From the Pastor December 20/21
From the Pastor December 20/21
From the Pastor
Planning a Wonderful Christmas
I want to wish everyone a merry and joyful Christmas. That is my hope and dream for you, your family, and all those you love, but it is something you will need to work on. Christmas can be a stressful and challenging time of year because we want it to be the best one ever! A few weeks ago, in my homily, I told you that to make Christmas a happy experience we will need to let go of some of our wants and desires. If family and friends want to do things a little differently this Christmas, let them.
A few years ago, Matthew Kelly from Dynamic Catholic published a book with twenty-eight different practical suggestions for making this Christmas the best ever. Here are a few I’m trying this year.
Plan to fail on purpose. Kelly suggested neglecting things that don’t matter. We can’t possibly do everything we would like to do for a perfect Christmas. Kelly suggested choosing three things that are important for you and work to bring them about. Maybe plan to put special effort into Christmas Dinner or another gathering. Put your energy into making it a happy occasion. Perhaps choose to make coming to Christmas Mass a spiritual occasion and not just an obligation to get out of the way. I really enjoy the quiet of the Christmas morning Mass the most because by then all the hubbub of the excitement of Christmas Eve has dissipated. How about concentrating on making Christmas wonderful for someone else? Has a family member or friend had a very tough year? Maybe make them your center of attention. How about adopting a family in need? Do something for them to make for a memorable Christmas.
How about rediscovering childhood? Children live in the moment. They don’t worry about a schedule when they are enjoying life. They make everything a game and allow themselves to dream. Be willing to veer off script and give yourself time to enjoy the moment.- Be present to the moment and not preoccupied. There is so much to distract us on the best of days but it is an even greater temptation during the holidays. We claim we want to enjoy the company of family and friends this time of year but when we get together our thoughts and actions drift off. Really focus on others when you meet. Everything good begins with people being present to each other.
- Lower Your Expectations. Do you have reasonable expectations for Christmas and the holiday season? Maybe it is time to reset your expectations. Maybe it is time for others to adjust their expectations of you. When there is an expectation gap it leads to disappointment, resentment, anger, frustration, and a loss of trust. Be clear about expectations for yourself and others.
- Listen to music. Music permeates our days. It is used as background noise in supermarkets, restaurants, and on elevators. This type of music can be soulless, and unheard most of the time. The Christmas Season is associated with some of our culture’s greatest music but do we really listen? Make a point of going to a music concert this Christmas. Take the time to really listen to it and let it lift your spirits. Make plans to come to Christmas Mass early. The Music Ministry is planning special concerts before them, so come and let your soul be lifted by beautiful music.
Christmas can be a joyful and happy time if we commit ourselves to making it that way. Plan your holiday schedule to be as relaxed as possible so it can be filled with happy memories.
Welcome to New Deacon
Please keep in your prayers the newest transitional Deacon in the Diocese of Fall River, Rev. Mr. Kaique Duarte Santos who was ordained last Saturday, December 13, by Bishop Edgar Da Cunha. Deacon Santos is a native of Brazil and has been studying for the priesthood for our diocese for the last several years. If it be God’s holy will, Deacon Santos will be ordained a priest in June.
Diocesan Communications Go Digital
Early this month Bishop Da Cunha announced The Anchor, the Diocesan Monthly Newspaper would transition from a printed publication to a fully digital format after the February 6, 2026, edition. On Ash Wednesday, February 18, The Anchor will become a mobile-friendly website and a new weekly electronic newsletter will become available by email.
In a letter Bishop DaCunha explained that the newsletter will include diocesan news and happenings and be supplemented with content from OSV News, (Our Sunday Visitor). The partnership with OSV will offer access to more in depth material from the national, international, and Vatican news. Bishop DaCunha explained “all of this will be available to everyone, free of charge, through the new platform and an enhanced use of
The Anchor’s social media channels. Information regarding signing up for
The Anchor
Newsletter will be provided in upcoming issues and on the diocesan website, www.fallriverdiocese.org.
“Unless the Lord Builds” 2025 Capital Campaign
The 2025 Capital Campaign has so far received donations and pledges of $XXXX. Our goal is to raise $750,000. As the calendar year closes many people make end of the year donations from IRA and other retirement plan distributions. If you are in such a situation or making plans for end of year donations please consider a gift to the campaign.
Various capital improvements to the parish facilities will be paid for by the campaign. Replacement windows for the Rectory is one of the projects on list. A parish couple has chosen to pay the $50,000 cost of this project and we have entered into a contract for the project. With luck the windows will be installed soon.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s approval for the design for a curb cut from Old Harbor Road directly into the parking lot is progressing slowly. It isn’t the state’s fault but that of the engineering firm. The next stage in the process is supposed to be finished by the end of the month.
Please prayerfully reflect on your making a truly sacrificial gift to the 2025 “Unless God Builds the House” Capital Campaign.
