VOL Parish Weekly Bulletin December 10, 2017

Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil 5 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m., 10 a.m., Noon & 7 p.m. Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. & 8:30 a.m. Pastoral Center Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Closed Noon - 1:00 p.m. Phone: 504-347-2203 Fax: 504-347-2223 Website: www.vol.org Parishioners who are ill or shut-in Contact the Pastoral Center for home visits or Holy Communion Sacrament of Penance Held 30 minutes before each weekend Mass or by appointment. Sacrament of Marriage Couples should make an appointment with one of the parish priests 6 to 8 months in advance. Bulletin insert deadlines Ten working days prior to printing. Contact Parish Secretary Religious Education Director of Religious Ed Mrs. Jenny Doskey Phone: 504-341-8477 CCD Classes begin in September RCIA Classes (Adults) begin in August Visitation School Principal Mrs. Carolyn Levet, M.Ed. 3520 Ames Blvd. Phone: 504-347-3377 Grades Pre K-2 through 7th Sacrament of the Sick (Anointing) By appointment only. Contact the Pastoral Center. Pastoral Center Staff Very Rev. Michael Kettenring, V.F. Pastor Rev. Francis Nguyen Parochial Vicar James Rooney Jim Venturella Deacons Ms. Tiffany Durgin Office Manager Mrs. Christie Bourg Director of Ministries Mrs. Kelli Bourgeois Parish Secretary Visitation of Our Lady Church 3500 Ames Blvd. Marrero, La. 70072 December 10, 2017 Second Sunday of Advent The Advent wreath is a Catholic tradition that symbolizes the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus. The circular wreath symbolizes God’s eternity and unity. During this week, the second purple candle, in addition to the first pur- ple candle, are lit. The second candle is called the Bethlehem candle in honor of the city of Christ’s birth. The second week of Advent is about PEACE. We are still preparing for Jesus’ coming and hoping to make Je- sus a part of our lives, not just at Christmas but all year long. We can pre- pare ourselves for Jesus through prayer and turning ourselves to love, hope, faith, and kindness. Prayer opens our hearts to let in God, love, and faith. Prayer is like a window through which the light of God shines. Let this week continue in hope and peace to keep your window open. As you gather as a family to light your advent candles and pray, think of Mary and her anticipation as she awaited the birth of Our Lord and Savior. In a similar manner we should be anticipating and preparing the way of the Lord. TwäxÇà cxÇtÇvx fxÜä|vxá Monday, December 11th 7-9 pm Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Westwego Tuesday, December 12th 7-9 pm Visitation of Our Lady, Marrero Wednesday, December 13th 7-9 pm Christ the King, Terrytown The priests of the West Bank Deanery of the Archdiocese will hold 3 communal penance services during the Advent season to help lead God’s people to “prepare the way of the Lord” by the worthy reception of the Sacrament of Penance. All Catholics are encouraged to attend one of these Advent Penance Services and avail themselves of the grace of this wonderful sacrament of renewal and reconciliation in preparation for the birth of our Savior.