With Advent And Christmas Upon Us, Remember The True Reason For The Season

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly impacted so many areas of our lives. In turn, so much has changed in our churches and the Cathedral — from wearing masks to spacing out the seats in the pews, to carrying out extra sanitizing procedures. Although things will likely still look this way for Christmas, there is one thing the pandemic cannot take away — the true joy of celebrating Jesus’ birth.

Fr. Godfrey Mullen encourages us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, even in the sadness we may be feeling this year, whether missing a loved one or cherished time with family.

“Christmas has to work in tandem with Easter,” he says. “And the darkness of Advent, the dreariness of Good Friday — it all leads to

Fr. Godfrey invites us to remember great, Christmas-specific family memories. If we are missing someone, we should think about all the joy they brought us. For Fr. Godfrey family and Christmas go hand-in-hand. He recalls one fond memory of his family sending out Christmas cards. And, that is something he continues to this day.

“It won’t surprise anyone who knows me that music and decoration also play an important part in the Christmas celebration for me and my family,” he says.

Fr. Godfrey asks us to also remember this is the season of giving. After all, not everyone is able to purchase an extravagant Christmas meal or gifts for their children. In January, we will take a collection for our brothers and sisters at the cathedral in Port-de-Paix, Haiti. In coordination with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and several other agencies, we will once again have the Dove Tree Project, an opportunity to support families in need by purchasing Christmas gifts.

“Every year, parishioners show stunning generosity,” Fr. Godfrey says. “As the presents start being returned to the parish for distribution to the families, it’s a clear reminder of our call to serve Jesus in the least of our brothers and sisters.”

Typically about 45 families are served, including residents of the House of Bread and Peace and the Children’s Psychiatric Center.

Through all the preparations and celebrations, Fr. Godfrey asks us to remember the true reason for the season. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we may have even more time to reflect, pray and spend time with our immediate family.

“If we’re truly longing for the Christ Child, we’re far more likely to welcome Him,” he says. “If we know our genuine hunger, we’ll know that He will feed us. If we recognize the gifts that we need most, we will easily recognize that He is the answer to those longings.”

Many blessings to all as we prepare for the arrival of the Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father- Forever, and Prince of Peace!

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

Christmas Eve Masses: 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. — By reservation only

Christmas Masses: Midnight and 9 a.m. — No reservations needed

Reservations Online: www.SaintBenedictCathedral.org/reservations Phone: (812) 425-3369 Email: cathedral@evdio.org Reservations accepted from Dec. 9 at 8 a.m. through Dec. 23 at 4 p.m.

Despite the pandemic, the true joy of celebrating Jesus’ birth will remain with us this Christmas.

St. Benedict Cathedral decorated for Christmas.