Fourth Sunday in Advent

Dear Parishioners,

    Christmas is a time when we all have many memories.  Some of those memories are fond memories and others are sad ones.  I remember coming down to our living room Christmas morning.  My presents would have been put out overnight.  They were not wrapped but were just set out.   My sister and I knew immediately if Santa had delivered the gifts we wanted.  We were limited to three and they had to be within a certain price range.  I wonder why Santa cared if his elves made the gifts. I know that I was never disappointed.

Maybe that is the key to spiritual peace.  We don’t ask for the impossible to be delivered but are realistic in what we want.  Perhaps that is also the key to prayer.  I sometimes hear that people are unhappy when God does not deliver a miracle that they wanted.  If our expectations are realistic God usually satisfies our desires.  I hope this Christmas all of you receive what you hope for.

This is my fifth year as your pastor and I thank all of you for your love and support. I thank you for your gifts and cards. I hope that I have not asked for the impossible.  If I am disappointed that is usually why.  Yet, I know that we can’t expect minimal blessings from God.  God wants us to stretch as a Church community.  We have done some wonderful things together these last few years and I look forward to what we can do in the future to glorify our God.  We can then stand with the angels and sing “Hallelujah, Glory to God in the highest.” In Christ the impossible became possible.  God is one with humanity.  We are redeemed. Every sin has been forgiven. Certainly, Jesus has gone beyond our expectations.

Merry Christmas,

Fr. Mark

P.S. I would like to thank our parish staff for all their hard work this past year. They go above and beyond the call of duty.  All of them work extra hours when needed and try to fulfill everyone’s needs.  I would hope that parishioners would thank them for their work.  I would also like to thank all those who volunteer in our various ministries.  You are the hands that help get Jesus’ work done.  Finally, I would especially like to thank Fr. Matthew who is so easy to work with and has such a compassionate demeaner when he ministers to the sick and Deacon Pat who is ready to help in whatever way he can.  Sacred Heart is the Body of Christ because of the people I just mentioned. I hope God blesses all of them and all of you.