December 29, 2024
As we find ourselves in the Octave of Christmas and preparing to celebrate the beautiful feasts of the Holy Family and the Epiphany, I wanted to take the opportunity to write a few words of thanks. Firstly, I would like to express my thanks to Deacon John for his faithful help and assistance during the holidays with all the Masses. We had 5 Christmas Masses and Deacon John was there to assist at each one and I am very grateful for that. Next, I would like to thank all of our musicians, decorators and all those who helped prepare our churches and liturgies for the Nativity of Christ. Thank you to the catechists and children who prepared for their wonderful presentation on Christmas eve. The effort you all put in made a huge impact and really helped all of us experience a little more fully the festive character of Christmas. Thank you as well to the WINGS for putting on the parish Christmas party, it was a lot of fun and good to spend time together.
On a personal note, I would like to extend a special “thank you” to everyone who sent cards or gave me gifts for the holidays. It was so kind and thoughtful of you, and I am always very much humbled by how good you are to me and am constantly amazed by your generosity and kindness which go beyond anything I could possibly deserve. It means a great deal to me and each of you are in my prayers and thoughts every day and I am grateful to God for allowing me to be here and serve our parishes. It has been quite a ride so far and I personally am looking forward to spending many more years with you all – God willing. What a blessing. I would also like to inform you all that we finally have gotten through the last committee at the diocese and the remodel of our sanctuary at St. Isidore has been fully approved! We are hoping to start the actual work soon.
To finish, I would like to thank all of you for your support during the past year for our parishes and our Church. The time and effort you put in to helping build our parishes, through prayer, material support and volunteering are priceless. Thank you for making an effort to bring your family and guests to church during the year and the holiday as well. We had more people celebrating with us at the Christmas Masses than last year and in general, our parish numbers are up again this year.
Thank you and may God bless you during this Christmas season and the coming year!
God love you, Father Anthony
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