Next weekend, we will celebrate the Solemnity of Christmas. What a wonderful time to remember and give thanks for God’s most precious gift to us: His Son – the Emmanuel, God with us.  There are benefits for us when Christmas falls on a Sunday. We have an extra week to prepare - whether it is shopping, cleaning, writing cards, decorating, or cooking. It is also helpful for liturgists in the Church. In fact, it gives us the opportunity to enjoy another week of Advent to spiritually prepare our lives for the coming of Christ. The week will give us a better appreciation of Christmas as we listen and ponder on the infancy narratives.  Theologically and liturgically, it makes complete sense to celebrate Christmas on a Sunday - the day when the Church gathers to remember the paschal mystery. It reminds us that the One born in the stable is also the One who died and is risen from the dead so that we might share in divine life. The gift that was given to us on Christmas is the same gift offered to us on Easter.  Because Christmas is on a Sunday, I am asking for a special gift for our parish. In addition to your Christmas offering (in the past, I asked for $50), I ask those who are able not to forget your regular Sunday Offering. Although this has been a much better year, we are still struggling to get people engaged in our community. The good news is that Mass attendance is up, and we hope this trend continues.

Provided here is the link, if needed, to https://holyspiritchurch.org/online-giving to help you make your donations today.  Additionally, as we end the calendar year, kindly consider Holy Spirit Parish as a recipient for your Qualified Charitable Distribution and/or Required Minimum Distribution.  Your continued generosity to Holy Spirit helps us maintain the day-to-day operations of the parish. It also enables us to continue and enhance the many programs and ministries we offer to our community.  As we celebrate Christmas next weekend, be assured that Fr. John and I will continue to pray for all of you. 

May Mary and Joseph, icons of Advent, bless and guide us in preparing for the great feast of the Lord’s nativity.