Central Catholic students are given the opportunity today to attend penance services and receive the sacrament of reconciliation. A wonderful opporotunity for them to prepare for Advent, which begins on Sunday, and a reminder to us that as a season of preparation, there is a motif of penance, not quite as demanding as during Lent, in order to purifiy our hearts for the coming of the Savior. With "Black Friday" beginning at midnight people will rush to stores while still in process of digesting the Thanksgiving turkey, in order to "beat the crowds and get a headstart on Christmas shopping at bargain prices." The meaning of Advent is lost in the frenzy to shop, decorate, send cards, and attend parties in the weeks ahead. Prayer, confession, reflection, sacrificing, and service to others fight for survival, but yes, with a concerted effort, can find their rightful place in the next four weeks. The example of our students at our penance services, confession, and Thanksgiving prayers during their religion periods can motivate us to find the time for these important acts of faith and practices of our religion and put us on the right track for the weeks of Advent. Our faculty as well, on Mondays and Tuesdays during Advent, will be meeting in the chapel for reflection and prayer over the Advent readings of the week. It is a special time, a special season, a prelude to a very special event in human history: the coming of God as one of us. How greatly does he love us to have made such a "leap". How great the call to leap as high as we can in response.
Bro. Rene
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