December 15, 2024

Dear Friends in Christ,

The 3^rd Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as “Gaudete Sunday,” which means “Rejoice” the Lord is near.  As the winter darkness and cold increase, making many people feel sad and listless, this Sunday pulls us into the light and warmth of the coming celebration of the birth of our savior. My family needs that encouragement this year as we celebrate our first Christmas without our Mom. We talk about her often, and when we do, we always break into smiles and laughter at our many memories of past Christmas with her. The love we shared with her lives on in those memories reminds us that God sent Jesus into the world to deliver us from the bonds of death and show us the fullness of new life. Those who have lost loved ones this past year, please hold on to that promise.

One source of joy for me at this time of year is the opportunity to join hearts in supporting the important work of Catholic Community Services. Speakers from CCS have been at our parishes these past two weekends, inviting us to make our first gift to Christ in the face of the poor and vulnerable in our communities. Please join me in making a gift to support this critical work of the church.

Another source of joy for me is looking forward to the many people joining us for Christmas Mass. Please extend that welcome to your family and friends. One of the priests helping us with Christmas Masses has a last name that may sound familiar. Please welcome my brother, Fr. Paul Heric, the Director of the Catholic Newman Center at Washington State University in Pullman. He is looking forward to celebrating the birth of the savior with the many of us who belong to the “Husky Nation.” 

Rejoice the Lord is near! I say it again: rejoice!

Assumption | St. Bridget | St. Catherine of Siena | Our Lady of the Lake