Dear parishioners,
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 7th Christmas as pastor of St. John Cantius and I am astonished what we have accomplished. We continue to grow monthly with an average of 5 new registrations each month. Our weddings continue to grow and many couples have registered and remained in our parish. This year we have been blest with 25 Baptisms from the newly married couples who have remained in our parish. We also have made significant improvements in our church from the roof to the basement. Our church has become a magnet for so many young people seeking a sense of goodness, truth, and beauty in their Catholic faith. So my heart goes out to everyone this Christmas with a big THANK YOU. Finally, a special thank you to all who volunteered and made our church so beautiful this Christmas. May God Bless each and everyone of you and as we continue grow, know that each and every one of you will be remembered in my prayers and Christmas Mass intentions. Sincerely, Fr. Roach