6 + DAYS OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATED; 10 MORE DAYS OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON COMING..........

I had dinner tonight with Paul Friedrich, a Presentation Church parishioner in Arden-Arcade, who is a second year Permanent Deacon candidate for the Sacramento Diocese.  It is very possible he may be doing some of his formational ministry with me here at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.  We had a very conversational at Paragary's on 28th Street iun downtown Sacramento, and held our monthly discussion about the the progress with his diaconate formation, and possible ministries he might assist with as an internship practicum here at OLOL.  On the drive home to the parish, and since I have back in the rectory, our conversation has had me thinking about how this applies to the message and spirit of Christmas.  If the Messiah's long awaited Coming was to bring the Gift of Salvation to God's People, then everything we do for God's greater glory and the Common good, is a fruit of the salvific Gift.  Thus the ministries Paul will serve in OLOL Parish during his diaconate formation and ultimately as a Deacon in Presentation Parish will be fruits of the Gift of Salvation that is at the heart of Christmas.  From my Installation onward I have preached and will continue to that parish ministry belongs to every member of the Community of Believers, and every parishioner must take up a ministry of parish life and contribute by their service to the betterment and furtherance of the parish, as we live a Disciple's response tom the Gospel of Jesus.  That is what distinguishes Chreasters, the Christmas and Easter Catholics, from truly committed and practicing Catholic-Christians.  So with 10 days of the Christmas Season remaining on our calendars,  what will you do to serve in one of the ministries of your parish community now and in 2011, that truly denotes you as someone who takes seriously sharing the Gift of Salvation with others out of more than seasonal sentimentality..........Fr.  Troy