Dear Friends in Christ,
This weekend, the Church says farewell to the Christmas Season. I pray that everyone’s New Year is off to a good start. We have had some nice snow so far which has been a treat. For me, this was a very peaceful Christmas. I believe that we had a wonderful Advent and Christmas Season which is due to so many people who are wonderful parishioners. Prior to Christmas we had celebrations such as the Bonsal Blues Christmas Concert sponsored by our Knights of Columbus; we had our Christmas balls for our parish family tree in front of the church (overseen by Mary Ungrue) , which was lighted with a blessing, carols and Ferko String Band (thank you John Wernega!) and then the Our Lady of Hope Dinner with carols led by our own Ted Kiefer. We enjoyed Lumpy’s wonderful food along with fellowship. We had a moving Silent Night Service where we remembered parishioners who went to the Lord this past year. We were so sad to say goodbye to our beloved Deacon Jack Werner as God called him to Himself. We still share wonderful stories about Deacon, and we pray that he is enjoying the place prepared for him. Thank you to all who donated money for the beautiful flowers. The vibrant, red poinsettias were striking, and we received so many compliments on the dignified, classy décor of our church. Thank you, Liz Hamilton, Pat Hamilton, Debbie Bigos Norberto Cruz and all who helped to decorate the church and chapel over these weeks. I am so grateful to Ric, Judith and Jessica Tattersall along with Len Phillips for building and donating our new Creche. What a great addition! Our choir was great along with our cantors. Great work Ted and John! All our lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Altar Servers carried out their ministries with great love and attention. Thank you, Mike Alibrando, for your leadership in carrying out our dignified celebrations. Finally, thank you to everyone who went beyond your continued financial support of our parish being so generous in the Christmas collection. Your generosity allows us to continue to serve you in our beautiful home in honor of the Lord Jesus. May your 2025 be blessed, may it be strong in faith, hope and love and may Our Lady of Hope keep you protected in her motherly arms.
God bless you,
Father Szolack