Dear Fellow Parishioners, Happy New Year, not to be confused with the liturgical (church) new year that began on the First Sunday of Advent. New Year’s Day always falls right in the middle of Christmas Season, so Christmas carols are still rolling around in my head. The carol that is stuck in my head is, “I wonder as I wander.” I wonder what this New Year of 2023 has in store for us. A whole new year of all sorts of adventure and all sorts of possibilities. Will there finally be peace in Ukraine? Will there be new medical advancements for cancer and Alzheimer’s? Will Haiti finally get back on its feet and defeat the gangs that have taken over their capital city of Port-au-Prince? And of course, we all may be wondering, what is in store for us personally and for our families? Whatever comes our way in the New Year, I want to cling to several faith-facts that make the days ahead less of a challenge and more of an adventure. For me, those faith-facts are Emmanuel; “God is with us!” Do not be afraid! Nothing is impossible for God! Help me to remember that nothing is going to happen today that you and I can’t handle together! Before we step into a New Year, I want to thank all the members of our community and staff that quietly work behind the scenes so that we can gather for prayer, worship, study, and social. The many people who make sure everything is set up for each event, that there is heat and cool, that the building is clean and decorated, that snow is removed and walks are safe, that faith formation events help faith to seek understanding, that we have music to raise up our prayers to God, that there is money to keep our ministries and parish alive, that meals are prepared for the Mustard Seed, that clothes are available in the Thrift Shop, that when someone in need comes to our doors we are able to respond with generous hearts. Most important, that we are a Catholic Community moved by the urgings of the Holy Spirit in carrying out the will of God always desirous of making the world the place God says it ought to be. For all of you who worked behind the scenes this past, and many years passed, Thank you! For all those who are joining us in this exciting adventure, welcome! May we continue to be the people and community God calls us to be! Happy New Year, Fr. Bill