A Letter From Our Pastor: ‘Twas the Month before Christmas…

Dear Parish Family,

The month of December has only just begun. In the eyes of the world, we are already deep into “the Christmas season.” A few folks have finished shopping and Christmas cards and have started in on the baking. Most of us, however, are just starting to stress about work parties, family get-togethers, present wrapping, and a million other things that give us joy.

But do these things give us joy? Take a moment right now and let your mind wander back to last Christmas. What do you remember from 2021? Christmas was on a Saturday if that helps jog your memory. You might have to get out your cell phone and look at last year’s pictures if you have a hard time recalling the previous Christmas.

Do you even remember the gifts? Or the parties? Did you enjoy Midnight Mass? Family games? Hot chocolate with an old friend? Reading by the tree? Pause and answer this question: My favorite part of Christmas last year was ___? Don’t continue reading until you have answered this question for yourself. You might also pop this question to your family and friends and see what they come up with.

Are you, perhaps, surprised at what actually mattered? And all the things that didn’t matter? This year, then, do more of what you loved and less of the other stuff. Obviously, you can’t only do the things you love. We may have to attend certain parties or do things that others love because we love them. However, we shouldn’t waste energy worrying and stressing about them. Do those things, but put more time and energy into the things that give you joy.

Prayer time with Oriens and the virtual Bible study were some of my favorite things last year. I love Christmas decorations, but I don’t love decorating. A few years back I discovered the old English tradition of keeping your Christmas decorations up until Candlemas (Feb. 2). That allows me to spend 28 days preparing and 40 days enjoying Christmas. This has taken the pressure off my home decorating. I put out my Advent wreath first. The Nativity set comes out next, followed by the other decorations. I don’t light my Christmas tree until the Light of the World is born at Christmas Mass. But then I keep it lit as long as I can until Feb. 2. It lights up the dark time in mid-January and helps me keep the Christmas spirit long after the world has moved on. Where do you find Christmas joy?

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Joel Sember, Pastor

Fr. Joel Sember, Pastor

Saturday, December 24 — CHRISTMAS EVE

4 p.m. at Saints Mary & Hyacinth

4 p.m. at St. John

7 p.m. at St. Wenceslaus

Sunday, December 25 — CHRISTMAS DAY

Midnight at Saints Mary & Hyacinth

9 a.m. at St. John