While we have just completed the Thanksgiving holidays I believe the theme of thanksgiving is essential to our preparation for the birth of Christ. On a personal note I am grateful for your “flowers” given to me as part of Pastors Appreciation weekend. My heart is touched each day when I read one of the notes you have written for me. There are so many, I shall have these “flowers” through the winter. I am also touched by your kindness to all those who come to us in need. Our recent visitors, George Ghanem from Bethlehem and Fr. Tom Hagan from Haiti, were so grateful for your support. Fr .Hagan received $12,000 in donations. On a “local” front Haven ministries received $6200 for helping those less fortunate in our community. The Parish Christmas gift this year is a very special refrigerator magnet. This magnet will hold an Advent calendar. Since we are all trying to “Carry Christ Beyond the Pews,” we need a place to put Him. The daily reflections, along with your family Advent wreath, will help all of us center on the true meaning of Christmas. Our Parish Reconciliation Service will be held on Thursday evening December 14 at 7 PM. Our Christmas schedule is available on line and in the bulletin. Given the recent events of violence in our country, we at St. Christopher’s continue to be vigilant. Besides the surveillance system and security alarms that are in place, we are instituting a new policy regarding the doors in the back of the hall. Effective immediately, these doors will remain locked on Sundays. Access to the hall will only be through the front doors. Finally, I would hope at this point every parish group is praying the Amazing Parish prayer. As God’s Holy Spirit moves and motivates our parish members to growth, it is essential all of pray as one. It is my prayer for our parish that the peace of this season may come to all! May God Bless you and your family, Father Paul