Diocese of Toledo, Ohio

Browsing From the Pastor

A Standing Welcome to All!

   People travel to our State for a variety of reasons. Two events that drew persons to Ohio during the present year were the Republican National Convention in July, and more recently, the World Series in baseball. We are all drawn to that which we perceive to be significant. At times, many leave our State for family, business and/or pleasure reasons. After being away for a while, most of us are grateful to return to where we reside. Sometimes, persons leave our State for more lengthy periods of time, such as for a job offering elsewhere, for a stint in one of the branches of our Armed Services or to find a more suitable climate. And yet, they (we) return. Some persons are attracted to our State because they want to make a new start with their lives. They are responding to a new job offer in our area. What a blessing it is that for reasons such as those listed above, persons are attracted to our State.

   At this time of year, a lot of people are attracted to our Parishes. Even as people travel to Ohio for a variety of reasons, even so persons will come to Christmas Masses for various reasons. Many will gather for Mass because the Parish to which we belong is our spiritual home. We simply wouldn’t want to be elsewhere. A number will come to Mass because they want to please others, including family members, close friends, and other whose favor they may be courting.

Even for persons who do not attend Mass regularly, coming to Mass on Christmas has become a personal or family tradition.

   Christmas Masses draw people who for one reason or another have not been active in practicing the Faith of the Church for a long time. Somehow, there is a desire to return to one’s spiritual home. A number of persons are drawn to the Christmas Masses because of the outward beauty of the celebrations. Indeed, the decorations, the music, the Scripture Readings, and message are all upbeat and uplifting. Many non-Catholic persons come to Christmas Masses for a variety of reasons. 

   Regardless of what draws persons to Christmas Masses, the message which our Parish Communities wish to extend is ALL ARE WELCOME. Whether you come to Mass daily, weekly, monthly or hardly at all, YOU ARE WELCOME!

We all yearn to hear, experience and celebrate good news. Christmas is all about the greatest Good News that has ever happened and would still continue to happen for those who allow this to occur. On Christmas, we celebrate the world-changing Event that in and with the Birth of Jesus, God has placed Himself in our shoes. By doing this, God forever affirms the value of our lives and the worth of all that we experience. This is a reality that calls for an on-going response from us. Each of our Parishes offers a unique setting for experiencing, celebrating and for beginning to respond to this greatest Good News of all time.   

   Whether you come to Mass often or hardly at all, you are most welcome in our Parish. Have a Blessed Christmas!

 

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Nelson Beaver – Pastor

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