Dear beloved sisters and brothers in Christ,
A mother posted an open invitation to friends and family to come to Thanksgiving dinner. Surprise! They all showed up.
Gathered at the table, she turned to her six-year-old daughter and said, “Would you like to say the blessing?”
“I don’t know what to say,” her daughter replied.
Her mother answered, “Just say what you hear me pray.”
The daughter bowed her head and said, “Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?”
Why? Because that’s what Jesus did. He ate with the tax collectors and sinners. He reached out to the leper and the lame. The Lord welcomed the widow, orphan, and foreigner.
Following the Lord’s example and at his command, Nativity is welcoming. Every parish bulletin every Sunday proudly proclaims our parish vision: A Welcoming Community of Believers.
Nativity proudly supports Life Choices Medical Clinic in Altamonte Springs. The pregnancy clinic helps mothers welcome a child into the world and give it a good start. https://www.lifechoicesfl.com/
The Cheers restaurant in Boston was the inspiration for the setting of the hit television series Cheers. While you wait at the bathroom door, you can peel a nametag sticker from a big roll and fill in your name under the preprinted famous slogan, “Where Everyone Knows Your Name.”
Nativity does Cheers one better. As comforting as “Where Everyone Knows Your Name” sounds, even better is to be a welcoming church where you know everyone’s name. I challenge you to learn one person’s name at church and say hello to them by name every week. Let me know how it goes.
All of our volunteers have nifty new magnetic nametags. Before even a welcoming word is said, the nametags help connect us to one another and say, “Welcome!”
This is the time of year to renew our commitment to Nativity’s vision. Our contribution to the Sunday collection supports our vision to be a welcoming community of believers.
Before Vision Sunday on November 14, you will receive a letter and pledge card in the mail. Whether you give online or with offertory envelopes, complete the pledge card. Bring it to Mass this coming weekend and put it in the collection basket.
Now that the positivity rate for COVID-19 is very low and many have been vaccinated and received booster shots, we have resumed passing the collection basket during the Preparation of the Gifts in Mass.
The collection basket is not just a basket. It is a chance to take part in our vision to be A Welcoming Community of Believers.
In Christ,
Father David
FIRST RECONCILIATION
Our second grade children receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday, November 13. Please pray for them and their families as they receive God’s pardon and peace for the first time.
VETERAN’S DAY
Thursday, November 11, is Veteran’s Day. Let us pray. “Lord God, Almighty Father, creator of mankind and author of peace, as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess, we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces. Give them courage, hope and strength. May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love and compassionate healing. Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light. To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and forever. Amen.”
BULLETIN
For everything else happening in the parish this week, check out the bulletin online.
