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Dear Friends in Christ,
Much civic debate in recent decades revolves around the role of the Supreme Court of the United States as it interprets the meaning of the original constitution that is the foundation of our democracy as a country. It’s not my intention here to comment on that, other than to encourage us to be united in our prayer for unity and respectful cooperation among all who dwell in our land.
As Roman Catholics, our life is ordered by another constitution found in the scriptures and the great tradition of our faith especially as it is described in the ecumenical councils of the church, the most recent being Vatican II. One of the United States Supreme Court's most famous documents was in 1965 and titled “The Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World.” It is more commonly known as “Gaudium et Spes” Latin for joy and hope. The opening paragraph of the document lays a foundation for the Catholic Church that is more valuable today than ever before:
The joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the people of our time, especially of those who are poor or afflicted, are the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ as well.
These words remind us of who we are as Catholics, and that we find joy and hope by lovingly sharing the grief and anguish of the people of our time. We do so as followers of Christ who always comes to save us. Julian of Norwich offers us an unshakeable vision of hope and optimism when she said, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” The third Sunday of Advent is known as “Gaudete Sunday” and invites us to rejoice, the Lord is near.
I find this joy in simple everyday graces and special moments that gather us as a faith community. One of those is the coming celebration of Mass on Christmas Eve December 24th at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm and Christmas Day at 9:30 am. Please extend an invitation to everyone you know, family friends, and neighbors, to join us for this great celebration of joy and hope! All are welcome!
Blessing of peace,
Fr. William Heric, Pastor