Pastor’s Column.JPV
22 December 2019
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we rapidly approach the Solemnity of Our Lord’s Nativity I find two experiences of joy so evident at both Saint Patrick and at Saint Malachi. I’d like to share them with you on this 4th Sunday of Advent.
The first joyful experience is the constant ringing of rectory doorbell and the telephone throughout the day at each parish. They reflect an important aspect of the spirit of this holy season in that many of these visits or phone calls involve the dropping off of gifts and donations for the Poor. Other visits and calls have to do with those who accept the invitation to be assisted. Furthermore, as I witness the Back Door Ministry at Saint Malachi and the hot meals at Saint Patrick, the Gospel is joyfully proclaimed daily. This work is done daily and weekly and throughout the entire year as generous parishioners and friends of our communities lift up their hearts and hands.
The second joyful experience is the number of people – our regular folks as well as new faces – joining in our liturgies, or our Advent/Christmas Scripture Journey, or seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
These encounters of grace and blessing epitomizes the true purpose for Christmas as we are called to honor our God who chose to become One like us in all things, but sin. The activity found at both of these parishes demonstrate how so many disciples are responding to the Lord’s invitation to announce these glad tidings of comfort and joy!
Wherever your travels take you during these holy days, may you and your loved ones enjoy an abundance of God’s blessings. Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus!
In Christ the Eternal Word,
Fr. Gurnick
