Thursday, 14 December
Dear parishioners and friends,
Christmas is here again. This is the time of the year when we remember families, festivities and gift giving. Many of our Christmas traditions have their origin in the fact that God has given us the greatest gift of all- Jesus Christ. For this reason, we call it CHRIST-mas. Christ was born in Bethlehem, and our nativity scenes remind us of that first Christmas, with Jesus, Mary and Joseph. God chose to be someone who needed care, security, and a family. In other words, He became vulnerable. It breaks my heart to know of people in war-torn countries, especially those in the Holy Land. I pray that they may be able to find refuge and care.The Babe in Bethlehem reminds me of our vulnerability too. We all need a family; a community to love and support us.
The Good News is God is with us, the Immanuel. Jesus invites us to seek him in prayer, Holy Mass, and in our brothers and sisters in need. As we pray for peace, let us deepen our relationship with Christ, ‘the Prince of Peace’.I appreciate the respect and friendship you have shown to me, especially to those new parishioners and friends I have met in our churches, Saint Mark’s College and in the community. I welcome Father Sijo Joseph Pynappallil CSC amongst us. I share the joy of our Crystal Brook Catholic Community on its 100 years since its foundation.
To our Parish and Finance Councils, all parishioners who in many ways shared their gifts to our Parish - thank you.In this year 2023, it has been a blessing to serve you all in Saint Mark’s Parish and Bishop Karol Kulczycki SDS.
In Christ,
Father Jimmy Pantin
Administrator
Saint Mark’s Cathedral