Glory to Jesus Christ!

Dear Parishioners,

       I want to thank-you for the tremendous positive response given to the new Service and Social Justice Committee that made its debut last weekend.  New beginnings can often be uncertain and it takes time to build confidence in new ventures so your encouragement and support is a real blessing.  We already have had several people express their desire to join the committee.  This is a bonus grace!

       The “health pack” project for St. Maria Goretti elementary school is off to a flying start.  The items for this hygiene kit are listed inside the Service and Social Justice Committee newsletter.  If you missed out, you can find some newsletters in the church entrance.  A member of our committee informed us that he obtained all the items on the list at Dollarama for $13.00!  When complete, please bring the health packs to Church and place them in one of the marked boxes available in the entrance.  We are hoping to deliver these to the children at St. Maria Goretti in time for Christmas.  I know this is a busy time of year for everyone, so if you can’t have it ready by December 17, bring it whenever you can and we will make a delivery in January, too.  Again, your enthusiastic response and generosity is a sign of the spirit of preparation for Our Saviour’s birth.

       We are on the road to Bethlehem!  Our Saint Nicholas Carol Festival this Sunday afternoon at 3:00 PM will help all of us take further steps on that journey.  The children and the choirs have been working hard.  Your presence will be a present to them and everyone in the parish!  I heard from St. Nicholas himself that he will be checking his list to see who is there to greet him!  So, come catch the true spirit of Christmas and don’t let the spirit of Wal-Mart catch you!

       Lastly, we are hoping to support the downtown youth center, EGADZ with Christmas baking once again.  There will be boxes in the church entrance next weekend (December 16, 17) to collect the baking.  It will be delivered Monday, December 18^th.  Thanks for thinking of those in need!

       May our journey to Bethlehem be filled with joy and gratitude and bring us to a deeper awareness of God with us!

Fr. Larry