Dear Parishioners,

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.” (Phil. 4:4) These words are from St. Paul’s letter to the Christians at Philippi. We remember them today as we celebrate “Gaudete” (Rejoice!) Sunday. The prophet Isaiah reminds us of the desert which will bloom and the many miracles of healing which will take place with the Advent of the Messiah. But like the sower of the field we are patient in this Advent, knowing that in God’s good time it will come to pass. When John the Baptizer hears of the miracles happening, he knows the Messianic age has begun.
Christmas is almost here and we have much to rejoice about. Our penances should be preparing us for a building excitement about celebrating the birth of the Lord. John the Baptizer is announcing the Lord is near and leading people to Baptism. The new life given us in our Baptism is truly a cause for joy: we are freed from the grip of the evil one and adopted into the loving and merciful arms of God.
You should have received our mailing for Christmas; I hope it has been of some help to your spiritual journey. Next week we will give one Oplatky package for each family for the Christmas Eve Vigilia. Many of you particularly from Slavic countries may practice this great Christmas family ritual. Let us thank God for our families and all the blessings the Good Lord has given us during the year.
Be sure to plan your Christmas Confession and the Holy Masses or Masses you will attend. I am in hopes that the majority of our St. Michael Family will be with us for the Midnight Mass of Christmas which is the principal Christmas Mass. We want to emphasize the importance of the religious nature of Christmas Day. It is such a good teaching tool for the children (even if they fall asleep) to have a change in schedule on Christmas. Have them take a nap (we will all need one also) and prepare them with the excitement of this special night. To come to Holy Mass in the dark on that night is an effective teaching tool. Some people will come to a second Mass on Christmas day also. Some people come to Mass on Christmas Day before opening presents; what a good lesson of restraint that is. In any case, let’s thank God for the opportunity to have -
Four Holy Masses for Christmas:
Monday, December 24
5:00 PM Vigil Mass English
8:00 PM Vigil Mass Spanish
Tuesday, December 25
12:00 AM Christmas Midnight Mass English
-Carols begin at 11:30 PM before
Midnight Mass
10:00 AM Christmas Day Mass English

Our thanks to all the children and Susan Gawronski and Theresa Webster who helped them with the
Advent Jesse Tree Program last Sunday at the 10 AM Mass.
May the good Lord bless you and our Lady keep you in her tender care.

                                                                  With my prayers,
                                                                  Father Arnsparger