With our celebration of the Epiphany, The Three Wise Men’s appearance and homage, we have been blessed this Christmas Season with resplendent music, sincere hospitality toward
parishioners and visitors alike, volunteers who shared their presence whether as ushers/greeters, readers or servers, musically—and most importantly, sharing their faith and presence in community. Our sanctuaries in each church reflected the holiness and glory of the story of our Savior’s birth. Thank you! Many individuals and families joined in our Christmas liturgies, each with a different journey of faith. And hopefully they each touched the grace of hope and gratitude; of simply ‘belonging’ within our spirit of Christian hospitality. May such grace usher in the New Year within the Eucharist we celebrate each Sunday. Thank you.
 
   Initiated in the 50’s by noted journalist, Edward R. Murrow, “This I Believe” was a program inviting anyone to share what they believe in life via a limited essay. It was re-initiated
in the early 2000’s, likewise inviting anyone from any walk of life to share an essay of what they personally believe. As you would guess many of the contributors were older, experienced
individuals; some were teens and some just starting out after college. And then there was a seven year old, Tarik McLain, who presented his essay of what he believed. He was born in
Thailand and adopted by a family now living in Texas. With the help of his mother he initially put together a list of one hundred things he believed in for a elementary class project, but shortened it for the essay he sent into and accepted by “This I Believe” program.
Starting off this new year, his optimistic beliefs may re-initiate God’s inspiration within each of us as Christians.
 
 
 
 
 
 
I believe life is good.
I believe God is in everything.
I believe we're all equal.
I believe we can help people.
I believe everyone is weird in their own way.
I believe hate is a cause for love.
I believe that when I meditate I feel peaceful.
I believe we should be generous.
I believe brothers and sisters should be kind to each other.
I believe kids should respect their parents.
I believe I should not whine.
I believe people should wake up early.
I believe people should go outside more.
I believe in nature.
I believe people should use less trees.
I believe we should help the Arctic and rainforest animals.
I believe people shouldn’t throw litter on the ground.
I believe people should not smoke.
I believe God is in good and bad.
I believe in magic.
I believe people should not give up.
I believe love is everywhere.
I believe that God helps us to have a good time.
I believe we live best in a community.
I believe we can protect people in danger.
I believe we should help the poor.
I believe it's OK to die but not to kill
I believe war should not have started.
I believe war should stop.
I believe we can make peace.
 
God Bless as we enter this New Year, Fr. Tim
 
FYI: “What are you doing, O Magi? Do you adore a little
Babe, in a wretched hovel, wrapped in miserable rags? Can this Child be truly God? … Are you become foolish, O Wise Men … Yes, these Wise Men have become fools that they may be wise.” (St. Bernard of Clairvaux)