2023 Christmas Message

12-25-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

Beloved Parishioners,

This is the time we celebrate the joy of Christmas that a savior was born for us and the mystery of God becoming man out of His love for humanity. It is a celebration of God’s love as He identifies with our humanness which He transforms by His divine love. It is a time many families gather to share the love of family reunion and God’s blessing as the year winds down. It is a time we celebrate the joy of God’s presence in our midst.

It also gives us the unique opportunity to share God’s amazing love dwelling among us with other people, friends, and family members. As your pastor, I send this Christmas message because each of you and your family are deeply cherished, appreciated, and loved. Your gift of love, faith and support are great value highly profound in this parish. May we also use this period to share that love with others who lack love.

As I wish you all a merry Christmas, I write to express my deep appreciation to everyone for being a wonderful member of this family of Our Lady of the Lake. We thank God for the blessings of yet another opportunity to celebrate this Christmas and more so, for the graces that have been bestowed upon us. I want to say sincerely that your prayers, faith, your devotion, your sacrifices, and support has kept the parish and school growing. On the parish side, many of you have demonstrated great support in the way you respond to the needs of the parish, and I use this period of love to say thank you to everyone. The ministries in our parish like the care for the sick, elderly, the dying, OCIA, marriage preparations, growing disciples, the youth ministry and the various ministries that serve the need of this parish are possible because you support them with your heart. I am super grateful to you for doing that for the parish and I want to use this season of Christmas of God’s love to tell you how uplifted I am for your love and support.

On the school side, the love many of you have shown for the growth of the school is amazing and I know that without such love and support we would not have reached where we are today in our school project. The school has been a true blessing to the parish, as the future of this parish lies with the young who will continue to keep the faith growing. We still have a long way to go, but we are confident, that with God on our side and your amazing support, we are destined for greatness. I pray God’s blessing upon you as we celebrate this season of joy.

Merry Christmas and may you and your family have an amazing Christmas.

Fr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.