Dear Parish Families,

   Where do we find joy? Today, on this 3rd Sunday of  Advent, a day traditionally  called  Gaudete Sunday, we light the rose colored candle of our Advent wreath, and we are called to rejoice that the Lord is near. The word Gaudete is not an invitation, it’s a command, it’s who we are called to be, people of joy, rejoicing because the Lord is in our midst.

   You may have heard the saying, “You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” It’s a saying that is commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin, though there is not 100% certainty regarding the origins of the saying. But regardless of who first said it, and even though it may not be a religious saying or a Scripture quote, it is still so true. The best way we can invite anyone, whether it be to Christ or to anyone or anything else is through a life of joy. A joy, not that is oblivious to the pain and suffering that comes in life, but a joy that is constant because we know that, no matter what, God is always with us. We’ll lead more people to Christ when we live a life of joy, when we live a life that shows the difference that the Lord has made for us and in us.

   I think, around this time of year, about all those who will join with us for the celebration of the upcoming Christmas holiday. Some who will gather are regular Church goers, who come Sunday after Sunday. Others, for various reasons, either haven’t been to our parish in a while or haven’t been to Mass in a while. What kind of welcome will they find in us? Will they find in us people who are complaining that they don’t come that much? People who complain that they’re in “our spots” in the pew? People who don’t acknowledge them or who don’t make them feel wel-come? Or will they find us to be a welcoming and inviting people? A people who make room for them? A people who is glad that they are here? Remember, if we want to come back, is we want them to con-sider becoming more regular in the practice of our faith, we’re not going to do it by throwing vinegar at them. We’re not going to do it by complaining to them or about them. But rather, invite them with honey, by our welcoming and inviting spirit, by the worship of God that we have here, may we help them to see the source of our joy, may our words and actions help them to see what we believe, that truly the Lord is near.

   In Christ's Love,

   Fr. John