As you read this you have probably already attended our first Advent Mass and notice that as before we celebrated, Ad Orientem, or all facing the same direction including the priest. I would just like to state again that this is not some strange novelty, but a permitted option. It is even encouraged by Cardinal Sarah, former head of the Congregation for Divine Worship in Rome. In fact, the wording of the Missal, (the large book used by the priest at the altar), assumes the priest is saying Mass this way all the time. I would restate that the symbolism of Ad Orientem is to remind us that we are all pilgrims journeying in the same direction toward Christ, all planning to be facing him when he returns again. That is what Advent is about and that is why it is particularly appropriate to celebrate Mass this way during the season of Advent. A side bar to this is also a reminder that the Mass is not a stage show starring “Father!” No, it is all about Christ Jesus! He is the one who died for our sins! He is our Savior! He is the Christ! It’s all about HIM! All of our senses should be focused upon HIM! Have a blessed Advent and remember our penance service is this coming Wednesday Dec.7, 6:45 pm. In Christ our Lord. Fr. Sid