Dear Parishioners,

 It’s not only the Grinch who tried
 to steal Christmas. Efforts to
suppress references to Christ at Christmas seemed to reach an all
time high in Christmas 2005. The controversy seemed to produce
more heat than light. However, your fidelity, kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness and generosity gave ample evidence that you know the true meaning of Christmas.
 For that, I am deeply grateful. In fact there is much to
be   thankful for and many people who deserve thanks
for contributing their time, talent and treasure.   

Because Advent is the beginning of a new liturgical year,
 a number of changes were introduced at that time.
Thanks to the liturgy committee and some fresh ideas
for decorations by Fr. Frank, the four week Advent
Season clearly served its purpose to prepare us for
Christmas. The worship area took on a new seasonal look;
a liturgy  corner was created in the bulletin, which
informed parishioners of some changes in practice and
 furnishings that needed to be made to conform to the
new General Instruction of the Roman Missal. Thanks are
 due to the committee that organized and hosted Advent
Vespers, which once again offered an excellent
opportunity for prayerful, reflective preparation for
Christmas. The environment committee and those who
 assisted them, decorated the church and sanctuary
elegantly. Their imagination and creativity reflected
the festive dimension of our liturgies.          

Special thanks to all who faithfully contributed their
time, treasure and talents through the various                           liturgical, musical, pastoral, educational and human
services offered, as well as those whose exercise of 
stewardship is not in the public eye, yet whose ministry
 and service have been a benefit to the parish. The  
combined Christmas and December 25 collection totaled
over fifty thousand dollars, but that doesn’t reflect the
other generous contributions you made. Thousands of
dollars worth of money, gift certificates, food and other
gifts were donated to needy families within the parish
and beyond.         

Your prayers, affirmation and loving concern are always
 a welcome gift to us on the Pastoral Ministry Staff and
are greatly appreciated. We welcomed Fr. Frank Nelson
to staff this year and, in the brief period of time with
 us, has already made his mark in the parish with his
many talents. In addition, he’s a TV celebrity, a host of
 Telecare’s “The Word” and co-host of the telethon,
being televised as I write this.         

As 2006 is beginning, I am beginning my twenty fifth
year as pastor here. I am extremely grateful for your
trust, care and love during those years. It is a great
privilege and joy to be your pastor. Although we don’t
know what this year holds for us, we can face it with
confidence and hope, knowing that nothing will happen
on any given day that we, together with God will not
be able to handle.     

May we tear down the walls of hatred, anger, suspicion,
and fear that isolate and separate us, and in their place,
with acts of mercy, forgiveness, compassion,
trustworthiness and loving kindness,
let us build bridges reaching out to others.        

In love and laughter, in hopes and dreams, in wisdom
and grace, may we enjoy this new year of 2006 together. 

Gratefully yours in Christ Jesus the Good Shepherd,