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71 Central St. Stoneham, MA 02180

Browsing Pastor's Notes

A Christmas Message

Dear Church,

Prior to the celebration of the Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, which means “Rejoice” Pope Francis encouraged people to strive for joy telling his world flock “We’ve never heard of a sad Saint.” Pope Francis went on to say “man’s heart desires joy, every family, every people, aspires to happiness.”

On the Third Sunday of Advent we wear Rose, colored to symbolize the joy we experience waiting for Christmas. Pope Francis said “being missionaries of joy should be part of our lifestyles to help people face difficult situations in life.”

So, as we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, let joy be born in our hearts not just this Christmas day, but the whole year; not just the whole year, but our whole lives. Let us inspire this world, that can seem so lost in darkness, with the light of Christ in the light of our joy. Let us welcome family and friends. Let us welcome strangers and travelers in our midst who may join with us to celebrate the Eucharist. Make room in the pews; greet them with a welcoming smile and gracious hospitality those like Mary and Joseph, who are seeking room in the inn. Let us not send them away to be born in a manger like the baby Jesus.

If you are returning to Church today from a long absence, or even a short one, let the joy of this celebration fill you. Let the light of Christ into your lives and into your hearts that your hearts may grow “three sizes” this day and return to the joy of celebrating the Eucharist today and every week of the year.

My thanks to all of you who have been faithful parishioners, for all you do even through the tough times. It is with humble joy that we give thanks for the honor of serving as your Pastor and Associate Pastor. Thank you for all your support and prayers. “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the City of David a Savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Lk2:10-14)

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May God bless you this Christmas, may all darkness in your lives be removed by the light of Christ. May your hearts be filled with the Joy of Christ’s birth and may you be missionaries of that joy, Amen.

Christ’s Joyful Peace & Love,
~Fr. Mario