Dear parishioners, 
​
So much has happened in the last month that it might be good to take a moment to reflect. I especially recall the wonderful communal celebrations for our Lady Guadalupe, the back to back Simbang Gabi night masses, the Posados, the Convivium Marianum and the Aquinaldos. The sung "O" Antiphons with evening prayer in the last week before Christmas. Each helped bring us to praise God through culture and art. Thanks to all who helped make these happen. 
 
We also collected coats and boots and toys for our migrant neighbors. Such an impressive haul! so many donors and volunteers to coordinate and distribute everything. Thanks to all involved.
 
Next we feel awe over the actual Christmas celebrations. This was my first Christmas at Mary Mother of God Parish. I marvel over the decorations in all three churches. In particular, on this 800 Anniversary of Greccio and St. Francis putting together the first nativity, I loved each of our creches. Thank you goes out to all those volunteer and staff who decorated.
 
A great part of Christmastide is the music. Special thanks to Dan Lagacy, Kevin Allen, Joan Mikol, for leading, the different choirs and cantors praising God. I look forward to the Epiphany Vespers. Music is so essential to lift our hearts. We are so very blessed!

Also, our Vietnamese brothers and sisters in Christ at St. Thomas of Canterbury did such a lovely job decorating and their choir sang like angels throughout the Season and at the joint Christmas concert. In particular, their beautifully lit nativity touched my heart and captured the wonder and joy Christ’s birth.
 
Thanks also for all of the generous gifts that have come in. We received so many baskets of fruits, cookies and chocolates, salty snacks and bottles of wine. Many sent us donations and holiday credit cards. We will try to space our consummation of food and drink so that we don’t space-out in a sugar coma!
 
Most of all, I thank the friars for all their support in preparing celebrations, homilies and other help. Much gratitude goes out to the deacons and servers and Foli Tomety. Special thanks to Bishop Bartosic who presided at the evening Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, and the Convivium Marianum. And finally, thank you to you. We could not do what we do without the People of God who shine with the love of the Lord. Forgive me if I have missed anyone.

Blessings to all in 2024.

Fr. Alejandro, Pastor of Mary Mother of God. 

During Poverty Awareness Month, join the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Catholic Campaign for Human Development, and the Catholic community in the United States in taking up Pope Francis’ challenge to live in solidarity with the poor.

Daily reflections include ways to learn about poverty, get inspired by how communities are responding, and take action with others. You can also ​sign up here to have the daily reflections emailed to you during Poverty Awareness Month.

​Click here to learn more on the USCCB website!