Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
 
Merry Christmas, Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
 
I pray all are continuing to celebrate the Christ Child in this Christmas season.  Don’t be afraid to continue saying Merry Christmas to each other and even strangers.  Unlike much of our culture which thinks Christmas celebrating is over, we are just starting!  Keep the lights on and the trees up. 
 
The whole season is about Jesus, yet the Church reminds us of how God works through others as well.  This weekend is the Feast of the Holy Family.  In a particular way I invite us not to forget St. Joseph whose role in God’s plan is very important. He is the patron of the universal Church and of fathers.  And of course, in a particular way, the Virgin Mother.  January 1 is a Holy Day of Obligation as the church celebrates Mary as Mother of God.  We will have our regular Holy Day schedule: 7pm Vigil, 8:30am and 5:30 pm. 
 
Next Sunday, January 6, is the Feast of the Epiphany celebrating how Jesus is revealed to the nations.  The Gospels convey this by telling of the three wise men who came from the East.  This shows that God is among the people of the entire world, not only a particular group or nationality.  You will notice that our wise men statues have been slowly moving each week in the Narthex making their way to arrive at the manger scene on January 6.  This weekend is customary for the blessing of homes to take place.  This annual blessing is very meaningful, but Dcn. John and myself cannot get to everyone’s home in one day (we aren’t Santa Claus after all).  So we will have a blessing of chalk and prayer cards after Masses and invite everyone to take them to do the blessing themselves at their homes.   
 
The following Sunday will conclude the official Christmas Season celebrating the Baptism of the Lord.  Traditionally the time after Epiphany was seen as continuing Christmas for forty days ending on February 2, which is the Feast of the Presentation (Candlemas Day).  Even as much of the world will have moved beyond Christmas, it is laudable for us to mediate longer on the great mysteries of the Incarnation.  The deeper we appreciate that, the more we come to know God’s great love for us and are inspired to live it daily.
 
And just in case it might be tempting to slow down this month, be ready to gear up for our Parish Feast Day and Eucharistic Devotions on the Weekend of January 25-27.  More details will follow on the schedule of events and prayer opportunities. 
 
Even though the new liturgical year started back at the first Sunday of Advent, our secular new year is a time of thanksgiving and renewal.  Have a wonderful and safe celebration to welcome God’s graces in this coming year.  May we cooperate with Him even more and maybe even include some spiritual resolutions along with the dieting and exercise I’m promising. 
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr