Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Hi Everybody, Bishop Callahan here, to encourage you to Share the Promise of Mercy in this season of Advent. I hope you have had a chance to experience God’s boundless mercy firsthand. This past Year has been a time of personal challenge for me, but it has also been a source of great joy. When I reflect on the difficulties I’ve been given I can’t help but to reflect on the presence of His Mercy, especially in those times when I needed it most.

The Church has given us the season of Advent as a time of expectant waiting, preparation, and anticipation. We wait for the “Messiah” as was promised by the Prophet Isaiah. “On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse.”

We prepare for the birth of Jesus as Saint Paul teaches: “Brothers and sisters: You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep and put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

And we anticipate the coming of Christ, the Source of Mercy and the one of whom it was written: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son; and his name will be called Emmanuel.”

This Advent, renew your sense of tradition, or perhaps start a new way to mark this time in the Church Year as we await the Savior’s birth. Take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, attend Mass more frequently, and make time to pray. Prayer is our connection with our Heavenly Father who grants us everything that is good.

Remember that we can hope in the glory of heaven promised by God to those who love him and do his will. In every situation, each one of us should hope, with the grace of God, to persevere “to the end” and obtain the joy of heaven, as god’s eternal reward for the good works accomplished with the grace of Christ.

Blessed Advent to you; let us wait together in joyful hope.