A light in the window at Christmas is said to be an Irish custom. The candle, placed in the front window of a home, becomes an invitation to the Holy Family passing by seeking a place to stay that this home would welcome them. The candle is a welcome to the Christ who is coming into the world, but it is also a reminder that he who is being welcomed is himself the light of the world. The candle welcomes all, family, friends, and strangers. Christ, the Light, comes for all. This year, there are more lights in our windows and homes. Unable to gather together with families and friends in this time of pandemic, we still want to brighten the lives of those around us. The light disperses the darkness of winter and the burden that the coronavirus has placed on us. The lights of Christmas bring hope as they raise spirits and smiles in a difficult time in modern history. The light raises spirits because it is the light of Christ. At Christmas, we celebrate his coming into the world. For some two thousand years, the lights have been lit, in times both difficult and joyful, to assure all that God is with us. Emmanuel, God-with-us, is the name of Jesus. This year, we find ourselves in a challenging time. Let the lights of Christmas around us remind us that the Light of the world is with us. Yes, at Christmas, we remember that Christ’s light rests in our hearts as comfort and in our hands as mission. Live in the hope the light gives us and carry the light to others. We are called to be bearers of the light. The message of Jesus is one of hope and love. Live, then, in that light for it dispels the darkness of our world. Christmas reminds us of God’s abundant love for us in Jesus. May we also remember to offer help to those in need in our community. That is, after all, the true meaning of Christmas: carrying His light into the world through our care for one another. It is Christmas, a time of joy and celebration at the coming of Christ. Jesus is truly with us, a pure gift, filling our lives with hope and peace, in good times and in bad. May we welcome Christ with lighted candles, with hearts full of joy and generosity. May you and your loved ones have a blessed and bright Christmas.
In recent weeks, the positive developments in the production of COVID-19 vaccines have stirred excitement but also hesitance in some quarters regarding the safety of the vaccines. Many Christians have expressed a range of emotions and opinions regarding the vaccines, and a variety of different questions have reached Bishop Robert Deeley. “Our first response must be to give thanks to God for the scientific advancement and talent that helped to create such lifesaving vaccines,” said the bishop. “I have already been asked several times: should I receive the vaccine when it is available to me? My answer is a resounding ‘yes.’” To read Bishop Deeley's full statement click here.
Call the parish office to reserve a spot or participate through our live-stream on our parish Facebook page. If you are participating on Facebook and would like to access the prayer booklet, click here.
Don’t forget to return your Jolly Gifts to church this weekend. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift to our “Jolly Gifts” display in your church by Dec. 13. Gift suggestions would be simple board games, dolls or action figures, arts and crafts activities for older children, a sports item, etc. Your thoughtful “jolly gift” to a child this Christmas will be collected and distributed by a Catholic Charities Maine staff member. Thank you for your generosity!
A free, virtual Advent reflection evening for young adults entitled “Advent at the Intersections” will be held on Fri., Dec. 11, from 7 - 8:30PM. Young adults from both the Diocese of Portland and the Diocese of Manchester, NH, are invited to participate in the event, which will be facilitated by Cindy Cheshire, a campus minister at the Newman Center in Keene, New Hampshire. Advent is a season of so many intersections: of the human with the Divine, of anticipation with assurance, of dark with light. This year, we are also experiencing the intersection of the togetherness of the holidays with the isolation of a global pandemic. The reflection evening will serve as a night to explore Advent at all of these intersections and more. During the evening, participants will dive into Scripture, share traditions, and discover how God arrives at the intersections of their own lives. There is no fee to participate, but it is necessary to register at www.eventbrite.com/e/advent-at-the-intersections-tickets-129014751595. If possible, have a candle with you during the reflection evening. For more information, contact Hannah Gonneville in the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation at [email protected]