From the Desk of Fr. Schaller - December 29, 2019

For many people a major reason for their happiness at Christmas is the opportunity to be with their families. This is a perfectly good sentiment for Christians. As we celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord – of God taking on human flesh – we acknowledge that He came into the world in the normal way, by being born from a woman, and into a family. This is the significance of today’s feast; that God, by taking on our human form, has raised in dignity our human nature, and raised in dignity the human family. To be able to celebrate the birth of our Savior with our families is a blessing. In fact, the family’s observance of Christmas – with the beautiful rituals which are celebrated in the Church, as well as those which are handed on from year to year within the home – is a means by which both faith and family are strengthened.


Perhaps more than ever we need the support of the Church’s observance of the Feast of the Holy Family to strengthen our families. We need the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph to be the model for what our own families should be like – and can be like. Jesus, according to His human nature, learned about the Law and the Prophets from Mary and Joseph. Children today can, and should, learn about their Catholic Faith from their parents. Parents are the first and most important teachers of the Faith to their own children. Every home is called to be a “domestic Church”, a place where children see the Faith modeled by example and taught by instruction. This is a great responsibility, but it is also a great privilege! May God strengthen you, that your families may become holy.


As we draw near the end of the calendar year, please remember that if you wish to claim a financial gift to our parish on your taxes for 2019, we must receive it at the parish by December 31, 2019. By law, donations received after December 31 must be recorded for 2020.


On behalf of Deacon Jerry Ruesch and all the staff, I want to thank you for the many cards and gifts we received at Christmas. Be assured of our prayers for a continued Blessed Christmas Season and a Holy New Year!
May God bless you! Fr. Schaller