A blessed First Sunday of Advent to you and your families!

Without a doubt, Advent is one of my favorite times of the year, and not because of the generic “holiday” cheer one experiences in the malls and supermarkets. Rather, I find that the confluence of darkness and light that characterizes this time provides a fitting guide for the Christian journey of preparation and penance that we begin today. That is to say, just as the days get shorter, and the temperature becomes colder, we reply by lighting up our houses with festive colors, and decorating trees and wreathes that shine within our homes. In fact, even the gradual character of lighting one Advent candle each week, seems to me to be an almost defiant thrust against the occasional morbidity of winter. 

The poet Dylan Thomas once wrote of the end of the human life, “Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light”. And while his sentiment was perhaps despairing, I think the Christian experience of Advent provides a similar message, but one borne of immense hope rather than sadness. “Rage, rage against the dying of the light”, yes, but do so with the wonder of the Christian believer who knows that, just as our Advent candles increase in number over the course of four weeks, and the light begins to dawn anew, so we wait with utter certitude for the One for whom the “dying of the light” does not have the final say.

May Christ, the giver of light and life, enlighten our minds during this Advent journey, and may we all find hope in the certain knowledge that His radiance triumphs over all darkness.

With the beginning of Advent in mind, I hope you have had a chance to see how much has happened in preparation for our Advent/Christmas Market, the Mercado del Niño Jesús. The tents and stalls are up, the large tree has arrived, and the lights are looking beautiful! I would like to take this opportunity to express my great gratitude to all those working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this Market to fruition. I would like to express my particular thanks to Scott Miller, Arturo Sanchez, Lucinda Montgomery, Tom Ybarra, Keith Kang, Kathy Garcia, Xavier Campos, Vince Uribe, Francisco Marquez, Raul Bonilla, José Estrada, Sergio Gonzalez and our many volunteers who are actively preparing for this joyous new addition to the life of our parish. From my heart, many thanks to you all!

Believe it or not, this last Wednesday we had our penultimate session of “Catholics Invade the Bar” with one of my oldest and closest friends, Dr. Tikhon Pino, as our speaker. Not only was Dr. Pino’s presentation fascinating and edifying in terms of its theological content, but also those in attendance got to hear stories about when Dr. Pino and I were roommates in college. Suffice it to say, there was much laughter all around. It was wonderful to have another packed house at La Perla Azul Restaurant, and we are looking forward to this coming week’s final session with another of my oldest and closest friends, Dr. James Van Dyke, the “Post-Award Visitor of the Faculty of Theology” at the University of Oxford (UK). A professional theologian and computer engineer, Dr. Van Dyke will guide us in understanding artificial intelligence from the Catholic perspective. If you want to know whether we’re heading towards the world of “The Matrix” or “Terminator”, or if artificial intelligence is more benign than that, make sure to come and listen to Dr. Van Dyke. Having spoken to Dr. Van Dyke about this topic myself at some length, I can assure you that it will be a fascinating presentation. Here are some pictures from this past Wednesday’s excellent evening with Dr. Pino.

This week...drum roll please!...I am also happy to announce our newest program at OLG, “Vespers and Vespers: A Mystagogical and Mixological Journey”. On January 3rd, 5th, 10th, and 12th from 6-7:30pm in the Coleman Center, we will be offering a delightful evening of Vespers (Evening Prayer), followed by a hands-on tutorial on crafting a cocktail (such as my own favorite drink, the Vesper Martini) and/or wine tasting. Plenty of delicious appetizers will be served, and all supplies needed will be provided (naturally, this is a 21+ event). We are blessed to have two brilliant (and very humorous) theologians joining us, the Very Rev Dr Cameron Forbes, Rector of Corpus Christi College in Melbourne, Australia, and lecturer at the Catholic Theological College, Melbourne; and Rev Henry Stephan, O.P., PhD (cand), a Dominican friar, student of the history of political thought at the Medieval Institute at Notre Dame, and much sought after speaker. Spots are limited and tickets can be purchased using this form here. We can’t wait to see you there!

Oremus pro invicem—let us pray for each other—that as we begin our Advent pilgrimage of faith, our hearts may be opened to welcome the King of Kings and the source of all our joy.

Yours sincerely in the Lord,

Fr. Will

¡Entre el 8 y el 17 de diciembre, organizaremos un mercado navideño con comida, bebida, juegos, manualidades y más! Si alguna vez has estado en Alemania o Austria durante la época de Adviento o Navidad, quizás estés familiarizado con sus famosos Mercados de Navidad, en los que ciudades enteras se transforman en Ferias de Navidad para celebrar al Niño Jesús (estos mercados se conocen con el nombre de Christkindlmarkt o “ Mercado del Niño Cristo”). Organizaremos un mercado navideño de este tipo aquí en OLG y ya pueden ver los puestos que se están construyendo frente a la escuela. Pero si bien organizaremos un mercado navideño al estilo alemán, le daremos un giro de La Habra para honrar a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y la cultura de México. Nuestro Mercado se llamará “Mercado del Niño Jesús”. Nos estamos asociando con restaurantes y empresas locales para crear un maravilloso mercado navideño con una gran variedad de comida, bebida y diversión. Si está interesado en ser patrocinador, ¡estamos reuniendo patrocinadores mientras hablamos! Consulte el folleto a continuación para obtener más información sobre el patrocinio. Para participar, comuníquese con Scott Miller en Outreach en Outreach@olglahabra.org.

Donde: en el estacionamiento frente a la Escuela Parroquial

Fechas y horarios: 12/8: 4-10PM, 12/9: 12-10PM, 12/10: 12-9PM, 12/11: 4-9PM, 12/12: 4-9PM, 12/13: 4-9PM, 12/14: 4-9PM, 12/15: 4-10PM, 12/16: 12-10PM, 12/17: 12-9PM

Between December 8th and December 17th, we will be hosting a Christmas Market, with food, drink, games, crafts, and more! If you have ever been to Germany or Austria during Advent or Christmas time, you might be familiar with their famous Christmas Markets, in which whole cities transform into Christmas Fairs to celebrate the Child Jesus (these markets are known by the name of Christkindlmarkt or “Christ Child Market”). We will be hosting such a Christmas Market here at OLG, and you can already see the booths being built in front of the school. But while we will be hosting a German-style Christmas Market, we will be giving it a La Habra spin to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe and the culture of Mexico. Our Market will be called the “Mercado del Niño Jesus” (The Market of the Child Jesus). We are partnering with local restaurants and businesses to create a wonderful Christmas Market with great variety of food, drink, and fun. If you are interested in being a sponsor, we are gathering sponsors as we speak! Please see flyer below for more information on sponsorship. To participate, please reach out to Scott Miller in Outreach at Outreach@olglahabra.org.

Location: in the parking lot in front of the Parish School

Dates & Times: 12/8: 4-10PM, 12/9: 12-10PM, 12/10: 12-9PM, 12/11: 4-9PM, 12/12: 4-9PM, 12/13: 4-9PM, 12/14: 4-9PM, 12/15: 4-10PM, 12/16: 12-10PM, 12/17: 12-9PM

This year, we will be hosting Advent Missions in English and Spanish with visiting priests who will guide us into the spirit of the season with inspirational talks and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Please join us as we prepare to welcome our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, this Christmas season! Please see flyer below for more information on the speakers and topics that will be covered.

In English - December 13th & 14th at 7:00PM (a two-night Advent Mission)

Talk: “Where is the Love?’ Advent Reflections”

Location: in the Church

Este año, organizaremos Misiones de Adviento en inglés y español con sacerdotes visitantes que nos guiarán hacia el espíritu de la temporada con charlas inspiradoras y adoración del Santísimo Sacramento. ¡Únase a nosotros mientras nos preparamos para recibir a nuestro Señor y Salvador, Jesucristo, en esta temporada navideña! Consulte el folleto arriba para obtener más información sobre los oradores y los temas que se tratarán.

En español - diciembre 11, 2023 a las 8:30PM

Platica: “María nos prepara para el Adviento”

Donde: en la iglesia

NEXT Rosary Rally: Saturday, December 16
Thank you for continuing to pray and offer up your intentions and sacrifices for our nation and the assault on our families. Please join us next month on December 16th. 

All are welcome to join us in this public prayer in front of our church each month. Check in starts at 11:45 AM. Please bring a chair if needed.

Save the following dates:

PRÓXIMO Rally del Rosario: Sábado 16 diciembre
Gracias por continuar orando y ofreciendo sus intenciones y sacrificios por nuestra nación y el asalto a nuestras familias. Únase a nosotros el próximo mes el 16 de diciembre.

Todos son bienvenidos a unirse a nosotros en esta oración pública frente a nuestra iglesia cada mes. El check-in comienza a las 11:45 a.m. Por favor traiga una silla si es necesario.

Reserva las siguientes fechas:
20 de enero de 2024

Please join the Knights of Columbus in support for the unborn with a prayer-filled procession and bilingual Mass.

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Assemble in the parking lot of La Habra City Hall: 110 E. La Habra Blvd. CA, 90631
Please provide your own transportation.

6:00 PM Gather at La Habra City Hall parking lot

6:30 PM Procession to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church

7:00 PM Celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the Church

8:00 PM Refreshments in Coleman Center

Marcha de los Santos Inocentes: Procesión con velas y misa bilingüe
Únase a los Caballeros de Colón en apoyo a los no nacidos con una procesión llena de oración y una misa bilingüe.

jueves, 28 de diciembre de 2023

Reúnase en el estacionamiento del Ayuntamiento de La Habra: 110 E. La Habra Blvd. CA, 90631
Por favor proporcione su propio transporte.

6:00 PM Reunión en el estacionamiento del Ayuntamiento de La Habra
6:30 PM Procesión a la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
7:00 PM Celebración de la Sagrada Eucaristía en la Iglesia
8:00 PM Refrigerios en Coleman Center

The next Knights of Columbus Food Drive will be on Saturday, January 6th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. & Sunday, January 7th from 6:00 - 11:30 a.m. Items collected will be distributed to those locally in need. Bring your donations to the Parish Office garage on your way to Mass. Needed: Canned goods (soups, vegetables, fruit, tuna, meats, stew); Dry foods (hot or cold cereal, beans, rice, spaghetti/pasta); Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet tissue, disposable diapers). Thank you for your support!

Colecta de Alimentos de los Caballeros de Colón: 6-7 de enero
¡La proxima colecta de alimentos de Caballeros de Colón se llevará a cabo el sábado 6 de diciembre de 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. y Domingo 7 de diciembre de 6:00 - 11:30 a.m. Los artículos recolectados se distribuirán a quienes los necesiten localmente. Traiga sus donaciones al garaje de la Oficina Parroquial en su camino a Misa. Necesita: Productos enlatados (sopas, verduras, frutas, atún, carnes, estofado); Alimentos secos (cereales fríos o calientes, frijoles, arroz, espaguetis / pasta); Otros artículos (jabón, champú, pasta de dientes, desodorante, papel higiénico, pañales desechables). ¡Gracias por tu apoyo!

Visit our website to purchase tickets and learn more abut the sessions and speakers. 

What is the Message of Mercy in the diary of St. Faustina? Do you desire to have personal encounter with the merciful Savior Himself? Are you suffering? – Turn to the diary of St. Faustina and you’ll find spiritual gems. For answers to these life questions, come and join the Divine Mercy Ministry of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish (DMM-OLG)! We are a small prayer community and study group that seeks to enrich knowledge of God’s Mercy and live the Divine Mercy Spirituality. To sign up, please contact Angel and Estrella Mijares, Divine Mercy Ministry Leaders. Mobile: (562) 972-5675 Email: angelstar73@earthlink.net

Come and let us reflect on the Words of Jesus to St. Faustina, as we read and discuss paragraphs #672-#696, Notebook II of the Diary of Saint Faustina, “Divine Mercy in My Soul”. 

Jesus said, “The inner peace that you have is a grace.” …..”Say unceasingly the chaplet that I have taught you. Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death.”

On August 15, 1936 on the Assumption of Mary, the Mother of God with the Infant Jesus, appeared to St. Faustina and she said, “See with what assurance I entrust Jesus into his hands. In the same way, you are to entrust your soul and be like a child to him.”

Other in-person dates:

December 2, 2023 – DMM Christmas Celebration

Zoom Meetings  - Every 1st, 3rd, 5th Tuesdays of the month from 6:30-8:30 PM

Meeting ID – 381-971-9787 Passcode: blessed

Dates: May 30, June & 20, July 4, August 1 & 15, September 5 & 19, October 3, 17, & 31, November 7 & 21, December 5 (Note: no zoom meeting on July 18, August 29, December 19). 

Required reading: Diary of St. Faustina, “Divine Mercy in my Soul”

Books: Catholic Bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)

¡Únete a nosotros!
¿Cuál es el Mensaje de la Misericordia en el diario de Santa Faustina? ¿Deseas tener un encuentro personal con el misericordioso Salvador mismo? ¿Estás sufriendo? – Consulta el diario de Santa Faustina y encontrarás gemas espirituales. ¡Para obtener respuestas a estas preguntas de la vida, ven y únete al Ministerio de la Divina Misericordia de la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (DMM-OLG)! Somos una pequeña comunidad de oración y grupo de estudio que busca enriquecer el conocimiento de la Misericordia de Dios y vivir la Espiritualidad de la Divina Misericordia. Para inscribirse, comuníquese con Ángel y Estrella Mijares, líderes del Ministerio de la Divina Misericordia. Móvil: (562) 972-5675 Correo electrónico: angelstar73@earthlink.net

Marque sus calendarios para nuestras reuniones de estudio y oración de intercesión en persona y Zoom virtual.

En persona: reunión mensual, sábado, de 9:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m., sala 3
2 de diciembre de 2023 – Celebración de Navidad DMM

Reuniones de Zoom: cada 1.°, 3.° y 5.° martes del mes de 6:30 p. m. a 8:30 p. m.
ID de la reunión: 381-971-9787 Código de acceso: blessed
Fechas: 30 de mayo, 20 de junio, 4 de julio, 1 y 15 de agosto, 5 y 19 de septiembre, 3, 17 y 31 de octubre, 7 y 21 de noviembre, 5 de diciembre (Nota: no hay reunión de zoom el 18 de julio, 29 de agosto, 19 de diciembre).

Lectura obligatoria: Diario de Santa Faustina, “Divina Misericordia en mi Alma”
Libros: Biblia Católica, Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica (CCC)

Retrouvaille of Orange Coast is holding their next weekend experience on January 19-21, 2024, in Santa Ana. Retrouvaille is a lifeline for couples who are or have experienced stress or conflict in their marriage and who are looking for a way back to a loving relationship. It is a Catholic-based program, but is open to married couples of all faiths. Space is limited, so we encourage registering for the weekend as early as possible. For more information and to register on-line, go to www.HelpOurMarriage.org. See flyer below for more information.