Christmas 2023
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December 21, 2023Dear Parishioners and Friends,
To you and all your loved ones, I extend my best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. If you are visiting us during this holy season, I offer you a cordial welcome and hope that you will return soon. For those who are looking for a church home I assure you that our doors and hearts are always open. We are here to help you in your spiritual journey. Christmas is a good time to begin a year-round participation in the sacred mysteries of our faith and to become active in the church.
Over the years I have heard many stories about the true meaning of Christmas. That makes sense since the Christmas Mystery is rich in meaning. It can never be fully told. God’s tremendous love is like that. Yes, God loved us so much that He sent us His beloved Son Jesus Christ. With humble faith we turn again and again to Him who is made known as The Greatest Story Ever Told. Our Lord Jesus Christ is our first, last, best, and only hope.
Just like the shepherds at the first Christmas we are encouraged by the message of the angels: “Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: For, this day, is born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David (Luke 2,10-11).” Our hearts cannot hold the joy we experience again this Christmas. With the angels we must sing out as they did: “Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke 2, 14).” Let us all go to Bethlehem and worship Him. Come let us adore Him!
The Lord Jesus born in Bethlehem continues to draw near to us through His
Church and in His Sacraments. Please note the times for our Christmas Masses published in this bulletin and also sent to our registered parishioners in the mail.
I am grateful to all those who work hard to make our parish a more loving, kinder, prayerful and faithful part of the Church the Divine Savior gave to us almost two thousand years ago. These are difficult times. Please consider giving a special donation to the parish this Christmas in the name of the Christ Child, the little baby Jesus born in Bethlehem. Let us not wrap Him again in rags as He was on the night He was born. He came that the gates of heaven could once more be opened, that you and I might live forever. Let us open the door of our hearts to Him as we prepare for the New Year. Mary love you! God bless you!
Yours in our Divine Lord and Savior, Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor
