Dear Church,
With everything we have all experienced in 2020, as we look forward to a new year, let us be reminded of what Christ says to you and I in Holy Scripture: ‘Rejoice and be glad on this day, for your name is great in heaven.’
Thank you, Church, for sacrificing the fulfillment of ‘making it in the world’ in order to give us a chance to minister to so many in the name of Christ. You didn't take on another job — you lived out what being a disciple of Christ is all about. You put your own gifts at the disposal of the church so that we could minister to all and we are truly grateful.
Thank you, Church, for bringing your children into the church, and sustaining their souls with the sacraments. And thank you for welcoming everyone who has attended Saint Patrick's into the church as well. What you do for the children cannot be put into words...for you nurtured in them the love that God has for each one of them from the moment of their conception. Thank you for patiently listening to them, for taking such joy in letting them learn about Jesus, and for showing them the true face of Christ; the gentle one who said, ‘Let the children come to me.’
Thank you, Church, for all the married couples who continue to participate in the life of the church through the sacraments and ministries to serve others even at a moment’s notice. Thank you to all the single parishioners who also participate in the life of the Church to serve us and other families. It is hard for us to imagine how you do it.
Thank you, Church, for putting yourself in the unenviable position of dealing with us at our worst moments. When we see the care you have, in listening to our various financial needs and your constant giving to rebuild Saint Patrick Parish, we are always amazed by your spirit of generosity.
Thank you, Church, for supporting the priests, clergy and religious who have sought to serve you, even though we are not perfect and often have failed. Thank you for all the times we hear YOU say to us “thank you“ even with all our imperfections, personalities, quirks, and mistakes. We often feel a great burden lifted from our hearts and it brings joy into our lives.
Thank you, Church, most of all, for bringing Christ himself into our lives....in your love, care, concern, forgiveness and simply by living out your lives as true Catholics.
In the end, that’s what is so great about you; not you, in yourself, but you who bring us Christ in your day to day lives. Thank you, Church for being Christ for us! Happy New Year !!!!
– Father Mario