A Message from Father Bill Swengros

My friends,

 Today we recall the visit of the magi from the east who traveled from afar, following a star in search of the newborn king of the Jews.  They came and saw the child Jesus with his mother Mary.  They prostrated themselves and did him homage.  They then offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

 Today we gather together in search of the Christmas Child, the Prince of Peace, our Savior and Lord.  He speaks to us not in the babbling of a babe, but through His inspired Word and fully reveals Himself to us in the Most Holy Eucharist.

 Like the magi of old, we fall on bended knee and adore Him.  We offer symbols of our love and gratitude in our offertory gifts.

 This day we have received far greater blessing than the magi could have ever dreamt possible.  We are invited to enter union with Him through Holy Communion so that He may dwell in a real way in us and we in Him.  We are forever changed by this experience as we are transformed from glory to glory into His image.  Blessed be God forever!

 For our Orthodox brothers and sisters, they celebrated this Feast Day on January 6^th (we transfer it to the nearest Sunday).  As I write this, I’m hoping to go to Tarpon Springs to join in the celebration.  During this day, we recall the three-fold epiphany of Jesus: the visit of the magi, the baptism of the Lord, and the wedding of Cana.  I love attending their celebration of the Divine Liturgy and then processing to the bayou to watch the youth dive into the cool waters to retrieve the cross, and then there is the wonderful music and delicious food.  Too cool!

 This weekend we thank God for those who have entered the Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.  You inspire us by your yes to the Lord!  May God bless you!

 We also wish one of our faithful parishioners, Jennifer Barrow, God’s choicest blessings.  Jennifer is leaving to enter the Missionaries of Charity in New York City.  The Missionaries of Charity follow the charism of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta and serve the poorest of the poor.  Please keep Jennifer in prayer.  Please also pray for our other parishioners who are in formation: Jennifer Hofer, Tim Childers, Sr. Mary James Neuman, Br. John Mary Johannssen and seminarians Jonathan Stephanz and Elbert Ballado.  They are all so grateful for all your prayers and support.

 As we come to the end of the Christmas Season, please allow me to once again thank you for all your prayers, words of support, and gifts to me, Fr. Emery, Fr. Jose, our deacons, staff, and faithful volunteers.  It is a blessing to serve you and we all look forward to continued growth in the Lord throughout this New Year.  May God bless you all!

 Growing Together in Christ,