A Word from Your Pastor - December 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners:

Are you ready for Christmas?  No doubt you have been asked this question many times, and it causes a bit of panic because you have to say that you are not ready.  Have you ever stopped to realize that the world was not ready for the first Christmas?  As every Christmas pageant you will ever see tells you: “there was no room for them in the inn.”  Preparation for Christmas really is not about the Christmas cards and decorations.  It is not about the Christmas tree or the lights.  It is not about the presents and lists of gifts for family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances.  It is really about making room for Jesus and His Family in your heart and in your home.

How do you welcome Jesus into your home?  Is your family life centered on a living relationship with the Baby born in Bethlehem Who is our Savior, Christ the Lord?  Are you giving Him time in your busy schedule?

Be sure not to rush through Christmas.  Let the Season begin for you as Advent ends on Christmas Eve.  Celebrate from December 24-25 all the way through Epiphany (January 4 this year) until the Baptism of the Lord (January 11), which is the official close of the Christmas Season.  If you are strong, hold onto it a full 40 days after Christmas until the Solemnity of the Presentation of the Lord (February 2).  Let there be room for the Truth of Christmas.

As we enter into a year of preparation for the World Meeting of Families in September 2015 in Philadelphia, let us work to be a true Family as a Parish.  May your own family grow together in Faith and Grace.  Next weekend, the Feast of the Holy Family, we will have blessings of all individual families after Mass.  Come as a family and come forward to receive the blessing for you and for your home.

 

All are invited to make plans to attend the Masses of
Christmas Eve - 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
and Christmas Day - 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

In case you have not realized this before – the Masses of Christmas Day are often the lightest in attendance. If you want to experience the quiet joy of Christmas, come to Mass on Christmas Day! We suggest that as many as possible consider coming to the Masses on Christmas Day­ - putting Mass back into Christ-mas on the Day as well.

Ministers are asked to come ready to serve in their ministries in case they are needed. Ushers and Greeters are especially needed for the earlier Masses on Christmas Eve.

Next weekend, the Solemnity of the Holy Family, we will offer individual family blessings after all Masses. Bring your whole clan together to received a blessing and carry it out into the world.

We wish a Blessed Christmas to all of you and your loved ones.