Dear Parish Family,

  I hope that you and your loved ones enjoyed a blessed Christmas. I would like to thank all so generously support our parish with their time, talent and treasure both at Christmas and throughout the year.

  Today we celebrate the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. This Christmas season, like this past year, is unlike any that any in our lifetimes. While normal family gatherings may be curtailed, our faith in Christ reminds us that we are members of God’s family as His children. This holy season also draws our attention to the Holy Family of Nazareth.

  Today’s Gospel comes to us from Luke 2:22-40. It is the account of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. We are introduced to Simeon and Anna. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple. God fulfilled his promise as Simeon praised God but also let it be known that “a sword” would pierce Mary’s heart.

  There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. Obedience to God and a prayerful spirit. These qualities are so essential for the life of the Christian.

  As we begin a new year, I pray that you and your families, loved ones and friends will come to know and experience the peace of the Holy Family of Nazareth. May we ponder the things of God and be obedient to his commandments. In doing so, we will be a source of peace to others.

May God bless you.
  Fr. Dan Redmond