Merry Christmas!
Whether you are a regular parishioner, a holiday visitor, or a spiritual seeker in search of a permanent home, I would like to thank you for joining us this weekend as we have begun celebrating the Mystery of our Redemption which begins, in a special way with the tiny Divine Infant born under the most humble of circumstances at Bethlehem.
Once again, I renew my annual invitation to revel and linger in the Festive Joy of this Christmas celebration we have begun. The Christmas “Octave” is an eight--day celebration extending from December 25 until January 1, closing with the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Please see P. 7 for a schedule of Masses for that Holy Day). The proverbial “Twelve Days of Christmas” continue until January 6th—the traditional day for the celebration of the Epiphany; and the season finally concludes with the celebration of the Lord’s Baptism on Sunday, January 10th. In addition to celebrating these feasts with us in Church, I also encourage you to keep the Christmas season going in your homes and personal lives as well. Leave your Christmas trees up, keep your homes decorated, continue to illuminate your neighborhoods with those lights which call to mind the “Brightness of the Father’s Glory”—that is, the Light of Christ who gives True Light to our lives.
In conjunction with our parish Faith Formation outreach, and with gratitude to generous donors, we are presenting each household with a special gift, a book by the dynamic speaker Matthew Kelly titled: “Rediscover Jesus”. These books will be handed out, while supplies last, after all Masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Please inquire in the parish office for the availability of additional copies. It is my sincere hope that this gift will inspire us all to a renewed appreciation for the Gift God has given us in His Son, Jesus Christ. Also, please watch for more details regarding an on-line follow-up program to the book this Lenten season.
As we observe this Octave of Christmas, several Feasts are observed which are worth your consideration (whether or not you are able to attend daily Mass during this time):
December 26—Feast of St. Stephen, Protomartyr On the “second day” of Christmas we commemorate the witness given by the deacon Stephen, who was the first martyr to give his life as an explicit witness to his Faith in Jesus. This is mentioned in the popular Christmas Carol Good King Wenceslaus who is described as looking out “on the Feast of Stephen.” Please offer a special prayer for our deacons and those who teach the Faith.
December 27—Feast of the Holy Family The Sunday within the Octave of Christmas is always the commemoration of the Holy Family of Nazareth. On this Solemnity, we are called to be grateful to God for the gift of family in our own lives, even as we invoke the heavenly help of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Pray for members of your family and for a greater appreciation for the gift of family.
December 28—Feast of the Holy Innocents On the “fourth day” of Christmas, we remember Herod’s massacre of the innocent children in his attempt to kill the infant king. Of course, we realize that Herod had nothing to fear in Jesus, yet his greed and lack do perspective led him to deplorable measures in the name of preserving his own power. On this day we should pray, in a special way, for an end to abortion and infanticide in our world.
January 1—Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God The Octave (8th) Day of Christmas is always observed as a time to commemorate the Mystery of Mary’s “Divine Maternity”— this tells us far more about Jesus than it does about his mother! When we speak of Mary as “Mother of God,” we are acknowledging that her son, Jesus is, as we say in the Creed, “True God from True God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.” We also honor Mary on this day for her special role, and for her willingness to assent to God’s Divine Plan.
May God bless your joyful celebration of these Holy Days to come. -Fr. Joseph Totton