Christmas, New Year's, Theophany 2010-2011
Dear Parishioners and Friends, near and far!
With the recent major snowfall that hit Bond Head and other areas north of Toronto, winter has really made itself at home! Harbinger of the sure approach, in the midst of winter's darkness and cold, of those great feast days which, for Christians, are spiritual-emotional wamrth and light. "Warmth and light." Say those words slowly, deliberately, and feel what pleasant associations they bring to mind! "Warmth"- being inside, cozy, comfortable, satisfied. "Light"-being able to see, recognize, enjoy, experience. I think of my Mom, God rest her. She was a very social person who in her latter years really missed the light in wintertime. It gets dark so soon, and the darkness is confining and lonely, a feeling that's called "cabin fever." The feast days of warmth and light are just what the winter needs: Christmas, New Year's, Theophany. As the carol says, what "comfort and joy" the very words evoke! My brothers and sisters, may our winter's warmth and light be centered on the Christ of Christmas, truly the reason for the season, the incarnate Love and Mercy of God, the joy and delight of all who seek Him.
Calling God's blessing on you and yours,
Monsignor Conrad B. Dachuck,
Pastor St. Catherine's, Bond Head/Bradford/Newmarket