Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

        We have come to the final stretch of our Advent preparations and perhaps you are like me in wishing there was more time.  Before this holy season I intended to do a number of things to emulate the season but none materialized only because there was always the unexpected that took precedence.  Only thing , however, that was consistent with the season was the overwhelming mail requests to contribute to this, that and the other cause,  each one stating how very important it was.  This brings me to issuing a caution, if not a warning,regarding the choice of your generosity  this Christmastime. 

    The reason for my concern is that this past week I found out that a particular charity that I was contributing to for some time was funneling funds to an organization incompatible with our Catholic Faith.  I was flabbergasted and immediately discontinued my contributions.  The American Life League brought this to my attention and I am very grateful that it did.  I highly recommend contacting them should you have misgivings about where your funds are going.

     In light of this you may want to consider helping out, as many of you have already done, our “sister” parish in Ghana, St. Anthony’s .  They have made great progress in the construction of their church but have recently stalled for lack of funds.  Fr. Dominic will be returning to his homeland in early February after a two year absence and it would be a great blessing for him to bring new contributions to the parish in order to resume construction.

      Always we want to recognize and be thankful to those who are generous to our parish.  Once again there have mysteriously arrived two beautiful live wreaths which are hanging on the front doors of St. Mary Magdalen.. We never know where they came from but I hope that the mystery-maker knows how very much we appreciate their kindness and generosity.  Also we are grateful to Hessling-Murray funeral home for the spiritually uplifting calendars that will grace our homes and offices in the coming year. A thousand thanks.

       Finally and most importantly May the grace of Christmas dispel all sadness and darkness in your lives.  The Savior has come , He is here and so desires that you allow Him to be reborn in your hearts.  We especially reach out to those who have drifted away.  The baby Jesus has His arms extended wordlessly pleading “come back to Me.” Where else could we possibly go other than His loving embrace!

   A blessed and holy Christmas to you and yours,

Father Langan