December 24, 2021
Hello, Friends -
Glory to the newborn king! May peace and good health be with you and your family. Click the video below to view my Christmas message to our OLP family.
In most years, December 26th is the Feast of St. Stephen - the martyr who was stoned to death for professing that Jesus is Lord. I love the Church's placement of this feast day. It's as if our Church is saying, "Okay...you've celebrated the Incarnation, now put your money where your mouth is. Can you celebrate like St. Stephen celebrated? Would you make the ultimate sacrifice for the Lord whose birth you just ushered in with gifts, food, and days off work?" It's a difficult challenge, but it's who we are as Christians.
But this year, we have the opportunity to really back up what we've just professed. This year on December 26th, we bump St. Stephen (Sorry, St. Stephen!) because the first Sunday after Christmas is always the Feast of the Holy Family. And what do Catholics do on Sunday? We go to Mass! At both Masses on Sunday, families will have an opportunity to be consecrated to the Holy Family. What a beautiful way for your family to close 2021 and enter 2022. I encourage you to take the opportunity to live out what we profess with our Christmas celebrations, by bringing your family to Mass on Sunday and participating in this beautiful consecration. I hope to see you there!
One final note: The parish office will be closed until Monday, January 3.
Hosanna in the Highest!
Fr. Dooley
