BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., HAS SHARED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE FOR CHRISTMAS.
Things change. Not always recognizably so but, often enough, change is noticeable. I was struck by that fact last week, while looking at some pictures and home movies of Christmas celebrations taken many years ago. Apart from the obvious changes in size and shape, clothing, hairstyles and ages of the celebrants, the decorations and ornaments heralding the season seemed different, simpler, unlike what we have today.
The tree was live then, but we didn’t dare bring it in the house until Christmas eve; tinsel was meticulously hung amid the old glass ornaments handed down from a generation before; a train set chugged around a raised platform cluttered with cardboard neighborhoods; paper pictures of Christmas scenes adorned the walls; the Nativity had center stage – the whole scene appeared far-removed, almost ancient or, at least, “old fashioned” to my eyes. I viewed these pictures, almost with melancholy, as my mind wandered back to Christmases past. How things change!
Families at that time all appeared pretty much the same on Christmas morning. Midnight Mass behind them, parents looked happy but exhausted, having stayed up most of the night assembling Christmas decorations and presents.
Children, squealing with delight but equally exhausted, having stayed up most of the night pretending to be asleep as they waited for Santa. Mom, in her apron, setting the Christmas table; Dad, in his new sweater, supervising the holiday scene; toys scattered everywhere with the kids darting about from one new thing to the other. Andy Williams and Nat King Cole on the record player. It was “family time” as we waited for grandparents and relatives to arrive. And it all felt so good. But things change.
Read more HERE.FRANCIS HOUSE OF PRAYER is offering a retreat designed to end the year with gratitude and to enter the new year in prayer on Dec. 31 from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Email [email protected] or call 609-877-0509 to register. Francis House of Prayer is located at 84 Walnford Road, Allentown.YOUTH OF THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON will once again reconnect at the annual Diocesan Youth Conference, set for Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Donovan Catholic High School, 711 Hooper Ave., Toms River.
Sponsored by the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, the event is open to all youth in the Diocese in eighth through 12th grades. The day will conclude with Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Keynote speaker and musician for the day will be Steve Angrisano, international Catholic speaker and composer. Having traveled the world for more than two decades incorporating humor, storytelling and music into his presentations, he has been featured at 10 World Youth Days and emceed three National Catholic Youth Conferences, and many other venues. Beyond these larger events, Angrisano presents parish missions, leads groups to the Holy Land and composes music for Oregon Catholic Press, as he has for 25 years.
More information and registration will be made available on www.dioceseoftrenton.org/dyc.THE CHANCERY IN LAWRENCEVILLE will be closed Friday, Dec. 23 and will remain closed until Tuesday, Dec. 27, for Christmas.