveness.
As your humble servants,
we ask that you bless us gathered at this table.
Bless this food before us that will give us nourishment
to sustain us to do your will.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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Advent Reflections

Advent 2009

The air has turned chilly and cold, the sky seems dark as we are driving to work as well as when we travel towards home. Yet through all the cold and darkness, we wait in hope; hope of the warmth and light that only the Son of God can bring us. So we, as a Church, wait through this season of Advent in joyful anticipation. What might that look like for you this year? The liturgy team has put together a calendar with a phrase from the psalm of the day for you to contemplate as you catch moments of peace in your busy day. You could display an Advent wreath and light the candles one by one to mark the passage of time in the season as we journey the 4 weeks of Advent toward Christmas. We also have prayers to use at meal times.

This year we enter into the liturgical cycle "C" in which we hear primarily from the gospel of St. Luke. The New American Bible introduction to Luke's Gospel says, "Throughout the gospel, Luke calls upon the Christian disciple to identify with the master Jesus, who is caring and tender toward the poor and lowly, the outcast, the sinner, and the afflicted, toward all those who recognize their dependence on God…No gospel writer is more concerned than Luke with the mercy and compassion of Jesus." Perhaps as we begin our journey this new liturgical year, our focus will be on mercy and compassion of Jesus, too. Maybe we can even be brave enough to share that mercy and compassion with all we come in contact this year. Possibly that will bring us a step closer to becoming the living icons of the one who came down to earth to give us a share in his heavenly kingdom...

Beth Berger
Liturgy Coordinator

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Advent/Christmas Reflection Calendar 2009

Use the words from the psalm of the day to help you on your spiritual journey during the season of Advent and Christmas. Reflect on each day's psalm refrain. To look up all the readings of the day, go to USCCB's site: www.usccb.org/nab.

Nov. 29: To You, O Lord, I lift my soul.
Reflection Question: In what ways do I surrender to God?

Nov. 30: Your words are true.
Reflection Question: What comfort do I take in the truth of the gospel?

Dec. 1: Justice shall flourish
Reflection Question: How do I envision the world at peace?

Dec. 2: I shall live in the house of the Lord.
Reflection Question: What do I want to talk to the Lord about when I see him?

Dec. 3: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Reflection Question: In what ways do I take refuge in the Lord?

Dec. 4: the Lord is my light and my salvation.
Reflection Question: Do I always remember that salvation comes through the grace of God?

Dec. 5: Blessed are all who wait for the Lord.
Reflection Question: How am I preparing for the coming of the Lord?

Dec. 6: The Lord has done great things for us.
Reflection Question: What are some of the “great things” God has done that fill you with joy?

Dec 7: Our God will come and save us.
Reflection Question: How am I helping to build the kingdom of justice and peace?

Dec 8: Sing to the Lord a new song.
Reflection Question: What new song are you going to sing this Advent?

Dec. 9: O bless the Lord my soul.
Reflection Question: How do I remember the goodness of Love?

Dec. 10: The Lord is gracious and merciful.
Reflection Question: How do I find God present in His works in my life?

Dec. 11: Follow the Lord.
Reflection Question: How do I find joy in God's law?

Dec. 12: You are the most high.
Reflection Question: What brings me to a stronger belief in God?

Dec. 13: Cry out with joy and gladness!
Reflection Question: God has given me many gifts. For what do I give thanks today?

Dec. 14: Teach me your ways.
Reflection Question: Have I given of myself this day, O Lord, as you have taught me?

Dec. 15: the Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Reflection Question: How am I responding to those in need?

Dec. 16: The earth shall bring forth a savior.
Reflection Question: God has shown His great love for us. Have I prepared a dwelling place for Him?

Dec. 17: Fullness of peace forever.
Reflection Question: How do I surrender myself to God so that I might live in Him, and Him in me?

Dec. 18: Justice shall flourish.
Reflection Question: Have I used my voice this day to speak for the silenced, my strength to lift the oppressed, and my good judgment to right the wrong?

Dec. 19: My mouth shall be filled with your praise.
Reflection Question: How do I show my trust in God?

Dec. 20: Lord, make us turn to you.
Reflection Question: How do we show that we are here to do God's will?

Dec. 21: Exult, you just in the Lord!
Reflection Question: Is my soul ready for the Lord?

Dec. 22: My heart exults in the Lord.
Reflection Question: Do I recognize the goodness that surrounds me?

Dec. 23: See redemption is near at hand.
Reflection Question: Am I open to the paths and truths that God has chosen for me?

Dec. 24: Sing the goodness of the Lord!
Reflection Question: In what ways do I see the goodness of the Lord in my life?

Dec. 25: All the ends of the earth have seen God's glory.
Reflection Question: How do I bring light into my family, my community, my world?
Reflection Question: In what ways do I feel that I am a beloved child of God?

Dec. 26: Into your hands, O Lord.
Reflection Question: Am I willing to commend my life to the Lord?

Dec. 27: Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Reflection Question: What responsibilities accompany the gift of dwelling in the house of the Lord?

Dec. 28: Our soul has been rescued.
Reflection Question: Have any of my choices in life caused my soul to be ensnared?

Dec. 29: Let the heavens be glad.
Reflection: Today I will remember my loved ones who have gone before me to heaven.

Dec. 30: Let the earth rejoice.
Reflection Questions: Do I take good care of God's creation? Am I mindful of the environment?

Dec. 31: Alleluia!
Reflection Question: Does my life sing the praises of God?

Jan. 1: All the earth has seen God's glory.
Reflection Question: Have I shared the goodness of God today with my family and friends?

Jan. 2: All the ends of the earth shall see the glory of God.
Reflection Question: Are my eyes open to see God's glory?

Jan. 3: Every nation on earth will adore you, Lord.
Reflection Question: How can I show my adoration for the Lord?

Jan 4: I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

Jan. 5: Every nation on earth will adore you, Lord.
Reflection Question: Do I appreciate all that the Lord has given me?

Jan. 6: Every nation on earth will adore you, Lord.
Reflection Question: In what ways have I rejoiced in being a member of the body of Christ?

Jan. 7: Every nation on earth will adore you, Lord.
Reflection Question: In what ways do I connect with people from other faiths?

Jan. 8: Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
Reflection Question: Have I read the Hebrew Scriptures lately to familiarize myself again with the rich heritage passed on to me?

Jan. 9: The Lord takes delight in his people.
Reflection Question: In what ways can I express myself that God would take delight in me?

Jan 10: Every nation of earth will adore you, Lord.
Reflection Question: In what ways am I willing to share the love of Christ with others?

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Advent/Christmas Liturgies at St. Tom's 2009

1st Weekend of Advent November 28/29

Masses: Saturday 5:30pm; Sunday 9am, 11am, 7pm, and 9pm

2nd Weekend of Advent December 5/6

Masses: Saturday 5:30pm; Sunday 9am, 11am, 7pm, and 9pm

* Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception December 8

Monday Mass: 5:30pm; Tuesday Masses: 11:30am, 5:30pm, and 7pm

3rd Weekend of Advent December 12/13

Finals and Grad Blessing at all of the Masses

Masses: Saturday 5:30pm; Sunday 9am, 11am, 7pm, and 9pm

4th Weekend of Advent December 19/20

Masses: Saturday 5:30pm; Sunday 9am and 11am

Join the Art and Environment committee in setting up worship space for Christmas after the 11am Mass

* Christmas Eve Liturgies December 24

5:30pm Mass

11:30pm Carols/Concert with Mass at Midnight

* Christmas Day Liturgy December 25

11:00am Mass

Feast of the Holy Family December 26/27

Masses: Saturday 5:30pm; Sunday 9am and 11am

* Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God January 1

11:00am Mass

* Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord January 2/3

Masses: Saturday 5:30pm; Sunday 9am and 11am

Baptism of the Lord January 9/10

Masses: Saturday 5:30pm; Sunday 9am, 11am, 7pm, and 9pm

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