How are we doing? The second Sunday of Advent focuses on St. John the Baptist who proclaims repentance to the people to make ready the way for the Messiah. So, let’s take a good look at how we are doing. We are about halfway through our year of Eucharist Revival. Prince of Peace does Mass attendance accounts during the month of October. In 2023, we recorded an average of 1,891 people total for Sunday (including Saturday evening) Masses. That is a lot of people, and thanks be to God for this! However, last year, 2022, we had an average of 1,980. So we are down about 90 people from last year or a 4.5% decrease. If you break it down by Mass, it seems that the problem is the Saturday 5pm Mass. It dropped 144 people from last year (about a 30% decrease in attendance) whereas the other Masses did well. The Sunday morning Masses all had increased attendance (especially the 11am) and the Sunday evening Mass dropped only slightly. We counted for 5 Sundays, so it is hard to explain the trend away by any flukes. Anyone have an idea why the Saturday 5pm has declined? I guess I assume it is our world at work—busyness and the current national trend of a decline in faith and religious practice. Alas, we need some good repentance and a new St. John the Baptist!
Speaking of, did you miss our penance service and still need an Advent confession? This Sunday, December 10th you still have big opportunities: 3pm @ Queen of the Holy Rosary-Wea; St. Ann-Prairie Village; St. John Paul II-Olathe; and the grand finale 7pm @ Nativity-Leawood. Beyond that, we still have our normal POP confession times plus I added here Wednesday evening at 6pm for this week and next.
We also need a renewal through our Blessed Mother. The most amazing evangelization ever in the world (excepting maybe the Apostolic times) was the conversion of millions by Our Lady of Guadalupe. Her feast day is December 12th and we have a special Mass in the evening at 7pm. Please pray for her intercession.
Finally, a reminder of the need for double attendance for the 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas (the day after). You have to go to Mass for the 4th Sunday of Advent and then go to Mass again within 24 hours for Christmas. There are no “two-fors” where one Mass counts for both. For the 4th Sunday of Advent we have the normal Mass schedule. However, that Sunday evening shifts to Christmas Eve (so no Sunday 5pm Mass). On that Sunday, Christmas Eve Masses will be at 4pm (two locations in Church and gym), 6pm and 9pm. Then on Monday, Christmas day, we have an 8 and 10am. I hope we have great crowds to celebrate!
The year is not over, so let’s finish strong!
Peace,
Fr. Greg