This past Christmas we had overwhelming crowds at all the Masses—the Four O’clock children’s Mass saw the Church, the vestibule and Russell Hall packed to the hilt; and the Six and the Ten O’clock Masses were also at full capacity and the Christmas Day Mass, which usually sees some 200 churchgoers realized more than double that number. The comments from our parishioners that night were very positive and the numerous notes I have received in the mail have been very flattering—from the decorations to the warmth of the parishioners in the pews to the music—everything was spot on.

The church looked beautiful from the high-lighted crèche to the altar linens to the flower design that spotlighted our sanctuary to the magnificent giant wreath above the Crucifix, our church looked very festive. I want to also thank our musicians who spent so much time practicing the craft and preparing for the Christmas liturgies. I want to personally thank Susan Zybert, our music director, for her tremendous talent and skill in preparing the children and adult choirs for the liturgies. Susan was joined by LoriAnn Ruiz helping to lead the children at the Four O’clock Mass and by Mercedes Featherston on the organ and piano at the Ten O’clock Mass. The Music was wonderful thanks to the voices of so many volunteers in our choirs. I greatly appreciate their work. And at the Six O’clock Mass the Contemporary Choir performed, complete with a singed performance of the Silent Night, thanks to Contemporary Choir leader Erin Leavitt Smith.

Our parish is blessed with an abundance of volunteers and talented folks who care deeply about the worship of our Lord and it shows in the way our liturgies are so well organized and carried out. I thank the decorators, the musicians, the Eucharistic Ministers, lectors, altar servers, and our parishioners who’s generosity make all this happen. A very Merry and Blessed Christmas to all. And I failed to mention Marlene Snecinski who worked with Janet Fischer in the design of the altar flowers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!