I pray your Advent preparations are going well. The new 6:30am daily Mass at St. Catherine’s is off to a great start and has been well received. We have averaged about 15 people for morning Mass which is fantastic, what a great way to start the day. During this season of Advent, I encourage everyone to try to attend at least one Mass during the week whether here or somewhere else or stop in for a few minutes to visit our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament during the Holy Hour after the Mass. These kinds of devotions are important to remind us that we are in a special season of spiritual preparation.
Last week I mentioned that I would include the blessing for Christmas Trees. Well here it is. I encourage everyone to bless their Christmas trees (real or artificial) and to sprinkle them with some Holy Water.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Ken
BLESSING OF A CHRISTMAS TREE
The leader makes the sign of the cross, and all reply “Amen.”
The leader may greet those present in the following words:
Let us glorify Christ our light, who brings salvation and peace into our midst, now and forever.
R/. Amen.
In the following or similar words, the leader prepares those present for the blessing:
My brothers and sisters, amidst signs and wonders Christ Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea: his birth brings joy to our hearts and enlightenment to our minds. With this tree, decorated and adorned, may we welcome Christ among us; may its lights guide us to the perfect light.
The leader says the prayer of blessing with hands joined:
Lord our God,
we praise you for the light of creation:
the sun, the moon, and the stars of the night.
We praise you for the light of Israel:
the Law, the prophets, and the wisdom of the Scriptures.
We praise you for Jesus Christ, your Son:
he is Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Prince of Peace,
who fills us with the wonder of your love.
Lord God,
let your blessing come upon us
as we illumine this tree.
May the light and cheer it gives
be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts.
May all who delight in this tree
come to the knowledge and joy of salvation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.
The lights of the tree are then illuminated.
The leader concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May the God of glory fill our hearts with peace and joy, now
and forever.
R/. Amen.
The blessing concludes with a verse from “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”:
O come, thou dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night
and death’s dark shadow put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.