A Note from Father

01-09-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Charlie Goraieb

Dear Friends,

A few reflections on my first Christmas as your shepherd: It was a joy to see so many people coming to worship the new-born King. At all of the Christmas Masses there was a sense of joy and gratitude that we could once again gather and celebrate. Because Christmas fell on a Saturday, it meant two weekends in succession of back-to-back Masses. That can be a challenge for the priests, but also for you and your guests. Thank you to all of you who were so faithful to the Lord’s invitation.

I am also deeply grateful to those who gave me cards and gifts, all of which were very encouraging and much appreciated. For a priest to know that his ministry is appreciated energizes him to continue to serve. Thank you and please continue to keep all of us priests in your prayers.

We all know that the Lord died on the cross to forgive us our sins. How great it would be if it were just a one and done affair. But sadly, all of us continue to fall into sin and are repeatedly in need of His forgiveness. Thankfully, the Lord provided a way for that to happen. After he rose from the dead, He gave his apostles the authority to absolve the sins of those who express their contrition (read Jn 20: 22-23).

Our current confessions schedule is limited to Saturday afternoons. That may be convenient for some of you, but not for all. That is why we priests are more than willing to offer an additional time for confessions— Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00pm. There is very little else of greater importance that we can do with our time than to make this life-giving sacrament more available to you so you can experience the freedom and reconciliation that comes from knowing you have been restored to communion with the Lord. St John Vianney, pray for us.

God bless you with a Joyful 2022

Fr Charlie Goraieb

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