This weekend we begin the Holy Season of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation...for what? Santa Claus? Well, maybe.

The name “santa claus” comes from the Dutch name for St. Nicholas, “Sinterklaas”. St. Nicholas was a monk from Eastern Europe who died in the year 343. He was known for his great kindness and generosity, especially for the poor.

I know, I am always asking you to slow down, especially in these busy seasons preparing for something special from our God. Next weekend, we will have our annual “Bethlehem Gift Shop”, as Ayman will again be here with woodcarvings from the Holy Land. Ok, you can do some Christmas shopping!

I am again in Mexico for their annual quinceañera celebration, then I am off to El Salvador for their graduation ( their school schedule is different from ours) and quinceañera. Lots of celebrating!

Next weekend is the Solemnity of Christ the King, which marks the end of our liturgical year. We have walked with Jesus another year and heard him teach us. After that, we begin the season of Advent, preparing ourselves again to receive the gift of God’s Son into our world.

November is a month to focus on Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for here at St. Bernard’s. Yes, we all have problems and issues, and our elections will bring some anger and disappointment, but we cannot let those things dominate our spirit. In Old Greek, the word “eucharist” means thanksgiving. We are a Eucharistic people, a thanksgiving people.