THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 

Dear Parishioners,

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On behalf of Msgr. Michael, our Pastor Emeritus, the Parish Staff/Volunteers, Trustees, Msgr. Mahoney, and the other Priests who occasionally assist at the Parish, I extend Christmas Blessings of Peace and Joy to you and your Families. May the coming New Year be filled with happiness, good health, and holiness, as you continue to live your lives in our Catholic Faith in the spirit of Hope, Charity, and Gratitude to God for His many Blessings. 

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Christmas is a time that reminds us that we can take refuge in the Lord, who came among us as one of us to give us Hope in showing us the way through all things.

 

On the surface, it looked like Jesus was powerless, born amongst the poorest of the poor. Jesus identified himself with the poor, the suffering, the powerless, even the sinful. I ask you, my brothers and sisters, what is the great power that Jesus brought into the world? What is the message that Jesus brought with Him into the world on that first Christmas?

 

The first part of the message that Jesus brought is that the great God of heaven and earth loves each one of us without exception and reservation! “God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that we might have life. (Jn3:16) God didn’t send a letter to tell us that He loves us. God didn’t send an angel.

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God sent the best, His Son!  

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The second part of the message is that the great God of heaven and earth, not only loves us, but is our Father! We are His sons and daughters, brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. What we do with this gift is our choice. Let us give thanks to God for this incredible gift! What is the best gift to give Jesus this Christmas!?

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Let’s give Jesus a heart free from sin, full of a capacity to love.

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​In addition to your kindness and support to those in need, thank you for your generosity to the Parish in so many ways during this past year.  Most recently that has been exhibited by your overwhelming response to those whom we supported through our Christmas Giving Tree: Saint Matthew’s Lunchtime Ministry, Hoboken Homeless Veterans in Need, the Mercy House (a ministry of our Archdiocese), the Parishioner Families in Need, and our participation in the Sgt. Zanin Toy Drive.  Your Christmas Spirit and Heart brought Joy, Hope, and real comfort to those in need who, otherwise, would not have received anything for Christmas.

 

May the Prince of Peace, during this holy season of Christmas and always, free our hearts of any fear. May Mary, Mother of God, lead us to Jesus Christ! 

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A holy, healthy, and blessed Christmas to you and your families!

 

-Fr. Peter

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