Anno Domini 2025 November 22

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 22 November, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Sunday (tomorrow): 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Sunday next before Advent.
• Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, S. John of the Cross.
• Tuesday: 6:30 PM, monthly Requiem.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Sylvester, Abbot.
• Thursday: 10:00 AM, Mass, Thanksgiving Day. THIS WILL BE THE ONLY SERVICE TODAY!
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Feria, with Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Feria, Holy Communion.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Advent I.

Please note that on Thursday, the regularly-scheduled services are cancelled. The only service on that day will be the Mass for Thanksgiving Day, at 10:00 AM. If any are travelling on that day, or around it, please be safe. Fortunately, the weather forecasts ~ for whatever they're worth ~ aren't projecting any inclement circumstances.

A week from tomorrow will be Advent I, the First Sunday in Advent. This is the first day of the Christian Kalendar, the first day day of the new Christian year. It is the time for us to take stock of who- and where we are, in-relation to the Christ, our Saviour.

It should come as no surprise that the first Season of our Year is one of preparation. It is a Violet Season, one of penance. Our sins necessitated the Coming of our Lord into this world, and His first public calls (as we read in the Gospel of Matthew) were for repentance.

Advent is a foreshadowing of Lent, just as the Feast of the Nativity (His first Coming) is a foreshadowing of the Feast of the Resurrection (Easter, His second coming). Indeed, in the Eastern Church, the primary emphasis in Advent is on His second coming ~ His coming again in perfect light, and perfect grace, and complete power.

Be ready, for He cometh, and that right soon. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish