I'm convinced that the sentiments of many are that our celebrations of Christmas were prayerful, reflective, joyous, worthy, etc. The celebrations I'm referring to include our local Masses, but also our personal celebrations with families and friends. "In every heart may we continue to prepare Him room," not just at Christmas, but in every day of our lives. We are blessed to be called by Him from our baptism to follow Him and deepen our relationship with Him each day of our lives!

There are three changes which will occur after 1 January 2018 which are related to each other, though distinct. Amanda Burrow, who was working as our parish cluster Coordinator of Religious Education since the summer of 2016, has resigned from the position effective 31 December 2017. She has taken a full-time job as a Spanish teacher in the Alma Public School. We wish her well in this new chapter of her life here in our area.

A very small number of you are aware that I officiated at a funeral in Ettrick on Monday past. The primary reason being that the Catholic churches in Ettrick and Blair have been without a resident priest for several weeks; that reality is likely to remain for several more weeks… or longer. There was a need to reach this far to find a priest available to cover the funeral on Monday and so, for the good of Catholicism, I was chosen. May Mildred rest in peace!

From the Preschool

While eating lunch at Saint Boniface Catholic School this week, I was asked by a preschool boy about the meaning of Advent. I told him it's about Jesus and Jesus' coming to us. He reminded me that Jesus is already with us, I had to agree. I also reminded him Advent is about us preparing for Jesus to come deeper into our lives. At that point his sandwich became more interesting than our conversation about religion. Hmmm? Do the things of our world typically become more important than our religion? During Advent we are reminded to place more value on the Lord and prepare for His arrival. A lot to think and pray about in that brief exchange with a preschooler.

As each year passes, I hope each of us becomes more aware of our spiritual journey and the invitation to deepen our relationship with Jesus. While the secular world is preparing for the turning of a calendar year, we are about a month ahead of that event. We begin a new liturgical year today. And, with that new beginning we have an opportunity to recommit ourselves to our spiritual journey as we prepare the way of the Lord during these Advent days.