
As we celebrate Christmas, our eyes are drawn to the nativity scene where there are three principal figures: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. They are a family. After we have rejoiced in the birth of the Savior, the Church invites us to celebrate this Holy Family not only because it ushers in our redemption, but also because it serves as a model for our own family life. Even though this family is extraordinary, the three persons of this Holy Family led a normal life, much like our own.
In giving us this feast of the Holy Family, the Church invites us to focus our attention on our families. Without proper family life, the fabric of society itself can become tattered. As I gain more experience in my priesthood, I have come to an important conclusion. What we become as adults is determined to a great extent by what we experienced in our families. Too often people make mistakes in choosing a life partner because they did not pay sufficient attention to what his/her family environment was while growing up. There is no doubt that we are the products of our families. Nothing shapes us more strongly than our families and our upbringing.
All of us can emphatically declare that many problems in our society can be traced back to the breakdown of the family. When the comfort of a secure home is taken away from children, they grow up fearful and uncertain. In spite of the Church’s teachings on marriage and family life, Catholics are facing the same problems that couples and families are dealing with in the larger society. Mother Church cannot pretend that these problems do not exist. By calling on all Catholics to fix their gaze on the Holy Family, the Church is hoping to build better families that can be a haven of comfort for children and a sure path to heaven for all family members.
All of us belong to families of one type or another. How do we keep ourselves healthy and strong? How do we build good, faith-filled families? When I write my columns, I draw my inspiration from several sources. This week I am drawing from a homily that our Deacon Bob delivered during our Sunday Masses five years ago. Based on the Pope’s talks and writings, he offered four suggestions to build our families on the Rock that is Christ.
May the Holy Family watch over all our families! May we build our families on the Rock, on the teachings and example of Jesus Christ!
Mission Statement: As children of God, living in a Catholic community of faith, we are united by the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Aware that all we have is gift and grace from our Heavenly Father, we strive to give of our time, talent and treasure to build His kingdom on earth. We live this mission, challenged by the Word, nurtured by the Sacraments, and enlivened by the Spirit, to serve our brothers and sisters in peace, justice and dignity. All are welcome on this journey.
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Saturday
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Friday
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10:30 am - Upper Church
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