|
|
 |
| Bishop William Wettingfeld during a Confirmation Mass |
|
|
|
|
A Message from
The Most Reverend William A. Wettingfeld
Presiding Bishop, The National Catholic Church of North America
An Autocephalous Catholic Jurisdiction
|
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
Welcome to The NCCNA web-site please feel free to contact myself or any of the clergy listed if you have any questions.
Another year is closing; the New Church year starts on Sunday November 28th, the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time of anticipating and preparing for the birth of a new baby. The word Advent means coming. We prepare to celebrate Jesus coming into the world, Emmanuel, God with us, to show us all what we can become.
In the scriptures this Advent Isaiah years for a child who can bring peace. The prophet speaks in a time bloodied like our own by war, a time of lives interrupted like our own by financial problems, the loss of jobs, the loss of homes and the loss of self-esteem.
So what does this child promise? Hope! But we must prepare. We must pray that the way of life that this child grows up to show us is the way of life we live. Jesus came to save the world, he left the job unfinished. It is up to you and I to finish the job with God?s help we can. Unlike Lent which is a time of fasting, self-denial, and sadness for the event of Good Friday. Advent is a time to repent, to change our lives into lives of doing good; A time for prayer for our family, friends and yes enemies. A time to live lives of Peace, Love, Hope and Charity. We start with inner peace, forgiving ourselves for things we should not have done or failed to do. Forgiving those who have offended us. Repairing broken relationships and strengthening those that need strengthening. We start with acts of kindness both to ourselves and to those we love. Kind words, simple gestures, a hug or handshake.
We continue with prayer, at home and with others, maybe reconnecting with a church to worship our God with those we love. To find strength in His Words and His Sacraments, with others who are also preparing for Jesus? second coming.
We will find that our efforts to love one another brighten the lengthening darkness of winter. Our work to build peace rekindles the promise the Christ Child brings to the world, that promise lives in each of us.
Try speaking without violent words. Pray by name for every member of your family. Plan a gift of yourself to one friend-a call, a visit, an e-mail. Pray for those who abuse others verbally, sexually, emotionally. Praise God for the colors of winter in your area-night-blooming cacti, white snow on dark branches, cardinals, evergreens. Walk without thinking until a prayer rises within you. Surprise a co-worker with a Christmas card that expresses appreciation. Preach Jesus? coming continually and as ST. Francis said; ?sometimes use words.?
Do this knowing that God is with you and I and the clergy of this Jurisdiction are praying for and with you as you prepare the way of the Lord.
In His Peace and Love,
The Most Rev. William A Wettingfeld
Presiding Bishop
The National Catholic Church of North America.
|
|