Gaudete Sunday

My dear friends in Christ,

This day has been traditionally called Gaudete Sunday, or Rejoice Sunday, marked by the contrasting rose candle on the Advent wreath and vestments. The fulfillment of Christmas is near and today’s readings revel in it with phrases like these: Shout for joy, Sing joyfully, Rejoice in the Lord always! Zephaniah even tells us that God will sing joyfully because of us, as one sings at festivals. On other Sundays, the readings are often full of challenges and questions. Today it’s all about promises and assurances. Nice!

As promised, we have enclosed the end of year Financial Report. As I reflect on this past fiscal year, I’m again filled with joy thinking of the many wonderful liturgical celebrations and community events we have shared together. In my two plus years here, I have witnessed growth in our parish filled with a diverse faithful people, full of love for each other and for Our Lord. Each year our parishioners make financial sacrifices for the good of Corpus Christi Parish. Through your continued stewardship, our parish ministry programs and outreach are sustained. You will notice we finished the year with a deficit. Although outreach is important, equally important is our parish viability. I ask that you please remember, as you make your offertory gifts, to also consider continuing your gifts toward our debt reduction and development. We will continue to research cost saving measures to reduce our debt.

For your review, we present you with the Annual Report of Revenue and Expenses. Again, my sincere thanks to all of you for your generosity.

May God bless you all!

Father John