WobLog

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve this year. After a dinner of spaghetti that Lisa fixed for our family, my parents, and my brother Dave, we sat down by the fire and sang Christmas carols until it was time to put the kids to bed. Then Lisa, my Mom, and I got ready and headed off to Midnight Mass in the traditional Latin Rite at our parish, St. Margaret Mary Church in Oakland.

On this cold, clear night with everyone in high spirits, I was struck by how grateful I am to our Bishop, Msgr. Allen Vigneron, and our Pastor, Fr. Stanislaw Zak, for their enthusiastic support of the traditional Latin Mass. And of course, we are very blessed by the many priests and seminarians of the Institute of Christ the King, including Msgr. Gilles Wach, Msgr. Michael Schmitz, and most especially Fr. Michael Wiener, who ministers to the community at St. Margaret Mary.

Posted by Don Roberts at 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete (Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice).

Today, on the third Sunday or Advent, the Church takes a break from the mood of preparation and anticipation, to celebrate the imminent arrival of the Savior. Today flowers return to the alter, the organ is heard again, and the violet of Advent gives way to rose vestments.

Posted by Don Roberts at 8:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Blogging has been light for the last two weeks (okay, non-existent) because I was out of town for a work-related trip, and Lisa took advantage of the time to visit her folks (except for last weekend, when she joined me for a few days). Anyway, we're back home now and finishing up preparations for Christmas.

Posted by Don Roberts at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The other day I celebrated my birthday, and it was a particularly good one. My folks and Lisa's, both my brothers, and several of my friends called or e-mailed to wish me a happy birthday. I think that's the most birthday wishes I've received in almost 20 years.

To top it all off, Lisa went to a tremendous effort to fix a dinner of Indian food (coriander & peach chicken, saffron rice, garlic naan, and lentils) and my favorite birthday cake (orange chocolate with fudge icing). She always makes a big deal about my birthday, and this year it really seemed like the cherry on top of the sundae.

Thanks to everyone who remembered!

Posted by Don Roberts at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)