Dear Parishioners, I would like to invite you to consider making a Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary. This Consecration has been practiced for centuries. It involves 33 days of preparatory devotions, with the Total Consecration made on the 34th day. Each day requires about 10 minutes of reading, prayer and reflection (with reflection on what you learned as you think about it during the day). The day of Total Consecration (i.e. the 34th day) should be a Marian feast day. Saint Pope John Paul II completed the Total Consecration, which in part inspired his personal motto, “Totus Tuus.” According to St. Louis de Montfort, the 33 days of preparation include 12 days of “emptying oneself of the spirit of the world” followed by 21 days of “imbuing oneself with the Spirit of Jesus through the Blessed Virgin.” The Total Consecration that follows this preparation is a perfect renewal of one’s baptismal vows. The Total Consecration is divided into themes: Days 1-12: The Spirit of the World, Days 13-19: Knowledge of Self, Days 20-26: Knowledge of Mary, Days 27-33: Knowledge of Jesus, Day 34: Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary. If you are interested in making this Consecration ending on the 34th day, January 1, 2024, the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, I would like you to begin with me on November 29, 2023. To assist in this, I have prepared a booklet of the prayers that can be obtained at the Parish Office for $5.00 that you can obtain. This will include the cost of a large Miraculous Medal that will be blessed and presented to you at the time of the Consecration. I believe this will be a special way that we can walk together during our Advent journey. May our God and Our Blessed Mother Mary be with you always. Father Phil