Christmas

Dear Parishioner,

Some of our young people gifted me by beautifully singing Christmas carols this week. Just a few days earlier, OLMC staff went caroling in PQ’s Christmas Card Lane. Traditional Christmas carols are rich in meaning, familiar, and comforting. On that silent, holy night, the Savior was given to us. Angels were heard on high by the shepherds, but not many at the time were aware of the significance of the what took place in the little town of Bethlehem, away in a manger.

In a similar way, you have lived your Christian vocation—praying, working, caring for others, building, healing, and creating—without the world taking notice. Through you, God is continuing His work of creation and redemption.

Our Christmas Mass schedule is on the home page of the website. As many will have guests joining them for Mass, please make sure to read this brief post from me so that we can show proper respect to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Christmas is celebrated for a season, not merely a day. Dr. Michael Barber will be giving a talk on the Christmas season on Tuesday, December 27th at 6pm (following Benediction). Also, be sure to read this liturgical blog post on the Christmas season, which includes some really interesting background on two beloved Christmas carols.

We expect to begin construction of our new discipleship center in January of 2023. It appears that the cost will be about 16% greater than our spring 2021 estimate. Your generous gifts to the offertory and building fund are greatly appreciated. Just a reminder that to count for the 2022 tax year, we need to receive your donation before Dec. 31, 2022. You can make an online donation through this secure portal, and here is information about other ways of making a gift of your treasure. We can take inspiration from the magi who showed their devotion to the newborn king through their gifts.

May the Christ Child bless your family with a wonderful celebration of His birth!

Fr. Anthony Saroki