From the Editor

From the Editor

Advent, Christmas and hope for those who are suffering

Another year has come to an end. The month of December marks the end of the calendar year, however because we are in Advent, it is the beginning of a new liturgical year.

Like Lent, Advent is a preparatory season. It has significance because it is a season of looking forward and waiting for something greater: Both for the annual celebration of Christ’s birth and for the time when Christ will come again.

The themes and traditions of the Advent season have evolved throughout the history of the liturgical season.

The Advent wreath is likely the most popular tradition and is typically present in both the parish church and in the home. Many families will light the candles each Sunday and say Advent prayers together.

Looking through this month’s magazine you will notice that the articles and columns in the beginning of the issue are about Advent. Bishop Fabre’s and Father Glenn LeCompte’s columns are about how Advent is a time to patiently await the return of the Lord. Advent is a season of hope; we light a new candle each week during Advent symbolizing that Christ, the light of the world, is coming.

There are also articles with a Christmas theme in this issue. In Questions of Faith, Father Joshua Rodrigue addresses the topic of the various liturgical celebrations associated with the Christmas liturgy. He explains the four liturgical celebrations of Christmas: The vigil Mass, Mass during the night, Mass at dawn and Mass during the day. We have included a repeat of Father Paul Birdsall’s guest column entitled “Christmas: Fives steps to making the material spiritual.”

We have also included in this issue a schedule of Christmas Mass and confession times in the church parishes throughout the diocese.

There is also continuing coverage of the work that has been and still is being done since Hurricane Ida impacted this area a little over two months ago.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux (CCH-T) does much work throughout the year for those who find themselves in need of food, shelter, clothing, and especially now comfort, after Hurricane Ida.

There is a story explaining the work of CCH-T to help our readers fully understand the scope of help that the agency provides through its many programs. Every year at Christmas, a collection is taken in all the churches in the diocese to help fund the work of CCH-T. The monies given at this time ensure that CCH-T will be able to help those who need it most. It stocks the shelves at the local food banks. It helps keep the doors open at the clothing stores operated by CCH-T. It provides assistance for those who need help in emergency situations with rent and utilities throughout the year. Especially now it helps thousands who have been affected by Hurricane Ida, especially those who have lost everything including their home.

There are many ways to donate. You can drop your donation in the collection basket at Christmas or drop it off at your church parish office. You can give by visiting the website catholiccharitiesht.org/ give. You can mail your donation to Catholic Charities, 1220 Aycock St., Houma, LA 70360, or you can scan the QR code found in this issue, with your smartphone and give online.

On behalf of the Bayou Catholic staff, have a prayerful, hope-filled Advent season and a very Merry Christmas.

Remember, after reading Bayou Catholic, pass it on to a friend or relative who might not be attending Mass. It’s one of the great ways to do your part in spreading the Good News!

Lawrence

Church Life

St. Martin de Porres Mass

The annual Mass honoring St. Martin de Porres was celebrated recently at St. Lucy Church in Houma. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the Mass for Black Catholics. Music was provided by the St. Lucy Choir.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier