"It is never too late to . . ." is a statement that can be completed by many people.  Zechariah and Elizabeth found that it was not too late for them to have a child, as John the Baptist was born to them at an advanced age.  It was not too late for Jack Sidler either, as he was ordained a priest for our Diocese this weekend at the age of 70. The character Scrooge found out that it was not too late for him to have a major conversion experience and become a happy, generous person. It is almost never too late for our retired diocesan priests to offer themselves to us in substitute ministry or in prayers offered for the flocks they have served over the years.  We have a chance to support these priests in their retirement, as well as supporting the needs of our sick and infirmed priests of our Diocese, through the only collection taken up at all the Christmas Masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

We can also contribute in another way by helping get the word to Catholics who have been away from the practice of their faith, that it is never too late for them to come back to the graces and blessings that come from God through His Church.  Perhaps an encouragement for them to join you at one of our Christmas Masses (December 24 at 4:00 p.m., December 25 at midnight or December 25 at 10:00 a.m.) would be a start.

This year we are going to give, as a free gift to those who will read it, a book by Matthew Kelly entitled, "Rediscover Catholicism." It is for those who have been away from the faith, as well as those who have been practicing their Catholic faith in a renewed way. (Please be prepared to take one if you truly intend to read it.) You may find yourself, at some point, saying that "it's not too late for you to do something for the Lord that you've never done before, and rejoicing in that opportunity.