Dear Parishioners, Christmas is finally here! Some of you have been waiting for months for this day to get here. But now that Christmas is here, make sure that you enjoy it! We are reminded on this Christmas and every Christmas that God sent His Son to us. No one could have given us a greater gift than this, especially when Jesus showed the Father’s love in the forgiveness of sins and mercy. There are indeed many things to be thankful for on this Christmas 2021! As I mentioned before, that due to the calendar and the fact that Christmas fell on a Saturday, this is one of the shortest Christmas seasons that one can experience. The very day after Christmas, we are already celebrating the feast of the Holy Family. Make the most of every day in this Octave of Christmas that we now find ourselves in. The days of Christmas need to be continued to be celebrated with great joy. Of course, this is also my final bulletin column of 2021. Next weekend is already the calendar year 2022 and the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God. Then next Sunday, it’s time to celebrate the Epiphany. Just a reminder that January 1 is NOT a holy day of obligation (and I know that some of you will be staying up late to watch the Orange Bowl and see how Michigan fares). Please join us if you are able to celebrate the New Year and the feast of Our Lady either on a vigil Mass on Friday night at 4:00 pm or a 9:15 am Mass on Saturday morning. Just a reminder for year end contributions to the Church: We must receive them by this coming Friday, December 31, so that they will be recorded on your 2021 donation information for tax purposes. Thank you everyone for your support of St. Catherine Parish! Christmas blessings! Fr. Mark