Merry Christmas! “Let us rejoice in the Lord, for our Savior has been born! Today true peace comes down to us from heaven: for a child is born for us, a son is given to us; and he is called Wondrous God, Prince of Peace, Father of Future Ages; and his reign will be with out end. As this Christmas Day and season fills our hearts with the radiance of God’s incarnate Word, let us pray that the light of our faith in Jesus may also shine forth in our lives.” As we rejoice in the angels’ song of “peace on earth to people of good will,” let us resolve to be faithful “heralds of Christ’s Gospel of peace.”
A special "thank you" to all who helped decorate the church and the grounds for Christmas!
Monday, December 26 is the feast of the first martyr, St. Stephen. The root of the word martyr is “witness,” and there are many ways we are called to testify to the gospel: being a good parent, a loving partner, honest in business dealings, and compassionate. During this Christmas week pray for a spirit of courage for that witness not only in words but with our lives.
Tuesday, December 27 is the Feast of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist. May we imitate his memory by telling others about our wonderful encounters with Christ!
Friday, December 30 is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. This feast usually falls on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year’s Day except when Christmas falls on Sunday as it does this year. For some of us, this late in the holiday season, the burden of family may just be starting to express itself. (Will this houseful of relatives ever leave?) Yet many also find themselves away from their homes or families for reasons not entirely under their control, ranging from military service, education, employment, illness, divorce, loss or estrangement. For them even a lightly used and tarnished family would be better than none at all. This Christmas share your heart and home by inviting someone in to enjoy the gift of belonging.
Following the 5:00 PM Mass on Saturday, December 31, we will gather outside to bless the local community as we begin the year 2012 and enjoy a light reception in the Hall.
Our Responsorial Psalm this week, “A Light will shine on us: the Lord is born!” will help us to celebrate the light the birth of Jesus had brought to our world!
Six rings are great but 7 would be heaven ... Go Steelers!
