-
Dear Friends in Christ,
The 3rd 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!
Fr. William Heric, Pastor
