Dear Fellow Parishioners, Merry Christmas Season! As we move from the Season of Advent to the Season of Christmas, we have the opportunity to celebrate the entire 12 Days of Christmas. During this time, I am asking all families to take the time to bring their kids to the manger in front of the church and speak to your children about the circumstances of Jesus’ birth. Why was he born in Bethlehem instead of his hometown of Nazareth? Why was he born in a manger instead of his own home, or an Inn? Who was there? Use this time as a teachable moment and plant the seeds of faith in the hearts of our young folks. As we move into the season, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God on January 1st. Again, use the story of Mary and her “Yes” to do the will of God as an example of the ways we can say yes to the will of God in our own lives. This can also be a prayer opportunity for your family. Now would be a wonderful time to introduce the rosary in honor of Mary and reflect on the mysteries of the rosary. On January 8th we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. Don’t be afraid to bring your children close to the statues of the Tree Kings that will be in the sanctuary and talk about that we give the gift of ourselves to Jesus. I have a Nativity scene from Haiti and the kings bring three gifts of a bag of rice, a chicken, and a cluster of bananas. These gifts the children of Haiti can appreciate and understand. This year we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on a Monday January 9th. Take the time to show children their Baptismal certificate, candle, and robe. Remind them that Jesus was baptized as an adult by John the Baptist. It is never too late to consider getting baptized. Deacon Tom is preparing adults to receive their Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil this year. If you have not received one or more of these Sacraments, call the office now and deepen your sacramental life in the church. So, Merry Christmas Season to you all! Drink in the fullness of our spiritual journey at a time when we sometimes think Christmas is just a day. Merry Christmas Season to All, Fr. Bill