Dear Friends,
“All things came to be through Him, and without Him nothing came to be. What came to be through Him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
As we celebrate our Christmas and hear this proclamation from John, we are continuing with our Parish Theme of “Illuminate His Light.” For me, it has been a blessed season. Indeed, too quick but even when blessings may be quick, still they are always appreciated and welcomed in our hearts and souls.
Thinking back on the past year, there are just a few things, as I cannot capture everything, I want to say how grateful I am, sincerely, for the Pastoral Staffs we have with St. Catherine of Siena and the Church of the Transfiguration. I want to say a heartfelt gratitude for the presence of Fr. Mike Bausch, Jeff Beckett, Eric Bessette, Kevin Carges, Jim Carra, Margie Benza, Crawford Butler, Laura Cutter, Pat Gacioch, Anne Gallagher, Bob Goldbach, Dan Hofford, Meg Kastner, Karen Luke, Sr. Ruth Maier, Pam McInerney, Bob Marmat, Tiffany Wagner, Nancy Wahl, Sue Wallace, Vicky Wejko and Damian Zynda.
Our wonderful theme for the parishes has been “Illuminate His Light...” We have been blessed these past several weeks to have heard our sacred texts and then go forth toward the light that is our promise of eternity. I think about the past year, and so many blessings between both faith communities. One of the highlights, I have to say, are all the weddings that I was honored to preside at this year. Great couples and individuals who are choosing to be “his light” in sharing it before others.
And I think of all the wonderful Sacraments we have shared together, Reconciliation, First Communions and all the Baptisms! I always rejoice when I can celebrate a Baptism in the context of the Eucharist because that is what we are all about... the Body and Blood of Christ, being Community, celebrating together. But, one Baptism in particular that stands out in my mind recently was the celebration of Brooks and Charlotte. Carrying them both in my arms to celebrate with the congregation was a delight. The two babies shared a special connection as I walked around. How beautiful it was to see the light in the eyes of our youngest friends. May they grow in faith and share that with others!
On behalf of myself and the entire Pastoral Staff, we are grateful for you and hope we show His light to you in our ministries.
God Bless you,
Father Rob