Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
There were, no doubt, many people returning gifts, using gift cards and shopping for bargains after Christmas.  And then there were others who were sitting down and composing thank you cards to those who had given them someting for Christmas.  Our first thanks, of course, on the day after Christmas (AND EVERY DAY) is thanks to God for sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us the way and to open for us eternal life through His Passion, death and Resurrection.

As we conclude the Christmas Season and celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of The Lord, we look ahead to the Easter Triduum, which will be April 2-5.  During this period before Lent, I invite and encourage you to read the book, "Rediscover Catholicism" which we gave as a gift at Christmas.  I have already received good comments from those who have started reading it.

While I was, in fact, writing some "thank you" cards on December 26, I want to use this space to thank all of you who remembered me personally at Christmas through Christmas cards (some with the gift of Masses for me), and gifts (some of which were delicious to eat).  I am blessed to pastor so many thoughtful, caring, and giving people.  I pray God never lets me take you and your kindnesses to me for granted.