All Diocesan Articles

First Sunday of Advent-Hope

Posted on November 27, 2019 in: Reflections, Advent

First Sunday of Advent-Hope

HOPE

Hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen: a feeling of trust.

 

Life in today’s world has more than its share of uncertainty.  Will we go to war?

Will I lose my job? Will I remain healthy?  Will I have enough money when I retire? Are our children safe in school?   As Christians we cannot be certain of anything in our material world.  However, we can be certain of God’s promises: God loves us unconditionally, gives us life through the death of Jesus, will welcome us into His eternal kingdom, will not let anything separate us from His love, forgives all our sins, works all things for good and the list goes on and on. 

We have an unfair advantage as Christians, because we experience life with hope, trusting confidently that God will keep His promises to us and to the entire world.  In a world full of uncertainty, Christians rest on a deep foundation of hope – one that brings light into the darkness, joy when there is pain, love when there is hatred and unity when there is division. That hope allows us to move forward despite the numerous obstacles that life puts in our path.

This Advent let the hope that we share as followers of Christ strengthen our lives and the lives of those around us.  Share your hope with others through outreach and intervention.  Through your actions, help someone experience the hope that sustains and renews us, so that through you they can come to know Christ personally and share in His promises.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.                             -Romans 15:13

Know that you are in our prayers in a special way this Advent season…
Andrea, Liza, Marianne and Mary-Jo

For More Advent Resources Click Here


Office of Faith Events


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Remembering September 11th - Mercies in Disguise
Editor's note: The following article was originally published Sept. 10, 2023. It is republished to mark the 24th anniversary of 9/11. It highlights the very best of our shared humanity—the kindness, compassion, and generosity that transcend boundaries of faith, culture, and nationality. We share it again here as a reminder that, even in times of darkness, goodness and light can still be found in the world. Sometimes, the best stories come from unexpected moments of inspiration. Recently, I had a unique experience attending Mass at St. Columba in Columbia...

Read More

Vacation’s over: How to get Back into the Routine with Joy and Hope
After days of vacation this summer, many people have returned to their usual routines, leaving behind long, peaceful days and that feeling of freedom from schedules or obligations. The return to school, the early-morning rush, and the many responsibilities of work and family life can sometimes lead to fatigue and even a certain melancholy. However, this time also offers the opportunity to begin anew and embrace Christian joy and hope with faith. Father Juan José Pérez-Soba, a diocesan priest and professor of family ministry at the Pontifical John Paul II Theological I...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Celebrate the Feast Day of Padre Pio
Homeschool Families Invited to Michaelmas Celebration
40 Days for Life begins September 23rd with a Vigil Mass
Book by Fr. Ray Introvigne and Dr. William Ayles Explores the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Experience
Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference Announces 18th Annual Gathering for 2025 Jubilee Year
In Memoriam—Sr. Lorraine Deziel, DHS
Remembering September 11th - Mercies in Disguise
Vacation’s over: How to get Back into the Routine with Joy and Hope
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Bowling with Bishop Reidy 2025
Click to view album: Ninety-Fifth Anniversary of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Saint Brendan the Navigator Catholic Community
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294