Advent and Christmas Thanks from Fr. Jim

On behalf of the whole Parish, I would like to send lots and lots and lots of THANKS to all who helped create the Advent and then Christmas Seasons beauty we all enjoyed the past few months. Thank you kindly! The Music Ministries also should be deeply thanked for those many hours of both rehearsals and then praising and giving Glory to God during our Advent and Christmas liturgies and prayer services. We Friars well know the discipline it takes to prepare choral prayers. So when we hear and see so many praying in choral form, we are moved to deep gratitude with endless admiration. The Parish at large should continue to be aware of particular communities within the larger Community who answer “the call” from the Holy Spirit to utilize certain gifts for these Holy Seasons. Creating beauty for the senses in the Sacred Space of our blessed Church reflects keenly the sense of the Holy both in and among us. We transcend to the Divine, stepping into the Mysteries of the Inspired Word and Channels of Grace we call the Sacraments. What a beautiful Parish! Here we are filled with souls struggling to keep the Light of Christ alive in a world so challenged by the world, the flesh, and the devil. Remember all registered Parish members were CONSECRATED and DEDICATED to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 2nd, 2022. This was the fourth year we formally prayed this Marian Consecration Prayer as a worshipping Community at all of our weekend Masses. Remember to pray the Rosary daily! I want to thank the Knights of Columbus especially for their faithful witness in LEADING the Rosary prayer prior to all of our weekend Masses. The Rosary devotion is part of being a member of the K. of C. Order/Fraternity. Mother Mary calls for this efficacious prayer form as “the Weapon” against the onslaughts of “shimmering darkness” who “goes around, like a roaring lion, seeking the ruin of souls.” We’ve our work cut out for ourselves! But in the end, our Mother says, “In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph.” Catholic folk are fed with His Body and His Blood as food for the journey. Thank you all for your faithfulness and generous stewardship to the Parish and School and SECOND SPRING efforts to keep the Catholic Faith strong with convicted Faith and sturdy Good Works. Maranatha! COME LORD JESUS! Can I hear an AMEN!