Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Merry Christmas!
Don’t stop saying Merry Christmas for we are still in the Christmas season! Maybe even throw in a “Happy Epiphanytide!” to people in the checkout line? I grant that one might get you a few looks, but don’t be afraid to continue sharing the joy of the season as Christ the Savior is revealed to us.  This Christmas Liturgical season seems awfully short this year (also because I had a little bout with covid during Christmas week).  I invite everyone to continue celebrating this joyous season for the coming weeks as well. There is no reason we have to rush back to “normal.”  Traditionally the Christmas season was 40 days long!  That takes us to February 2!  So in honor of this we will continue singing the Marian antiphon Alma Redemptoris Mater until that time.  Also, we will be leaving up portions of our Christmas decorations throughout the next few weeks.

Our Patronal Feast Day
Our parish celebrates the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, January 25, as our feast day. Since it is our parish feast, the celebration is moved to the nearest Sunday, which will be January 23. That weekend is also our annual parish Eucharistic Devotions.  More details coming in the next weeks.

Synod on Synodality Sessions
Thankfully the timetable to conduct our parish “synod listening sessions” has been extended.   We originally had to finish this month, but we are moving the sessions into February.  Over the next few weeks there will be more in the bulletin explaining their purpose and how to participate. 

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Pfr