Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

My Dear Parishioners,

As we gather to commemorate the Lord’s Day our Christmas celebration continues with the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. In the Gospel reading we hear about the “Finding in the Temple,” which has become the fifth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. The Evangelist Luke is the only Gospel writer to convey this story which occurred when the Lord Jesus was 12 years old and had become separated from His parents while visiting the Temple in Jerusalem. This event was the cause of great anxiety for Mary and Joseph as they feared the worst. All parents can associate with this stress on the thought of losing a child. This upset is heard in the words of the Blessed Virgin to the Child Jesus when they are reunited: “Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”

Unless there is something wrong with them, all parents are concerned for their child’s safety and well being. Parents love their child and want to make sure, on a daily basis, that their child is far from danger. One of the dangers that parents should especially guard their children against is SIN! Evil has a devastating effect upon all of us, including children. It becomes imperative that parents should keep their children close to the Lord by reminding them of their daily prayers, bringing them to Holy Mass on the Lord’s Day and coaching them in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. By doing this they will not be lost in the darkness of sin but will shine in the light of the Lord. Mindful of these Christian parental obligations we know that children will one day stand near their parents in the Kingdom of Heaven.

These days of Christmas are days of family gatherings and celebrations which strengthen the bonds of love among us. The expressions of love encourage us to stand strong when crisis and anxiety approach. Love is the ingredient of which family life consists.

We bid a farewell to Father Jamie this weekend as he takes up added responsibilities with his religious institute. We wish him well and hope that he will visit us as time permits.

On behalf of Father Marcin, Father Mateusz, Father Jamie, Deacon Slawek and Deacon Paul I take this opportunity to express our thanks to all those who remembered us at Christmas. Your gifts are generous expressions of your warm love which is characteristic of our parish family. Please be assured of our prayers and best wishes during Christmas and in the New Year.

May Christ the Savior bless all of you!
Happy New Year!
Father Zig