Holy Family Sunday

Dear Parishioners;

I hope that you had time to spend with family and friends on Christmas. For the Church we are in the midst of the Christmas season. Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. This year’s Gospel Reading of the finding of the child Jesus in the temple is also commemorated in the Fifth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. The opening Collect (opening prayer) provides a framework for our reflections: “O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family, graciously grant that we may imitate them in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity…” Families come in all shape and sizes, but all can be part of a family. In the face of God’s ever-flowing generosity, highlighted for us today in the blessing of family life, we become aware of our human shortcomings and our need for God’s mercy and love. As we celebrate the Holy Family, let us think of the families we have been a part of, both as children and as adults.

The second collection this weekend is for the Church roof. I ask for your continued generosity.

Tuesday, January 1, 2019 is the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, a Holy Day of Obligation. The Vigil Mass will be at 5:00 P.M. on December 31 and Mass on January 1 will be at 9:00 A.M.