A Few Practical Notes...

Before we get to Christmas I want to catch up on a few practical things: the commemorative bricks for St. Mary garden, printing the col­laborative photo directory, and some practical (and spir­itual) notes on attending church this Christmas.

Two projects are back on track after being delayed longer than we expected. In part this was because of not having enough volunteers to see the projects through, but also I wish I had taken more leadership to find ways to move them forward, so as pastor I apologize to those who are affected. Many people generously donated to the accessibility ramp project in exchange for commemora­tive bricks. The shipment of engraved bricks from those who were first to donate were built into the ramp wall, and the bricks from the remaining donors are here and ready to be laid as paving stones in a small plaza in front of the ramp by the statue of the Blessed Mother. We have hired a landscaper to try to get this done before the ground becomes too frozen! In addition the photo direc­tory for both parishes was waiting for people who had time to work on the layout and activities pages. The lay­out has now been submitted and we are awaiting the final proof to confirm before it is published.

Shifting to the immediate future, we are all preparing to gather for Christmas Masses next weekend, so allow me to offer three pieces of advice. (1) Since there will not be time for confessions this Saturday (Christmas Eve), I will be available to hear confessions this Wednes­day (Dec. 21), 6:30-8:00 pm at St. Mary church - you are invited to "prepare the way of the Lord” by celebrat­ing this healing Sacrament of Reconciliation. (2) If you normally attend Christmas Eve 4pm Mass, you know how hectic and crowded that can be. If you can shift your plans just two hours later, I can assure you the 6pm Masses in both of our parishes are much more calm and prayerful - and you won't have to park a half-mile away! (3) As we continue working on strengthening and grow­ing our parishes, having many additional people attend church at Christmas is an important opportunity to make a good impression. Both of our parishes are known as welcoming communities, so I'm just reminding you (and myself!) that intentionally looking to welcome one an­other as we gather in church will help us exercise the biblical virtue of hospitality. If we were visiting a family member's parish we would appreciate their effort to make us feel comfortable and welcome, so please extend that to our visitors as well. If you are traveling this Christmas, be safe and know that you are in our prayers. For those staying here, Fr. Bill, Fr. Dennis and I look forward to celebrating Christ's birth with you!