Dear Parishioners and Guests,

Today is already the fourth Sunday of Advent and in just a few short hours, this evening, we will be celebrating Christmas again. I hope that the Advent journey held moments of prayer and reflection for you on the mystery of God's love for us in the incarnation of His Son. The Lord's coming on Christmas Day fills us with hope and gives us encouragement that among all our life's troubles and challenges, our future is secure becau se, after all, it is in God's hands. As the calendar year comes to an end, we look back on the struggles that this year has brought us, but at the same time, we should never miss the blessings which we have received from our loving God. We give thanks to Him for the gifts of faith and trust, life and love, family and friendship, but most of all for the gift of His Son, our Saviour born in Bethlehem and in our hearts too.

Along with Fr. Brendan and our entire parish staff, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May the Newborn Jesus bring peace into your lives, with renewed strenght to build his Kingdom in our hearts and on earth. As we all unite in joyful celebration of Birth of our Savior., I wish you joy and health, and above all, abundant graces may the Holy Infant fill your hearts with deep faith, hope and love.

Every year on December 27th, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist - our parish patron. According to legend, Saint John was served poisoned wine, but survived  because he blessed the wine before he put it to his lips. In his joyful memory, Catholics bring wine to church, which the priest blesses, turning it into a sacramental called the "love of St John". We ask you to bring bottles of wine to church next Sunday, December 31st which will bless at all masses.

Merry Christmas to all - Fr. Gregg