Merry Christmas 2018!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

On that first Christmas, the angels praised God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to men of good will.” The shepherds came and adored the newborn Savior. St. Luke wrote, “And Mary treasured all of these things and reflected on them in her heart.”

We too need to pause and treasure the gift of Christmas in our hearts. And that gift is simply Jesus, true God who became true man, who came to reveal perfectly God’s truth and love to us, who died and rose for our salvation, and who founded a Church – a family – where His presence continues in both Word and Sacrament. Treasure and reflect on the gift of Jesus and the faith you share in Him as a member of the Catholic Church.

Moreover, we must not let Christmas just be a passing day. Live in the spirit of Christmas each day. Reflect upon how to better treasure this gift each day by making prayer a critical part of your day, by continuing to read Sacred Scripture and the teachings of our Church, by having a stronger devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Mass, by regularly making a self-examination of conscience and going to Confession, and doing those good works for those entrusted to our care and for those in need. May such reflection of the gift of Christmas, move us by God’s grace to an even more intimate relationship with our Lord this year.

As your Priest Administrator, I treasure the gift of you and the dedication, sacrifices, and hard work you have shown to make this parish a beacon of Christ’s love. In particular, I thank those who serve in the various ministries and organizations. On behalf of Father Steve, Father Vinner, Father Victor and all of the Staff at the Regional Office, I wish each of you a blessed and joyous Christmas and New Year!

Please be assured of my prayers for your intentions and a remembrance at Holy Mass. May the peace, joy, and love of the Holy Family be present in your lives each day of the New Year. Keep me in your prayers as I plan to visit my family back in India from January 7 thru Feb 7.

Merry Christmas and a Happy and Grace-filled New Year!  God bless you! 

Rev Father Francis Arulappan HGN
Priest Administrator