The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Dear Parishioners,

    By the time you read this we will be well into the Christmas Season.  I would like to thank all those who have sent cards and gifts to our office the last month.  If is very gratifying to receive these gifts.  I am privileged to be your pastor. I am sure that the rest of the staff is grateful as well.

    The last nine months have been a challenge for us all with the many health protocols we have had to follow.  At first, we all probably questioned what we have been asked to do.  As time has gone on and we have witnessed people getting sick and we have seen people die we now know that precautions are very necessary.

     I have been in the intensive care to anoint patients at times.  I have also been asked to pray with people in nursing homes who are in the last stages of the Coronavirus.  I assure you it is a difficult way to die.  My heart goes out to the persons who have the disease, those who must take care of them and to the families who sit by their beside.  I spend but a few moments and have all the safety equipment to keep me safe. Others must stay for hours and give the physical care.

     When we reflect on the birth of Jesus, we can’t help but  be consoled by the Christ event.  Our all-powerful God became helpless.  The Lord placed himself in our hands as an infant.  As I once heard, God trusted that Jesus would be taken care of.  What a belief God must have had in humanity!  We must realize what a responsibility we have, to take care of each other.

     I have witnessed great generosity the past nine months. Heroic health care workers have risked their lives and mental health to care for the sick.  Government officials have given the facts about the virus to the public and at times have been ridiculed and insulted.  Countless others have served in various professions risking their own health to keep society functioning. Yes, most of us are taking care of each other.

     We pray this Christmas that we will continue to support each other.  May we be meek and humble as we seek to uphold the rights of the most vulnerable among us.  We are Jesus servants in the world. He has no hands but ours. Let’s use them to hold each other up.

Have a blessed Christmas Season,

Fr. Mark