Letter From Our Pastor

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Advent Message

The word Advent has its origin in the Latin verb “to come” – advenire. It’s interesting that another related word, adventure, also comes from Latin, “adventurus,,” meaning “about to happen.” Both things require us to be alert, to pay attention to what is happening. Advent is a season of looking ahead in hope. Hope waits and watches in confident expectation. The Opening Prayer at Mass on the first Sunday of Advent is: “Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming, so that, gathered at his right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly kingdom.” This opening prayer has a beautiful image I think that resonates with every parent. The image of running towards Jesus with our righteous deeds, those acts of kindness and charity we have done for others, held in our hands, reminds me of the child who did well on a test or who has created a work of art, waiting, eager to show mom or dad their work – “see what I did?” That’s the eager, hopeful, anticipation we are called to have when it comes to welcoming Christ today in our lives and at his return in glory.

Father Geoffrey Kerslake

Pastor

Sunday Reflection:  Second Sunday of Advent, Sunday, December 7, 2025

Christ will bring us to new life and new growth.

Reflection

The late Pope Francis remarked:  “We are all sinners.  We are called to a conversion of heart.”  This Sunday and next Sunday we hear about John the Baptist and his role in preparing the people for conversion so they could recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.  John the Baptist is a pivotal figure in Scripture:  he stands at the meeting of the Old and New Testaments.  He is the last of the Old Testament prophets who prophesied and prepared the Israelites for the coming of the Messiah.  He is indeed the person the prophet Isaiah foretold who would come “like a voice in the wilderness” calling for conversion and repentance.  John is also the first and only New Testament prophet.  He prepared the people of Israel to recognize in Jesus the fulfillment of their longings for a new kingdom, a new reality.

Fr. Geoff

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To all the Parish’s generous faithful

Thank you to all who donate to the ongoing operation of the parish.  For e-Transfer please send it to admin@holyspiritparish.ca and use the password, Holyspirit (all one word with a capital H).  We currently have a significant number of parishioners who contribute via bank auto debit.  If you would like more information about the program or wish to participate, please contact the parish office at 613-836-8881 or email admin@holyspiritparish.ca