The Mailbox

   One of the highlights of my day is checking my mailbox in the parish office, because I never know what is going to show up. Of course I have my regular mail, like credit card bills or applications, but I also receive cards and notes from parishioner or cards from the faith formations students, which are usually pretty decorative, and often times make me laugh. In particular this year I am amazed at how many Christmas cards I have received, and the notes that the parishioners write to me. It is great to see that I am included on their Christmas list, but more importantly that I am included in their prayers.

  Wouldn’t it be nice if we were to send out cards and letters more often than just around Christmas? Even if it is just a short note, telling someone that you are praying for them, or thanking them for something that they did. I know that I always like receiving mail, and I’m sure that you do too, so keep this in mind throughout the year, and have the envelopes and stamps ready, so that you can send out some letters, I’m sure it will brighten the recipient’s day.

   On a different note, we are only one day away from beginning our Christmas celebration (or even closer depending on when you read this), so make sure to take some time to pray. Find some place quiet (or go to a church) and just figure out where you most need God in your life. I know that one of my best prayer times every year is right before the Christmas Eve Mass, it’s as if I am finally at peace and ready to celebrate the birth of Christ, so please take advantage of this time and prepare.

Fr. Carlson is Forgiving, Really fun, Caring, Always good, Really good, Loving, Special, Outstanding and Never stops trying.