It is with great tidings of joy that we celebrate the birth our Savior, Jesus Christ. We hear in our readings “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” The Lord’s favor rests upon each and everyone of us. We have to believe this because it is the truth! In an ethically and socially darkened milieu that exists within our world today, God’s favor still does rest upon everyone of us. Christmas brings joy just knowing that peace is not simply a possibility, but a reality. Our Savior became flesh, a human person while remaining divine, to share in our broken human condition and to elevate us with His favor. Let us read the words of our Holy Father Pope Francis, “The grace that has appeared in the world is Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, God and true man. He has come to our history, He has shared our path. He has come to free us from darkness and give us light. In Him grace, mercy, and the tenderness of the Father have appeared: Jesus is Love made flesh. He is not only a teacher of wisdom. He is not an ideal that we tend to. He is the meaning of life and of history that has a spot among us.” It is my 6th Christmas as pastor of St. John Cantius and I can honestly say from when I arrived, that together we continue to build a more vibrant and growing parish community. New parishioners, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, volunteers, registrations, weddings, and growth in our parish organizations have all contributed to the vibrant community we are today. I feel privileged to have been part of it all. Truly St. John Cantius is one of thee most beautiful churches in the Diocese of Cleveland hands down!!! Thank you to everyone for your generosity and support. I look forward to many more Christmas with all of you. Special thank you to all who once again made our church beautiful this Christmas. May God Bless each and everyone of you and know you are in my prayers. Fr. Roach
