In the readings for Advent, we hear a common theme of waiting, anticipation, and patience. For the Third Sunday in Advent, we are given the image of a farmer allowing the stages of planting and growth to slowly develop.

“See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

– James 5:7-8

Mission in Action

Congratulations to current MDiv student, Noreen Domingo receiving the 2025 Fiat Award at the annual Young Adult Ministry Gala on Saturday, December 13. The award is being given in recognition for her work in the Diocese of San Diego as a young adult minister at St. Brigid Parish in Pacific Beach.

Also, kudos to FST alum, Carie Moore who has been invited to make a presentation at the 3rd International Franciscan Connections Conference in Durham, United Kingdom in April 14-16, 2026. The tentative title of her talk will be “Presence Over Power: Franciscan Teaching as a Spiritual Model for Gentle Parenting.”

Upcoming Events

• FST liturgy – Wednesday, December 10 – Founders Chapel – 4:30pm, followed by a community meal with a holiday flare. If you are unable to attend the liturgy, you are welcome to join us for the meal. You can also participate in this final liturgy for Fall 2025 semester via livestream here.

• Zoom rosary each Saturday at 4:00pm PDT. All are welcome to participate by clicking here.

• FST Zoom Lecture – Thursday, December 11 – 7:00pm. Dr. Darleen Pryds, PhD will present “Franciscan-Hearted People and the So-Called ‘The Fourth Order: The Present and Future of the Franciscan Charism in a Post-Modern World.” For more information and register, click here.

Service Opportunity

Every Tuesday, We See You San Diego hosts a dinner and distribution of clothing and health/hygiene products for the homeless community at Immaculate Conception Parish Hall in Old Town San Diego – Volunteers are needed to set up, serve dinner or clean up between 3:00pm and 9:00pm. Your participation is welcome. December 9 will be the next opportunity to serve. Please consider joining in with us. Click here to register as a volunteer: http://www.weseeyousandiego.com/

Pilgrimage Opportunity

2026 Lady Jacoba Scholarship – Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. If you are a lay woman enrolled in an FST degree program, you are eligible to apply for this scholarship. For more information, please click here.

Continuing Education for High School Teachers

The Office of Life and Human Dignity at the McGrath Institute of Church Life at University of Notre Dame is now accepting applications for the 2026 Teaching Life and Human Dignity Symposium. The Symposium will be held on their beautiful campus in South Bend, Indiana, June 21-26. This week-long experience is designed to help teachers and administrators integrate the Catholic faith across the subject areas and school culture through the lens of human dignity.

The deadline for applications is December 15, 2025. Accepted applications will be notified by January 22, 2026.

Take a moment to learn more about this incredible opportunity to learn from leading experts, cultivate the professional skills necessary to promote a culture of life, and network with colleagues from across the country.

Special Event Recognizing Migrants

“Angels Unawares” Statue Dedication and Mass – Thursday, December, 18, 2025 – 12:15 -2:00 PM – Founders Chapel. For more information and register, click here.

Upcoming Retreat