Dear Parishioners:

It was August 23, and I was having lunch with the rectory staff in the Charlie Kiger Conference Room.  As we ate, I felt a small movement of the table, but I thought it was just someone moving their leg. Then, I thought perhaps a large truck was driving down West Bay Ave.  It was neither.  All of sudden, we looked at each other and someone suggested that it might have been an earthquake.  Instinctively we ran outside just to see if we could discover any evidence.  Within minutes, there was a phone call confirming that it was indeed an earthquake, the first one that I ever experienced.  That was the topic for the next day or so.  “Did you feel it?”  “What were you doing?”  Fortunately, it was minor, and there was no damage.  Despite being of minimal impact, it rocked our world for those few moments. 
At Christmas, we take time to remember that day when God rocked the whole world. It was not a minor earthquake, but a revelation of incredible strength and size.  God became man.  Jesus was born for us.  For two thousand years we have been talking about it.  In fact, we can’t stop thinking about it and sharing its impact.  However, just like the earthquake quickly faded from our memory and we went on with our lives. How many Catholics do the same with Christmas?  We may take some time on December 25 to remember that incredible day, but soon we simply forget and go about our routine.  Christmas should not be like a minor earthquake that distracts us for a few days.  It should be a life-changing event.  It should rock our world, shaking us out of complacency, indifference, and lack of hope. 
The earthquake of August 23 was rated at 5.8.  It affected the East Coast, but then quickly faded.  The impact of the birth of Jesus is beyond measure and has spanned the globe for two thousand years.  “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9: 5).  Merry Christmas!

In Christ,

Msgr. Ken Tuzeneu, Father Tom Kunnath, Father J. C. Garrett, Father John Basil, Msgr. Larry Cull, Deacon Frank and Barbara Campione, Deacon Phil and MaryAnne Fiore, Deacon Joe Fiorillo, Deacon Ron and Dorothy Haunss, Deacon Robert and June Klein, Deacon Pat and Pat Martin, Deacon John and Michele Pitt, Deacon Joe and Betty Vivona     
                                    

REMEMBER:  KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS !