November 21-22

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this final Sunday of the liturgical year we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.  Most of our solemnities, like Christmas and Easter, are focused on biblical events.  In contrast, “Christ the King” is focused on an idea.  The original motivation for the feast was to celebrate the dominion of Christ that transcends national boundaries and that makes war a sacrilege against the Body of Christ.  Today as it its inception, war, hatred, terrorism torment many areas of the world.  Our work as peacemakers is never over.  Charity and love of the broken are the hall-marks of those who belong to the Kingdom of Christ.

Our Lord in today’s Gospel very poignantly reminds us of the Day of Judgment.  Yes, He will come as King and Judge.  We must be ready for that day.  If we have been faithful and charitable the day or reckoning should not disturb us.  Thanks to today’s Gospel we know how we can inherit eternal life:  feed the hungry: welcome the stranger; cloth the naked; visit the sick and the imprisoned.

At today’s 10:30 Mass we recognize our 8^th grade students who will be receiving the Bishop’s Youth Awards.  We commend our young parishioners who have attained this honor because of their faithfulness to Christ and His Church and for their service to our community.  The recipients are:  Mason Avery, Christopher Bateman, Jeanine Busnel, Elizabeth Meagher, Eric Meagher, Abigail Suhosky, and Cassie Ursich.  May God continue to enliven their faith and bring their good deeds to fulfillment.

Please note that we will be celebrating 8 Christmas Masses. Bishop Bambera has allowed us to have a Christmas Eve Mass at 2:00 PM. It will be held at St. John’s. Also on Christmas Eve 4:00 PM at St. John; 6:00 PM at St. Bernard, and 9:00 PM at St. John. On Christmas Day – 7:30 AM at St. Mary Magdalen; 9:00 AM at St. Joseph; 10:30 AM at St. John; and 12:15 PM at St. John. Please make your reservations by December 15. We hope having 8 Masses will accommodate everyone who desires to be at Christmas Mass. If you have to cancel your reservation, please do so no later than December 15.

Thursday is Thanksgiving and we shall offer the great Thanksgiving of the Holy Eucharist at 9:00 AM in St. Magdalen.

With Blessings,

Father Langan