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                                                                                              December 23, 2007

 

Dear Parishioners,

“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.” This profound line ends our Gospel today as we are given St. Joseph for our meditation preparing for Christmas. The Gospel explains several important details to us:
St. Joseph trusted God fully and gave his manhood in service to God’s plan.
Mary and Joseph were betrothed. This is more than our engagements. It had legal and moral effects and in fact, the individuals in this union were called “husband and wife.”
St. Joseph is not the physical father of Jesus.
St. Joseph was a righteous man who was of the line of David.
St. Joseph has the privilege of “naming” the child, knowing that “Jesus” will save His people from their sins.
The plan revealed to St. Joseph took place to fulfill the prophecy from Isaiah 7: 10-14.
St. Joseph followed the direction of the angel: “do not be afraid” and with courage awoke, took his “wife” into his home and thereby cared for Mary and Jesus.

St. Joseph is our model especially as we approach Christmas, the first “Epiphany” of God in the flesh. We are called to listen to the Lord and open the homes of our hearts to the Lord. When we do so, the Lord enters into the homes of our hearts and reigns victorious giving us the courage and determination of St. Joseph. St. Joseph was convinced of his place in the Lord’s plan. He trusted that the Lord would provide if Joseph cooperated with fidelity. What must have gone through St. Joseph’s mind and emotions as he set up house keeping. How profound were his thoughts as he gazed upon the child Jesus on that Christmas night knowing that he had been entrusted with the care of God’s two most precious jewels: Jesus and Mary. Joseph cares for the Church today through his intercession as patron of the universal Church, which is the Body of Christ. Like Joseph we too must care for the Body of Christ, the Church. While we serve the Lord and His Church, we welcome Christ into our “home” in preparation for the day He welcomes us into His home in Heaven. Let us prepare like Joseph to “see” Jesus this Christmas (the first “epiphany” of God in the flesh. Let us welcome Him afresh into our hearts.

Christmas is, of course, a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses are the vigil of Christmas, Monday, December 24 at 5:00 PM in English and 8:00 PM in Spanish; Christmas at 12 Midnight and Christmas Day at 10 AM.
Of course, we will begin the Christmas Season at Christmas:

The 12 Days of Christmas last until Jan. 6: Epiphany proper, the “second” epiphany of God in the flesh.
The Christmas Season ends on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, the “third” epiphany of God in the flesh. This year the Christmas Season ends on January 13 and this is when we should take down our Christmas decorations.

During the Season there are many Solemnities and Feasts for us to continue our celebrations. Among them are:
Octave of Christmas: Dec. 25 – Jan. 1
Every day is celebrated as Solemnity
Dec. 26: St. Stephen
Dec. 27: St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
Dec. 28: Feast of the Holy Innocents
Dec. 29: St. Thomas a Becket
Dec. 30: Feast of the Holy Family
Dec. 31: St. Sylvester I, Pope
Jan. 1: Octave of Christmas
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Jan. 2: Sts. Basil and Gregory Nazianzen
Jan 6: Epiphany
Jan 7: St. Raymond
Jan 13: St. Hilary and this year the Baptism of the Lord

So, let’s continue our Christmas celebrations! Invite family and friends over during these holy days and continue to share the real reason for this Holy Season.

Bingo: As I mentioned for the last two weeks, we were considering whether to continue with the Bingo here at St. Michael Parish. Thanks to all of those who volunteered to help in any way, whether working the Bingo or increasing the percentage of their tithe to compensate for the donation from the Bingo to our general funds. We gathered 20 names of generous people and I know others would volunteer if we asked, but I have decided for us to take a break from this fund raiser for now. So, we will not be having Bingo on Tuesday evenings unless we change the plans. Again, I am and the entire parish is most grateful to the Knights of Columbus and the many others who have facilitated the Bingo over the years.

Choir Director: We will be advertising for a Choir Director but until then Jackie Gallagher, the organist at the 10 AM Mass and members of the Choir will be organizing our music. After meeting with the Finance Council, we will be looking for one person who can be Organist and Choir Director. Of course, the person would need a proficiency in the knowledge and understanding of the Sacred Liturgy and the instructions from the Church regarding the Sacred Liturgy and Sacred Music. If we cannot find that person together, we will, of course, hire someone to direct the music and to work with other organists. The Ad should go to the American Guild of Organists and the Diocesan Newspaper next week.

Accountant: We will be looking to hire a part time, degreed accountant to assist us with the bookkeeping. The Finance Council will be advertising and interviewing applicants. We are in hopes that we can fill this position very soon to alleviate the burden which has been carried by the Business Manager for these many years. Fred will continue to perform the other functions of his present job description.

May our Lord grant each of you a very Merry and graces filled Christmas. Thank you for all your thoughtful and generous cards and gifts. Your love of the Priesthood and the Church are encouraging. I am most grateful.

                               May our Lady keep you in her tender care.

                                  -Fr. Arnsparger.