Dear Parishioners,

What did you get for Christmas? Do you remember saying that or hearing it when you compared what was under the Christmas tree with your friends at school? Sometimes you were embarrassed because all that you found under the tree was clothes. At other times, you received that one special gift that you really wanted. In these days after Christmas, we need to be thankful for the perfect gift that we all received: The gift of the Son of God! Jesus came to us so that we would always find a way to come closer to the promise of Heaven. 

This Sunday is the Feast of the Holy Family. Being an only child, I never had to deal with siblings (but I did have a lot of aunts and uncles and cousins). When I was younger, I thought it was perfect that there were only three of us in my immediate family: Mom, Dad, and myself. But no matter how big or small your family is, the most important part is that Christ is part of the family. With Christ as your guide and foundation, family life takes on another meaning and you can grow together in faith.

On this final Sunday of December, the year is drawing to a close. But a new year is almost upon us with all the possibilities that this brings. Not only is it a special Jubilee Year in the Church, but the new year always shows us that something new awaits us. New Year’s Day is also the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (which is a Holy Day of Obligation). We will be having one Vigil Mass at 4 PM on the 31st and there will be a 10 AM Mass on New Year’s Day. Please join us in prayer as we begin another year and seek the Lord’s help and guidance in whatever the new year will bring.

Have a blessed New Year! 

Fr. Mark