What is Advent?

Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.

As we prepare for Christmas, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal notes some differences to the Mass that should be observed during the season. For instance, the priest will wear violet or purple during Advent, except for the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) when rose is worn (GIRM, no. 316). Aside from what the priest wears, other aesthetic changes in the Church can include a more modestly decorated altar.

The final days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, we focus on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord at Christmas. In particular, the "O" Antiphons are sung during this period and have been by the Church since at least the eighth century. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming of Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but of present ones as well.

Advent devotions including the Advent wreath, remind us of the meaning of the season. An Advent calendar can help you fully enter into the season with daily activity and prayer suggestions to prepare you spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ.

By: Usccb.org/prayer

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Our parish has been using an Online Giving system that is strengthening stewardship as well as making it easier for members to support our parish. We currently have 164 families signed up through various Online Giving sources. They include WeShare, Charitable Giving Funds and EFT through your bank.

There are many benefits for the parish and for parishioners that choose to give online. Some of the benefits for the parishioner include: no need to write checks; you can give even if you are unable to attend services; and your contribution amount can easily be adjusted.

The benefits for the parish include: more consistent giving with recurring contributions; electronic donation summaries for record keeping; reaches a wider demographic of givers; and accommodates all special parish collections and missions.

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•   ​MASS SCHEDULE 

WEEKDAY MASS: 9:00am

Monday & Tuesday at St. Ann

Wednesday-Friday at St. Zepherin

WEEKEND MASS:

Saturday 4:00pm at St. Ann

Sunday   8:30am at St. Zepherin

Sunday  10:30am at St. Ann 

Sunday   6:00pm at St. Zepherin         

** Please note that Communion will be distributed outside after all of the weekend  Masses.

Listen in the parking lot on 88.7 FM Radio for our regular weekend Masses.

St Zepherin will have Communion at the  North door of the church 

St Ann Church will have Communion at the curb along the very front doors

Both opportunities will be offered at the conclusion of Mass.

CONFESSION:

Saturdays 3pm-3:45pm  St Ann Church . 

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Fr. Dave's Blog:  
"I Am A Believer"

For the faithful... For the sick... For the homebound... For the hungry... For the dying...  "The noticeable presence of Good Shepherd Parish in our  community was made possible through the great generosity of our parishioners." Please read Fr. Dave's State of the Parish letter HERE.                               

FY2021 Parish Annual Report

Contact Us:

Good Shepherd Parish

Parish Center and Parish Office
99 Main Street
Wayland, MA 01778

St. Ann Church
134 Cochituate Road
Wayland, MA 01778

St. Zepherin Church
99 Main Street
Wayland, MA 01778

P: 508-650-3545
F: 508-655-6948
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