Rejoice

I realize I’m a little early, but I just couldn’t wait. I love this season. Despite the snow & cold, the hustle & bustle, the darkness & starkness, it is such a joyous time and most people are in a happy and generous mood. Some people fight against the civil aspects of the holiday, and complain about Santa and Rudolph, but I simply see it as a way for everyone, no matter their beliefs, or lack thereof, to join in the joyous celebration of the birth of our Savior. Rather than celebrating by ourselves, the world joins us in this happy time of year where we actually put our neighbor first and pause to acknowledge the Gift of God. So don’t fight it, just be happy and rejoice!

As we say goodbye to Bob after 25 years of service to our parish, I want to thank Sandy for accepting the promotion to Business Manager. I know she will do a great job in this new position. As she settles in, we will be making some changes to the job description in order to better address the needs of our parish. I also want to welcome Katie, our new receptionist/secretary. Her position will also be modified slightly. One thing we hope she can help us with is our use of social media and our presence on the web. This is essential if we want to attract new parishioners, especially younger ones. Please stop in and introduce yourself and keep both of them in your prayers.

Over the next few weeks Frs. Bernie, Chung and I will be taking some time to visit family. I will be gone from Christmas to New Year. Fr. Bernie will be gone from December 29th through January 4th, and Fr. Chung will be gone in mid January. I pray that you too get to spend some time with your loved ones through these holy days, to celebrate the precious gift of family and friends. I wish you all the best as we celebrate the birth of our Redeemer, and give thanks for a young lady’s humble and profound, “Yes, let it be done unto me according to your will.”

In the Redeemer, Fr. Rick