My dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus!

The event of the coming of the Son of God to earth has been celebrated for over two thousand years, yet every year, the celebration seems to be always new and speaks to our hearts in a very special and joyful way. For us Christians, Christmas is a very significant feast day because it commemorates the event when God became man in order to begin the work of salvation. Christmas is the time when much concern is shown for the needs in the community. Toys are donated, boxes of Christmas food are prepared, clothing is collected and everything is distributed to those who are in need. And this is good because in this way people may show the goodness and love of God. Every year at Christmas we are reminded that the same Jesus Who was born many years ago is still present with us. He is alive in the Church, He is alive in all of us believing in Him and gathered in His name. He is present whenever Mass is offered. As a matter of fact, the name Christmas comes from Christ`s Mass. In the sacrifice of Mass, God comes to us. We can see and feel His presence in the consecrated bread and wine on the altar but most of all when we receive Him in Holy Communion and our hearts become like another Bethlehem, the place where Jesus is really born.

May Jesus Christ bless you abundantly with His graces in this Christmas season and in the coming New Year 2015.

Very Rev. Gregory Mludzik, Pastor