CHRIST THE DIVINE SHEPHERD PARISH  

  As if December wasn’t already busy enough, there was also a big anniversary that went largely unnoticed in the Church. Last Monday, December 4th, was the 60th anniversary of the publication of the first two documents of the Second Vatican Council: the apostolic constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium, on the sacred liturgy, and the decree Inter Mirifica, on social communications.  Much could be - and has been - said about the document on the liturgy, and this column is nowhere near sufficiently long enough to really delve into it.  Inter Mirifica, on the other hand, is a much shorter document and tends to get overlooked, but is still certainly worthy of consideration.

Writing the document was no small task.  70 different drafts were developed, with only 9 making it out of committee.  The final proposed draft was pretty lengthy, but the last round of discussion ended up throwing out over 75% of the text.  The final document was approved by the Council Fathers by a very wide margin: 1,960 approved to 164 opposed.  Nevertheless, the document was not particularly well-received - in fact, it was criticized as being inadequate.  But in retrospect, it seems to be prophetic.  Consider this paragraph, warning us against getting too addicted to our phones:

“Those who make use of the media of communications, especially the young, should take steps to accustom themselves to moderation and self-control in their regard. They should, moreover, endeavor to deepen their understanding of what they see, hear or read. They should discuss these matters with their teachers and experts, and learn to pass sound judgements on them. Parents should remember that they have a most serious duty to guard carefully lest shows, publications and other things of this sort, which may be morally harmful, enter their homes or affect their children under other circumstances.”

Inter Mirifica is worth reading, especially during the Advent season.  The readings this weekend speak about proclaiming good news: what does the media we consume proclaim to us?  How do we use the media, especially social media, to proclaim that which is good, true, and beautiful to others?  May God give us the grace to be good digital citizens, so that one day we can merit to be citizens of the kingdom of heaven.

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Fourth Sunday of Advent - This year, the Fourth Sunday of Advent is also Christmas Eve.  So what does that mean for Mass attendance?  Well, you still have to go to Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent - either Saturday evening or Sunday morning.  And then you have to go to Mass for Christmas - either Sunday night or Monday morning.  We will still follow the regular Mass schedule for the weekend.  You can find the Christmas Mass schedule on page 12.

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Census - Our parish census is still ongoing.  Thanks to everyone who has already responded.  If you have not, there is a QR code to scan on the next page that will take you to the census form. I’m especially grateful to Seminarian Nick for leading the effort to make this census successful.

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Movie Night - Join us for our next family movie night, this Monday, December 11, at 7PM in Biedenbach Hall.  We’ll be watching the holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life.  No need to register; just show up.

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The Light is On For You - This Wednesday, December 13, all parishes throughout the diocese of Pittsburgh will have an opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation.  Priests will be available at both of our churches from 6PM until 9PM that evening. Please see page 5 for additional opportunities for the sacrament.

Our Parish Office- Will be closed Friday, December 22nd until Tuesday, January 2nd in honor of Jesus' birth and the new year.

Oremus pro invicem!

Father Michael Conway