From the Pastor's Desk (12/21/25)

From the Pastor's Desk
12/21/25

Fourth Sunday of Advent: Joseph, Son of David, Have No Fear
In today’s Gospel (Mt 1:18-24), the figure of Joseph offers us a powerful Advent prophecy this weekend. Joseph’s wait was different from that of the others. For him, the reality of God moving in his life was a challenge to his faith, to his patience, to his honor. The movement of God in his life demanded of Joseph radical changes in his attitude toward himself, toward his future, toward the family he hoped to have, even toward the woman he loved and wanted to marry. Joseh was the perfect example of what the Old Testament calls a “just man.” He acted on the basis of his values, on his sense of righteousness, rather than on his grasp of the circumstances. He didn’t pull back from this disruption of his life. He faced it, he plunged into it, even if he had no idea where that plunge would land him. Joseph, too, must color our life-long Advent wait for the coming of Christ. He teaches us to be sure that we do not become so taken up with our own design that we do no notice it when Christ comes into our lives in his own way, on his own terms. He teaches us to be aware of and not to fear the fact that the reality of the Incarnation, if we see it as it is, will make demands of us, will make changes in our lives, our plans, our expectations of ourselves and of one another. So to the hope of Isaiah, the trust of Mary, and the fervor of John we add on this last Sunday of Advent the courage of Joseph. His too is an Advent virtue. And it must be ours.

Practical and Spiritual Preparations for Christmas
Besides the cleaning, wrapping, baking, cooking, and decorating, here are some other ways to prepare for Christmas:

1. For starters, remember Who it is we celebrate and why we celebrate the Birth of Jesus, the Savior and the Redeemer. 
2. Choose the Christmas Mass that is the best time for you and will give you the holiest experience. Give your family plenty of time to get ready, get to church, and attend the Mass without hurry.
3. Come to church dressed for the occasion, no matter what Mass you attend. It is Christmas!
4. Come, not to be entertained, but to receive a gift from God, the Gift of God’s Word, the Gift of Himself in the Eucharist, and the Gift of God in our community of believers. 
5. Be a participant, not just an observer! What an example we can be for each other, with strong responses, and attentive hearts to the Mass. 
6. Be appreciative of the many persons, choirs, liturgical ministers, ushers and other behind the scenes parishioners who make such celebrations possible. 
7. Be kind to our visiting guests…make room in the pews…greet them with a smile!
8. Finally, return home with not only the experience of Christmas Mass, but with the meaning fully enveloped in your heart, a memory to be sure, but also a desire to be followed. 

O Sweet Child of Bethlehem Prayer by Saint Pope John XXIII
O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men and women this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give to them. Help them to know one another better, and to live as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness and purity. Awaken in their hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness. Join them all together in your love. And give us your heavenly peace. Amen.

Special Gifts for Christmas
Looking for suggestions for special Christmas gifts? How about a firm handshake for a shaky soul; a kind word to a lonely person; a warm smile to the disheartened; a sincere concern for someone troubled; a feeling of compassion for the neglected; a comforting thought for the bereaved; a respect for the dignity of others; a defense of the rights of individuals and the unborn; a word of witness to help a seeking soul; and a Merry Christmas to all.

Parish Office Holiday Closure
In order for our parish employees to enjoy the Christmas Season with their loved ones, the MQS Parish Office will close at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, December 24, and will reopen on Friday, January 2, at 9:00 AM.

MQS Parish Finance Council News
Next week, I will be announcing the names of the newly appointed members of our Parish Finance Council. Over the last two months, nine of your brothers and sisters have been participating in the Calling Forth Process in order to form this new Finance Council. 

Epiphany Volunteer Appreciation Gathering Date Change
The annual Volunteer Appreciation Gathering is usually held on or around the Epiphany (January 6), however, in 2026, this special gathering has been moved to Friday, April 10. Please be sure save the date and mark your calendars. More info to come!