INCARNATION CATHOLIC CHURCH

121 W. Glenoaks Blvd. * Glendale, CA 91202 * 818-242-2579 * FAX 818-507-4976

16 December 2006

WITH THE HOLIDAYS UPON US, DO YOU FIND YOURSELVES GETTING CAUGHT UP IN THE FRENZY OVER SHOPPING AND GIFTS AND ALL THE RELATED HUSTLE AND BUSTLE? HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH IT, AND DO YOU WORRY THAT THE TRUE MESSAGES OF THE SEASON GET LOST?

The pre-Christmas time of Advent is one of my favorite seasons of the year. Our own parish community of Incarnation has developed many traditions that enable us to enter into the fullness of this season of expectation and hope:

Parishioners generously purchase over five hundred gifts for children of our sister parish in South Central Los Angeles. Our Youth Ministry then hosts a wonderful party including the re-telling of the first Christmas in drama and music.

The parish Filipino community hosts the ≥Simbang Gabi≤ celebration which commemorates the sacred events of the Yuletide. The evening is topped off with traditional foods and treats for the children.

We also celebrate the traditional Latino procession of ≥Posadas≤ as we symbolically retrace the steps of Mary and Joseph seeking a place for the Savior to be born. Of course, the evening culminates with more food and festivity and fun for the children.

Our school children perform their annual Pageant of hymns and carols to a standing room only crowd of over 800. Additionally they collect food and gifts and prepare Christmas baskets to be distributed to the poor.

The Liturgies of Advent are highlighted with scriptural readings that remind us in the words of John the Baptist to ≥Prepare the way of the Lord.≤ Services of communal reconciliation and anointing of the sick also spiritually renew and enable us to create that place where Jesus can be made manifest in our lives. If we truly seek the Lord in this season, how can the true message be lost?

Father Paul J. Hruby

Pastor

Church of the Incarnation

Glendale