“
Advent…returns us to the horizon of hope, a hope that does not disappoint because it is founded on the Word of God.”
– Pope Francis
Advent, the four-week period leading up to Christmas, is a season filled with anticipation. The word Advent comes from “ad-venire” in Latin, meaning “to come to.” The season is a time of preparation for the celebration of Our Lord’s birth. It is a time to celebrate the way in which the Lord comes into our lives every day. And, it is a time to look forward in hope to the second coming of Jesus in his glory. Advent begins with First Vespers (Evening Prayer 1) on the Sunday closest to November 30, this year on December 3.
The color for the Advent season is purple, signifying that, just as with Lent, it is a time of heightened prayer, penance and preparation so that we may be truly ready for the Lord’s coming. However, on the Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, the color of priests’ vestments changes to rose. Gaudete is taken from the first word of the Latin Entrance Antiphon for this day, meaning “rejoice.” It is the Church’s way of noting that the time for the celebration of the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord is drawing near.
Advent is often celebrated with the lighting of an Advent wreath, comprised of one rose and three purple candles. Candles are lit progressively each week, with the rose candle lit on the third Sunday.
Advent Prayer
We long for your coming, Lord Jesus. Our hearts are empty until you fill them with your presence. As we prepare to celebrate the feast of your historical coming, fill us with your Spirit so that we may be prepared for your Second Coming, when we will enjoy your presence forever. Amen
St Louis Heating System
Food Pantry Pencil Drawing Fundraiser
Mass Schedule
Catholic Current – Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
Archbishop William E. Lori, Vice President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, discusses the importance of political participation in Catholic teaching. The bishops’ teaching document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility and related materials are available online at www.FaithfulCitizenship.org.
A polarized Church. A divided nation. Pope Francis calls for “a better kind of politics.” How will you respond?
Civilize It: A Better Kind of Politics
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has launched a campaign inviting Catholics to model civility and love for neighbor throughout the year. Civilize It: A Better Kind Of Politics is a response to Pope Francis’ invitation to seek the truth, build bridges, and find solutions together that promote the common good. Join us by taking the pledge and finding resources at CivilizeIt.org.
Harvest Supper
2024 Harvest supper
St Louis community raised over $2025 for the winter Fuel fund.
Many thanks to the several volunteers to help make this happen, and all of those that participated in support of our church. Many hands make light work!
years serving limestone
Storm Cancelation
Notifications
Storm Cancelation
Policy
St Louis
is considered a protector of orphans and widows. He was known for his charity, and built orphanages, hospitals, churches, and libraries to care for his people.
St. Louis IX – A King-Saint’s Fatherly Advice
Love God
St. Louis advised his son to love God with all his heart, as he believed that without this, no one can be saved.
Attend Church
St. Louis advised his son to listen to church services with devotion, and to pray to God with his heart and lips.
Be Compassionate
St. Louis advised his son to have a tender heart for the poor and to help those in need.
Be upright
St. Louis advised his son to surround himself with upright people, and to avoid the company of the bad.
Listen to the word of God
St. Louis advised his son to surround himself with upright people, and to avoid the company of the bad.
Seek Restitution
St. Louis advised his son to inquire if any restitution is still needed, and to deliver it over if so.
Preserve the good
St. Louis advised his son to preserve the good towns and cities in his kingdom, and to redress any wrongs.
seek peace
St. Louis advised his son to seek peace for his subjects and vassals.
Jubilee 2025
As many know, the Jubilee is a special year of grace, in which the Catholic Church offers the faithful the possibility of asking for a plenary indulgence, that is, the remission of sins for themselves or for deceased relatives.
A Jubilee usually lasts a year and a few days: it begins just before the Christian Christmas and ends the Epiphany of the following year.