Bulletin of December 18, 2005
Dear Parishioners,
With the celebration of the Fourth Sunday of Advent today, we realize Christmas is almost here. We invite you to get ready along with us by helping out this afternoon (Sunday from 1:30-4:0 pm) with our annual Church decorating party. You can also help by donating poinsettias in memory of family members or loved ones (drop off by 3:00 pm today and us the memory book that is provided). In addition there's the family choir (or "let's be sure we have a good seat!") rehearsal Tuesday evening, December 20th at 6:00 pm and sign ups for holiday liturgies, in the vestibule. You'll notice from the schedule in today's bulletin we have a lot of masses to celebrate and staff, so please help us wherever you possibly can. On Christmas Eve (Saturday), there will be no 8:00 am mass in the morning, but we will have five masses from 3:30 pm on! On Christmas Day and again on Sunday January 1st there will be no 7:00 am mass but one look at our schedules show there should be more than enough liturgies for everyone.
Monday evening at 7:00 pm we invite all of you, and especially children and families to a delightful presentation by Hollywood actor Frank Runyeon entitled "Stories of Christmas." Hosted by our Religious Education Ministry, and an encore after Frank's wonderful reenactment of a visit by St. Matthew a year ago; the evening tells the Christmas story with joy and humor. Doors open at 6:30 pm with seating on a first come/first served basis. There is no charge but free will donations for needy families will be accepted.
One of our annual traditions around here is the setting of the Christmas crib scene at this afternoon's church decorating with a parade or procession with all the Christmas figures. We're really doing two things: 1) making sure the figurines arrive safely and unchipped, and; 2) participating in an almost 1,000 year old Christian custom. Although St. Francis of Assisi may not have been the absolute first to create a creche or crib scene at Christmas, he is generally credited with spreading its popularity. In 1223, Francis brought in a live donkey and ox, and held Christmas Mass at a manger, instead of an altar.
By the end of the 18th century, nativity scenes began to appear in village squares and homes, as they became popular among the people.
Another custom that evolved from the crèche is the preparation of the manger, which originated in France. Children prepare a soft bedding in the manger by using little pieces of straw as tokens of prayers and good works. Each night, the child puts in the crib one straw for each act of devotion or virtue performed throughout the day.
There are times when we read the papers, watch the news, think of all the problems on this planet called Earth, shake our heads and wonder to ourselves, "Who would want to bring a child into this world?" God would.
Your Pastor,
Brian Joyce