HAVE A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS!

Six months have flown by and suddenly it is my first Christmas with you as your pastor. You are a remarkable parish, with a generous heart, and a “can do” spirit I greatly admire. I feel fortunate to have landed here among you.

My Christmas prayers for you are, first, that you and your family are healthy and spared the many viruses of winter. I also pray for your souls; for your spiritual well being. I humbly ask for your prayers, that I may be a good and loyal pastor to you.

A small Christmas poem for your enjoyment ...

Christmastide
by Christina Rosetti

Love came down at Christmas,      
    Love all lovely, Love Divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
    Star and Angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
    Love Incarnate, Love Divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
    But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
    Love be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all men,
    Love for plea and gift and sign.

THE CHAIRS HAVE BEEN ORDERED!

Because of the very generous response to our appeal for new chairs, we have ordered 400 new chairs for Ross Hall and the conference rooms. Actually, we have money left over and are looking for some new tables. As with everything, the supply chain is slow. It will be the new year before they arrive.

STILL NEEDED! GLOVES FOR THE HOMELESS

Our Secular Franciscans are gathering gloves to give to the homeless, and I promised them that I would help promote that cause. If you would, consider buying a pair of gloves and bringing them with you to Sunday Mass.

Apparently, most of the homeless wear two pairs of gloves, a lightweight glove and heavier glove over that. So any type of glove will be appreciated. Advent is a great season during which we should do small acts of charity.