Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love
The faith communities of St. John the Baptist and St. Benedict are located in the eastern Turtle Mountains of North Dakota. Found within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fargo, the congregations are served by Rev. Richard Fineo as pastor.
Advent & Christmas Memorial Banner
Inaugural Year
This marks the first year that St. John's created a memorial banner for the Advent and Christmas Seasons. Found in the entryway of the church, the sign serves as a memorial to our loved one's who are no longer physically with us to celebrate the holidays. "Our Angels of Advent & Christmas" were the intentions for the opening mass of Advent 2025. With a little more planning next year, this is desired to become an annual tradition.
Parishioners of St. Ben's are encouraged to bring in ornaments to serve as a memorial to their loved one's who are no longer with us on Earth to celebrate Christmas. The ornaments can be hung on two Christmas trees found in the entryway of the church. This is the first year that this type of memorial has been planned and hopefully it will become an annual tradition.
Lord God of all hope,
As the holy season of Advent carries on,
we lift our hearts in longing for Your Son,
the true Light who breaks into our darkness.
Through the intercession of St. John the Baptist,
the voice crying out in the wilderness,
stir within us a spirit of repentance,
a boldness to witness to Your truth,
and a willingness to prepare a straight path
for Christ to enter our hearts and our world.
Through the intercession of St. Benedict,
father of monastic life and guide in holiness,
teach us to seek You above all things,
to listen with the ear of the heart,
and to welcome Christ in every person
as in the guest who bears His presence.
May the example of these holy patrons
lead us closer to Your Son,
as John points us to the Lamb of God
and Benedict teaches us to prefer nothing
to the love of Christ.
Strengthen our faith, deepen our hope,
and kindle in us a love that endures.
As we watch and wait for the coming Savior,
make us ready to receive Him with joy.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.