Dear Friends in Christ,
A very happy and holy Advent to you! For the past two years, at this time, I have asked you and your families to consider what you might do to assist the retired and aging priests who have served at our parishes for so many years. As we come upon this Holy Season, I come to you once again.
This year, of course, with the beginning of Advent, it is impossible to ignore the recent changes we’ve experienced by way of the new translation of our Roman Missal. These changes certainly will take some time of adjustment, but at the same time, we’re faced with the opportunity for renewal and a reexamination of what it is that we are really doing at the Holy Mass. This is, likewise, a great opportunity for our priests, to contemplate and pray in a more reverent and always-deeper way. And so, as we continue to reflect on these changes and as we move together towards greater reverence, perhaps we could also take the opportunity to reflect on the rich heritage of our faith, from our parents and other forerunners to the ministers Christ has chosen to serve us, namely, our priests.