Christmas

My Dear Parishioners and Friends,
 
TODAY we celebrate Christmas and the Lord’s Day!  The Western Church and some Churches of the East commemorate on this weekend the Nativity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We sing in the Responsorial Psalm for the vigil Masses, “ Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.” It is this miracle of the Incarnation which set into motion the economy of salvation. The taking on of flesh of the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, has brought about the coming of the Kingdom of God. In Jesus the forces of evil are conquered and the reign of sin is dispelled, 
 
We gather in our parish church today to join with the angels in heaven ”… praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” It is good that we thank God for sending us His Only Begotten Son who suffered and died for our sins. The defeat of death and the forces of evil was accomplished by His Holy Resurrection which we celebrate every Sunday and refer to as “the Lord’s Day.” Each week we gather as a family of faith to commemorate this cornerstone of our belief.
 
How wonderful that the Christmas celebration brings together many families and friends. These bonds of love and friendship are life-giving and beyond price. I am so happy to welcome those who are with us this weekend from out of town visiting family and friends here in Rockaway. Please know that your presence here with us for Christmas is indeed a special gift for which I thank Almighty God.
 
This week between Christmas and New Year is a week which many people have off from work and school. This time becomes like a retreat from which we can escape from some of our regular duties to find time with friends and relatives. This has been the way of life for generations.
 
This year at Saint Cecilia’s, and only for the week between Christmas and New Year, our daily Mass will be celebrated at 9 o’clock rather than at 8 o’clock. Hopefully this may encourage more of our children and vacationing adults to consider attending morning Mass before beginning their holiday activities. The regular daily Mass time of 8 AM returns on Monday, January 2nd. The daily Mass schedule at Sacred Heart remains as is.
 
On behalf of myself, Father Marcin, Father Mateusz, Deacon Paul, and Seminarians Mateusz and Joseph, I wish you and your loved ones, “A Happy and Blessed Christmas!”
 
God bless you!
Father Zig