letter from the pastor
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December 25, 2022On a mid-winter and a holy night, when all was calm and bright, outside the little town of Bethlehem, heaven touched earth. Angels appeared to the lowly shepherds and gave them news of great joy, news that the world had been waiting for, over 4,000 years. They delivered a holy message of the Savior’s birth. The shepherds went on a holy search to discover all they had been promised. They found the holy child lying in a manger. That night changed the world and nothing would ever be the same.
It is our prayer that the joy of this celebration of Christmas Mass fills you. If you are returning to Church today from a long absence, or even a short one, welcome; it is so good that you are here.
My thanks to all of you who have been faithful parishioners, for all you do even through the tough times. It is with humble joy that I give thanks for the honor of serving you as your Pastor. Thank you for all your support and prayers.
One of the more beautiful carols is the Sussex Carol, the words are most appropriate in our time and age when so many people are living in fear, but because of today all fear is banished:
On Christmas night all Christians sing
To hear the news the angels bring
On Christmas night all Christians sing
To hear the news the angels bring
News of great joy, news of great mirth
News of our merciful King's birth
Then why should men on earth be so sad?
Since our Redeemer made us glad
Then why should men on earth be so sad?
Since our Redeemer made us glad
When from our sin he set us free
All for to gain our liberty?
May God bless you this Christmas, may the light of Christ’s birth remove all darkness and fear in your lives. May your hearts be filled with the Joy of Christ’s birth.
On behalf of Fr. Clarke, the staff of St. Margaret’s Parish Center, PREP, School and myself: Have a Blessed and a Merry Christmas; enjoy your family, those who are travelling, God’s speed and return to us safe, and a special welcome home to our college students.
Catholic Calendar
Once again, this year, through the generosity of Joe Sorce and the staff of Sorce Funeral Home, we have beautiful Catholic calendars for 2023. Every home should have a Catholic calendar to mark the feast days and seasons of the Church’s year. Please take one home with you.
Christmas Collection
You are very generous in your Christian charity. The many collections throughout the year from outside charities, the food, and toy collections etc. and many other ways, you are so gracious and charitable. This year we have accomplished many important projects around our Church property, and we couldn’t have done it without your goodness. So I am humbly asking if you could continue with your generosity in giving to the Christmas collection. It will help us in running the programs we have and even enhance them greatly. I will soon publish our parish financials, so you can see for yourself where your hard-earned money has been spent.
