December 3, 2021

Dear Friends, 

         I will be honest, as we slowly move towards Christmas, I get more and more excited. The chill in the morning air as I walk to church is something I enjoy. I love the smells of cut evergreens, the snow flurries we’ve had and everything associated with this time of year. Don’t worry, by February, I too will most likely be belly aching about the cold and snow. With Christmas approaching for many of us, our hearts are filled with joy and the desire to do more for those who are in need. It is a good time of the year for sure. 

         As we move further towards Christmas, I have one quick public service message. Over the course of this year, I feel more and more that we see scams out there to get people to give up money, information, passwords, etc. We need to be ever vigilant about anything regarding money and requests. Periodically, people from the parish will get emails or texts from “Fr. Brian” asking for discreet help in getting gift cards. NOT ME. You might get phone calls or emails from “Apple,” “Amazon” or “Microsoft” saying you accidentally bought a service and need to call them immediately to cancel it. Nope! You will get a bill, not an email. I was talking with one of our parishioners who got a phone call from lawyers for their “grandchild” who was in a terrible car accident. They were told that they need to pay to lawyer fees or need to send bail money. Others get calls or emails saying they are overseas or travelling, lost their wallets and need money or gift cards to get home. Scammers will play on your naivety or try to pull on your heart strings, especially during this time of the year. Please be careful out there.

         The above PSA was partly because I feel this is so important, but it is also that reminder of how generous we feel or want to be during the Christmas season, which is such a great thing. We feel called to do what we can to help others now more than ever.  The spirit of giving and generosity is one that we should try to echo, on a daily basis, not just a seasonal one. There is always a need and we should do what we can whenever we can to help those if we are so blessed. Even if we may not be able to help financially, we can still pray for those in need and help other ways with our time and talents.
         The Christmas season calls us to do so much. At the same time, hopefully it calls us to find time to connect with our faith during the week. Coming to mass, lighting your own advent wreathe, praying for others, all good things to be doing. Make time to celebrate with music. Come to our Christmas Concert on Sunday at 2:30 pm, stay for the tree lighting at 4:47. Get into the Christmas Spirit! Find time to be with family, friends, and God as well. 

May He bless you always, 

Fr. Brian