Happy Advent

The awesome sights and sounds of Mount Haleakala on the Island of Maui, Hawaii

Bro. Jim, Fr. Jerry and Fr. Roland enjoying the

beauty of Mount Haleakala. Greetings from our staff at St. Anthony's parish for a joyful and blessed Advent. We wish all of you a prayerful and hopeful season as we prepare for the mystery of the Incarnation at Christmas. During the past months we have been blessed with many visitors to our parish community. Bro. Jack Ventura and Brian Reavey from St. Louis, MO have graced us with their dynamic presence and presentation on our Marianist charism and laity. Myles McCabe from our provincial office led some of our Outreach committee to reflect, discuss and act on some of the social issues in our community.

Last evening we hosted the Maui Vicariate here at St. Anthony for dinner and meeting. Pastors from ten parishes on Maui are preparing for their Advent reconciliation services. We are collaborating with each other for our "Missa de Gallo" liturgy in preparation for Christmas. Beginning on December 16 at 5:00 a.m. we will have Masses for nine days until December 24 preparing for the feast of Christmas. This is a Filipino tradition of welcoming Jesus at Christmas; festive Eucharist followed by traditional Filipino breakfast. All of the parishioners are invited to participate in this joyful event. It is a great way to create community and join with one another for this feast of Christmas.

Have a blessed Advent and be assured of my prayers and alohas as you prepare for this festive feast of Christmas during this holy and joyful season. We are experiencing rain and lots of wind during this week; hints of winter here in Hawaii.