Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Merry Christmas! And Happy Feast of the Holy Family We had the full four weeks of Advent this year and I hope it was a joyful time of penance and expectation for everyone. Entering more deeply into the preparation disposes us to enter more into the Feasts of the Christmas and Epiphany Seasons. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped decorate and make the Church so beautiful. Don’t be afraid to keep those trees and decorations up - Christmas is just beginning!

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, “Heart of the Shepherd” Pledge Weekend Thank you to all who have sent in your pledge cards for the Heart of the Shepherd Campaign. As I mentioned last week, we have exceeded the goal, but now the work and patience begins. I will keep you updated as payments come back to the parish. In the meantime, I will begin setting up committees for the different projects we are looking to do. We will post updates as we move forward on each of them. On behalf of the bishop and the seminarians and priests and many others who will benefit from your generosity, I thank you.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Happy Gaudete Sunday - Rejoice! As we wear rose colored vestments and light the rose candle on the advent wreath today, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday which means rejoice - we are halfway to Christmas! Also, as we rejoice the church’s liturgical law allows for the organ to be played (moderately) today so as to prepare us for the final stretch of penance and expectation before Christmas.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, “Heart of the Shepherd” Pledge Weekend Thank you to those who attended the Mass for Vocations and Reception on November 18. At the time of this writing due to the early generosity of a number of parishioners, we have already made our goal of $165,000 in pledges! 65% of that ($107,000) is returning to the parish for local projects. But there is more!