2nd Sunday of Advent

by Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.  |  12/10/2023  |  Pastor's Letter

What a busy few weeks at SJV and beyond! On November 11, the Carmel of St. Teresa in Alhambra, California, celebrated the profession of solemn vows of Sr. Elizabeth Cristina of Mary, O.C.D., (who taught in our parish pre- school when she was "just" Ms. Eli Gama) Several parishioners - and former pastors! -were in attendance and they tell us it was a very joyful day. Sister Elizabeth wrote to say she is praying for us all!

That same day, back here at SJV, the Knights of Columbus Assembly 2669 hosted their annual Veterans and Service Personnel Gala. We honored Skip Hopler and Eliseo Felix, Jr., in a special way and various other heroic veterans. God bless the U.S. armed forces!

Our Instituted Acolyte Bob Solis and the volunteers of Brazos Abiertos have been busy collecting new shoes to give to our brothers and sisters at the border in Nogales. They expressed their deep gratitude to everyone at SJV who donated and continues to pray for their ministry.

Please join us on Tuesday for our celebrations of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We have been praying the Novena Guadalupana, celebrating Mary's Immaculate Conception and dedicating our new Mother Mary Grotto. On December 11, in the evening in vigil, we will gather to conclude the Novena and reenact the events of 1531 with the Guadalupe Play. The following morning, (5:00am!!), December 12, we will sing the Mañanitas. You'll want to arrive early as the Church gets pretty packed... Throughout the morning we will have Masses and then return in the evening (6:00pm) for Mass and Procession... and then some delicious goodies! Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of our Diocese of Phoenix and most importantly Our Mother, who loves us, protects us all and wraps us up in her mantle.

These are busy and sacred weeks. We are celebrating Mary and preparing ourselves for the birth of Our Savior Jesus. As we do, let's keep praying together as a family -remember, the family that prays together stays together!

Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.