WELCOME to all who are worshipping here this Christmas! We are glad you are with us to pray at this astounding feast. We can only try to reflect on the Eternal Word become human among us, and how he has imprinted his image on us and all creation. It’s natural that the feast brings out an urge to pray in community, so whether this community is part of your past, or you are just finding us as a place to pray, you are welcome.
This has been a year of more growth for the parish, including out of pandemic effects. We resumed important community events like Monicafest, the Marriage Anniversary Mass and dinner, and the Auction. Our school has gone from 195 to 240, and is in league with neighboring Catholic schools. Our PSR has fine teachers and has also seen an increase. We have a strong schedule of Baptisms continuing. Our school has seen an influx of new students and families. We are underway with our own parish Strategic Planning critical to our growth and flourishing, and hope to have a complete growth plan early in the new year. Beyond this effort, we’re deep into the planning that extends throughout the Archdiocese, “All Things New”, and I’m sure our community will emerge with a strong leadership role. And throughout the week, our parishioners reflect the constant prayer and dedication of our patron, St. Monica, at Mass, at Adoration, and in devotions and prayers in the church and at home.
All this reflects that in a time still marked by uncertainties, we have a shared sense that God is among us, and will not fail us. That’s Christmas!
I pray for ever deeper Incarnation among us, bringing us closer to the kingdom. Fr. Tim and I ask your continued prayers to serve the parish well through all this, and we assure you of our prayers.
Fr. Sebastian