Memo from Msgr. Raun- Wednesday December 30th, 2020

My dear family,

Hi, everyone!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I know everyone is looking forward to a better New Year! Here are some updates on parish life.

JANUARY 1st, THE FEAST OF THE MOTHER OF GOD. Of course this is normally a Holy Day of Obligation, but because of the pandemic we are dispensed (excused) from the obligation.

The schedule will be:

Thursday, Dec. 31
6 pm - Vigil Mass

Friday, January 1
9 am
6 pm


This is a lovely and important feast in the life of the Church. We honor three things this day: 1) It is the octave day of Christmas, when our Lord was circumcised and received the Holy Name of Jesus,  2) We honor our Lady under the greatest of her titles, the Mother of God, 3) and we ask God's blessings on the New Year.

If we can make it to Mass, it would be beautiful!

PRAISE REPORT: We had many people helping us with the Christmas Care Calls. They all reported back to me your prayer intentions, which I lifted up to God each day of the Christmas Novena. One of our Care Callers sent me this note:

"Msgr. Raun know that everyone I was able to speak to was very appreciative for the phone call and your prayers.  
 
I don’t mind telling you that this ministry was established to help others, however, it ended up helping me.  It made me realize that getting the house clean or decorations up in time for Christmas are truly an external part of Christmas as there are others truly carrying heavy burdens. So, thank you Msgr. and the Staff for the opportunity to experience the true meaning of Christmas this year.
 
Merry Christmas,
Donna"

That is the spirit of so many of our parishioners that makes our parish family so great!

May I use this opportunity to thank the many parishioners who worked so hard in so many different ways to make this strange Christmas so wonderful in our parish. May God reward you all.
 
WHILE WE ARE AT IT: Many thanks for all the prayers, cards, and gifts we received at the Rectory. You are so kind. I try very hard to send everyone a "thank you" note, but it seems that every year one or two slip through, so to all of you, thank you!

UPDATE ON FATHER YOUNG: On Christmas Eve Father Young was moved to Advanced Health Care, 2701 Richmond Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107.
Father's short-term recovery has improved greatly: he can now sit up, shave himself, and so forth, that was quite impossible a few weeks ago. He continues the chemotherapy for the cancer, and we hope for the best. I'm sure he would welcome your notes and cards.

Sorry, no visitors (They are very strict about this.)

I NEED YOUR HELP: WEAR YOUR MASKS AT COMMUNION: Some of the unsung heroes of this pandemic have been our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. They have offered themselves for what is, in fact, a dangerous job. Just by giving Holy Communion, they have to be physically close to all sorts of people, some of who may have the virus. We want to do everything we can to keep them safe.

So, at the moment you are receiving Holy Communion, KEEP YOUR MASK ON. Then, step to the side a few feet towards the door, pull down your mask, and consume the Host. Then put your mask back up.

This is just common sense, friends. And it is an act of respect and love for our Extraordinary Ministers who enable us to receive Jesus in Holy Communion.

Laughing is the best medicine :  Some funny play on words...

Due to the Quarantine, I'll only be doing inside jokes.

My resolution was to exercise. No wait...I mean extra fries.

"BIG-A-MIST"... An Italian fog!

QUOTES FROM THE SAINTS to give you peace, hope, and strength...

“Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life;
    rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise,
    God, whose very own you are,
    will lead you safely through all things;
    and when you cannot stand it,
    God will carry you in His arms.

    Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
    the same understanding Father who cares for
    you today will take care of you then and every day.
   He will either shield you from suffering
   or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.

   Be at peace,
   and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.”

St. Francis de Sales

I send you my fatherly blessing, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen !

Msgr. Doug Raun


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