Dear friends in Christ,
Christmas has come. For believers, the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem represents the victory of light over darkness, joy over sadness, hope over despair, love over hatred, peace over conflict, gratitude over misery, obedience over disobedience, and order over chaos. The birth of Jesus Christ, Son of God, son of Mary, brings profound goodness to our world – each year and all year. And it happened because Mary and Joseph listened for God’s direction in their lives and were open to God’s prompting. The scripture passages we read during the Advent days of preparation tell us that both Mary and Joseph were told of “God’s plan” – Mary by an angel, Joseph in a dream – and while they did not fully comprehend, they opened themselves completely and cooperated with God’s will. That obedience hanged their lives,- and ours – forever! We do everything to proclaim the Christmas message well: Christmas music; Christmas décor; Christmas gifts; Christmas food. It is all about love and goodness – which is the heart of Christ’s saving message to us. May you, like Mary and Joseph, listen for God’s direction in your lives and be open to God’s prompting so that you may experience the love of Christ at Christmas! And may you share that Christmas gift whit others every day by word and deed. Together with Bishop Daniel Miehm, and the entire personnel at the Chancery office, I wish you rich blessings this Christmas, and throughout 2017. Sincerely in Christ and Mary Immaculate, (Most Rev.) Douglas Crosby, OMI Bishop of Hamilton
0 Comments
Dear Parishioners:
On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 2015, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica and inaugurated the Jubilee Year of Mercy. On the Solemnity of Christ the King (November 20, 2016) the Holy Door was closed and the Jubilee of Mercy was concluded. But, we read in the Book of Lamentations 3: 22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning…” With this hope, we have already entered into Advent of the new Liturgical Year. It has a twofold nature: It prepares us for Christmas, when we recall Christ first coming among us, and it is also a time when we look forward to His second coming at the end of the ages. On other side of this letter, I am using this opportunity to give you an update on the New St. Patrick Roman Catholic Cemetery, the conclusion of the Renovation Project in the Rectory and the Renovation Fund. Our new Parish Employees are Rosalie Scarlett, Administrator, and Gloria Villamil, Secretary-Receptionist. We thank Mary Lou Rancourt who was Parish Secretary for more than nine years and has now retired, and is taking care of her husband as he recovers. We also thank Carolyne Desbiens and John Kischuck who worked temporarily until we hired our present employees. Yours in Christ, Fr. Franjo Šprajc Pastor Christmas and New Year Masses Schedule THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD Saturday December 24th - Christmas Eve 5:30 p.m. St. Joseph Church 8:00 pm. St. Patrick Church 10:30 p.m. St. Joseph Church Sunday, December 25th – Christmas Day 9:00 a.m. St. Patrick Church 11:00 a.m. St. Joseph Church SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD – NEW YEAR Saturday, December 31st, 2016 5:00 p.m. St. Patrick Church Sunday, January 1st, 2017 11:00 a.m. St. Joseph Church |
Father's Blog
Rev. Fr. Christopher Tracey
|