Today we begin the Year of Grace 2021, a new year in the life of the Church. Advent is the beautiful season of waiting and preparation. While there are many distractions this time of year, the readings for the first part of advent call us to be vigilant and prepared for Christ’s second coming at the end of time! (The focus will shift on Dec. 17th to the preparation of commemorating his birth.) Although 2020 was a most challenging year, with so many things out of our control, we do have control over the condition of our soul. Instead of worrying about that which we cannot control, may we strive to make 2021 truly a year of grace and holiness.