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Reflection & Reconciliation at Advent's Close
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An Advent Playlist for ReflectionCurated by Fr. Rich for You
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Come, Lord! Maranatha/Come Now, Emmanuel(5 Min)
What better way to enter the hallowed tradition of sacred waiting than to combine the haunting strains of the 1,000-year-old VENI EMMANUEL with Paulist Father Ricky Manalo's
2006 composition? Fr. Ricky
wrote different lyrics for each Sunday of Advent. This recording includes lyrics from the 1st Sunday and the 4th Sunday.Learn more about the composer at ~
Fr. Ricky Manalo
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The Dream Isaiah Saw(6 min)
Fr. Rich notes: Turn the volume WAY up, as it starts very softly!
Composer Glenn Rudolph drafted this piece--inspired by chapter 11 of Isaiah--for the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Symphony Brass in the summer of 2001. When he came back in the fall to edit it, he became convinced that Providence had guided him to write this piece in memory of all those who perished on September 11. While I have performed this piece many times, I've always become overwhelmed by the description of Christ's second coming in verse 3: "Nature reordered to match God's intent / Nations obeying the call to repent / All of creation completely restored / Filled with the knowledge and love of the Lord."
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Breath of Heaven(Mary's Song)(5 min)
Music and lyrics by Chris Eaton and Amy Grant
Grant and Eaton imagine the person in all of history who most anticipated the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day: the Virgin Mary. As Mary questions her ability to carry out God's plan, she prays to the Holy Spirit, the "Breath of Heaven."
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We Need a Little Christmas (4 minutes, Starts at 35:17)
Music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, arranged by Ronald Staheli, performed by the Brigham Young University show choir.
A Broadway show tune on a liturgical playlist? If you stick with the recording for at least 70 seconds, you'll hear how Staheli cleverly combines the secular and the sacred of wishing Christmas were already here!
While Fr. Rich apologizes for the jerky camera work in this 29-year-old video, he offers that this was the best recording of Staheli's arrangement he could find on YouTube. This writer smiled watching this video. Personally, it was great to step back in time -the bangs, the shoulder pads!!!
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Our Communal Advent Penance Service 2020
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Readings & Reflection from our Advent 2020 Penance Service
Join our communal service of penance, pray with us., listen to the reading, and reflection. Then consider the examination of conscience.
The sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 in the church. The sacrament must be in person, not by phone or video conference. All CDC precautions (masks, safe distancing, etc.) will be strictly observed. If you'd like to schedule an appointment other than on Saturdays, you may request an appointment by emailing Sharon Lehtonen.
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An Examination of Conscience in Advent
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In this time of uncertainty, do I micromanage family members, co-workers, and friends, … or do I humbly accept my limits?
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In this time of scarcity, do I hoard resources for myself and my household, … or do I care for those who have less than I do?
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In this time of polarization, do I ridicule those who disagree with me, … or do I make the effort to understand their priorities and concerns?
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In this time of protest, do I trivialize the indignities suffered by others, … or do I recognize my own contributions to the injustices in our society?
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In this time of fear, do I complain about individuals acting selfishly, … or do I celebrate the millions heroically sacrificing for the sake of others?
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In this time of isolation, do I find ways to safely connect with my loved ones, or do I choose to spend all my time alone?
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In this time of grief, do I distract myself with unhealthy behaviors, … or do I provide myself with a safe space to allow my heart to grow tender?
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In this time of confusion, do I feed my anger through excessive news watching, … or do I receive updates with efficient discipline?
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In this time of sadness, do I – like Elijah – complain that God has abandoned me, … or do I express gratitude to God?
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In this time of anxiety, do I give in to the clamor of fearmongers, … or do I listen to God’s still, small voice?
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