Christmas Wishes

As someone who gets a bit gooey about Christmas, I want you to know of my prayers and best wishes for you and your family. I hope the Christ child will gift you peace, and good health. May you be surrounded by the love of family and friends.

I always think how big the world must have seemed to the Holy Family, as they made their way to Bethlehem, commanded to go there by an Emperor in faraway Rome. And, then, forced to flee to Egypt because of the villainy of Herod. The Christmas story is, in many ways, the story of a family making its way through a dangerous and uncaring world. 

We must provide love and care for those who feel the world is indifferent to them. Our Christmas charity means more than we may ever know. I recently toured the Women's Sanctuary with two of our staff members. Run by Catholic Charities, the Sanctuary is a day center for poor and/or homeless women and children. I was impressed with the quality of services and care provided for these vulnerable women. Without it, they would be at the mercy of the streets. Touring the facility was one of those moments that made me proud to be a member of the Catholic Church. Yes, we have our faults, but is there any other church that provides such extensive services to the poor of the world? I don't think so.

Christmas reminds us that, when humanity was lost, God sent his son to live and die for us. God gave us the most precious thing he holds in his divine heart: his son. Let us also give from our hearts.

WELCOME TO ALL OF OUR VISITORS! 

If you are visiting this Christmas, please introduce yourself to me, Father Jerome, or one of the deacons. Personally, I love talking with visitors from out of town. (And, if you're from New England, I will talk your ear off. Ha.)

A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE: THE ST. EUGENE CARITAS CREW

Catholic Charities is developing a small neighborhood of micro houses to help people transition from the streets to stable housing. The development is called Caritas Casitas and is located in the Stockyard neighborhood. The units are approximately 350 sq. ft., with a nice bathroom, kitchen, and a washer/dryer combo. There are room for a queen size bed and a small sofa. There will be a wardrobe for clothing. (It's rather amazing how efficient the units are.)

St. Eugene parish is the first parish to agree to sponsor two of the cottages. Sponsorship entails furnishing the units with a bed, a loveseat, and a small table with two chairs. As well, we will furnish linen and towels, and plates, bowls, drinking glasses, and silverware. Because the space is rather cozy, the cost to furnish will not be expensive. PLEASE NOTE: WE CAN'T ACCEPT USED ITEMS. NOTHING USED WILL BE ACCEPTED BY CATHOLIC CHARITIES TO FURNISH THE UNITS.

We are looking for people to volunteer for this "crew", not just to donate items, but to be willing to go and set the cottage up for the resident. We need men and women for this ministry. Catholic Charities estimates that the units will be ready for occupancy some time in January. If you are interested please call the office and talk with Sharon. You would be looking at a commitment of once or twice a year.

JANUARY 1 : FEAST OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD.

Our Masses for the Holy Day of Obligation will be as follows: New Year's Eve at 5:30 pm in English; New Year's Day at 10 am in English; and New Years Day at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish.