Christmas Message to Parishioners

DIOCESAN EPISCOPAL VICAR
What we as Christians are privileged to celebrate at Christmas is difficult to express in human words. That is not surprising. After it all, it has its origins in the very heart of God. But I was lucky enough to stumble upon a reflection from one of my favourite authors, Daniel O'Leary. I hope it may resonate with you too:

On the night before Christmas, theologian Karl Rahner hears God whispering to us: "When you celebrate tomorrow say to me, 'You are here. You have come. You have come into everything that exists, into everything that we are'. Say only that one thing. That is enough. It is Christmas. Light the candles. They have more right to exist than all the darkness. It is the Christmas that lasts forever." And then, in that silent moment, the serious wonder of it strikes us: it is we ourselves, lit from within by the radiance of God, who are called to be those candles of hope, shining incarnate light on a world and a Church lost too often in the dark."

FR. GYAN TOPNO
The fact that the Christ child was born in Bethlehem in a stable surrounded by shepherds sends a powerful message of humility and simplicity. A message that is often lost in this age of commercialism and materialism. As you celebrate Christmas with your family and friends, I am hopeful that you will take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Part of this reflection could be a thought and a prayer for those less fortunate and who are facing a very difficult future. Dear brothers and sisters, my wish for you is a holy and blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.

OLV WARDENS
Our Christmas bulletin is a testimony to the true meaning of Christmas by highlighting the gifts of generosity and unselfishness. The original story of Christmas, highlighted on the front of the bulletin, describes God’s gift of his son to all mankind, indeed the most generous gift of all. In this bulletin, we find messages of good will and best wishes from the representatives of organizations, whose volunteers give of their time and energy to strengthen and preserve our faith community. On this spiritual and festive occasion, the wardens would like to take this opportunity to thank members of our support organizations, as well as all our parishioners for their support over the year and wish all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

ST. MALACHY (Wardens, Shrine & Cemetery Committees)
A Christmas God gives us the best gifts: Jesus, along with Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the Magi. Let us welcome Him with peace in our hearts and great joy. To all our parishioners, their families and friends, we wish you a Blessed and Joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year. Also, heartfelt thanks to all who have played a part in our community’s life this past year.

LITURGY COMMITTEE
During these days of Christmas, we sing with exultation because love will be among us till the end of time. The presence of the child is Love among men; the world is no longer a place of darkness; those who seek for love know where to find it. It is essentially love that each man needs - even those men who claim to be already fully satisfied.

Today, whenever we go to kiss an image of the Child Jesus, or contemplate a crib or meditate on this great mystery, let us thank God for having wanted to come down to us so that we could understand him and love him. Let us make up our minds to become as little children so as to enter one day into the kingdom of heaven. We will finish our prayer telling our Father God: “Your son was willing to share in our manhood; grant us a share in his godhead.”

BAPTISM PREPARATION TEAM
May the Spirit of the Christ child light our hearts with wonder and awe.
May the Spirit of Jesus, our Savior, open our hearts to the needs of the world.
May the Spirit of the Risen Christ fill our hearts with faith and the hope of salvation.
Wishing everyone Joy, Hope, Peace, and Love this Christmas and always.

OLV SOCIETY
May Christmas be a time for all of us to become children once again. Where we forget our troubles and enjoy precious time with family and friends. Do not be afraid to share that love with all around you. May God bless you and keep you safe over the Christmas holidays.

TRANSFORMATION COMMITTEE
At Christmas time, we often hear the phrase “Peace on earth, good will towards men.” Good will towards men through social justice is a value that should not simply be a Christmas thought but something that is part of our mind set. Social justice represents a gospel value and supports Christ’s message of a preferential option for the poor and downtrodden. To all our parishioners, we wish you a very safe and Holy Christmas.