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.
As we enter the “homestretch” of this season of preparation, we hear of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth. Their visit is filled with joy, expressed wonderfully by Elizabeth’s baby (John the Baptist) leaping in her womb at the sound of Mary’s voice. In a few days, we will celebrate the great gift that God has given to humanity two thousand years ago: the gift of Jesus. Jesus comes as Savior of the world and as the majestic King—but also as a Shepherd who care deeply and personally for each one of us on our journey. May these last days before Christmas fill us with joy as we prepare to welcome Christ into our hearts once again.
Today is known as Gaudete Sunday. It means rejoice. The third candle is lit today on the Advent. Deacon Richard and I will be wearing rose colored vestments today. If anyone is counting, we have nine days until Christmas. We have been preparing for Christ’s coming for two weeks. On Monday, December 17 th , the prayers and the Liturgy shifts to the proximate preparation for Christ at Christmas. As we celebrate and rejoice on Gaudete Sunday, we celebrate and rejoice in God’s gift to us—the gift of His Son, Jesus, Emmanuel: God-with-us.
2018 Giving Tree Project sponsored by St. Peter Catholic Community and Msgr Eyraud Knights of Columbus. Wrapped gifts with ornament tags must be returned to the rectory no later than December 11.
Senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests ministered for years, for little or no pay. Their sacrifices now leave their religious communities without adequate retirement savings. Your gift to today’s second collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious helps provide medications, nursing care, and more for tens of thousands of elderly religious. The second collection this weekend is for the RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS. I ask for your generosity.
The Knights of Columbus & the Christ in Christmas Committee are selling yard flags. The attractive flag is printed in red, gold & green and has the words Keep Christ in Christmas emblazoned across the bottom. The actual size of the flag is 13” x 18”. Msgr. Eyraud KC Council will be selling the flags after masses next weekend in the front portico. The cost of the flag is $15.00 All proceeds generated will be utilized in the PRO-LIFE campaign. If you have any questions or would like to purchase additional flags, please contact Grand Knight Garland J. Remondet Jr. at (985) 536-7891.