December 21, 2008

Dear friends in life and in ministry . . .

Merry Christmas!

Once again I'm a few days behind on getting this out to you. The generosity of our parish family at St. Mary's, Bath has overwhelming during this Advent Season.

Yesterday, our full time office volunteer and part-time elf Paula Gardner distributed over 360 gifts of clothing donated by our parishioners to needy families through our parish "Giving Tree."

For tonight, Paula arranged for Santa to arrive at the temporary residence of a family whose home was destroyed by fire two week's ago on Tuesday night. Santa brought numerous presents of clothes and toys to the family's four young children and some food and financial assistance to their parents. The home was uninsured.

And, our Knights of Columbus distributed food baskets and over 1000 toys last Saturday to area families.

In today's column, I reflect on the chaos that many of us find ourselves in at this time of year and how many have found peace in its midst.
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On Monday night, Patty and I dropped off Annie and Jack at the Airport. They will spend Christmas with friends in Florida. Monica and her friend Nate will be spending Christmas in Chicago. Chris and his friend Audrey will be joining us for dinner on Christmas Eve. We'll also continue a family tradition of attending Compline prayers at Mount Savior Monastery and leading Christmas Carols at the parish's 10 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day.

Emanuel. God is with us. May your Christmas be blest.

TRAVEL WITH US IN 2009
Pat and I invite you to join us on a "Lands of the Bible Cruise" that we've scheduled for November 11, 2009. Follow the link below to download our itinerary. Then, if you are interested, drop me an email and I'll send you a brochures and registration form. (http://www.deaconray.com/travel.htm)

December 21, 2008 - Inner Peace in the Midst of Chaos

The office is in chaos. It is a good chaos - a chaos based on goodness and generosity. But chaos nevertheless. Hundreds of wrapped presents have made their way from the church to the floor of the front office. Paula Gardner is getting them sorted and organized for distribution on Monday to about 40 families.

In addition, the kind hearted Paula also took it upon herself to assure that four additional children whose home and belongings were destroyed by fire late last week, would not be forgotten on Christmas. Working with the Red Cross, WVIN, the Bath Fire Department and Santa Claus himself, she has orchestrated an outpouring of generosity that few would have imagined possible.

Since our weekend Masses when Paula’s efforts to assist the Thompson Family were first announced, people have been stopping by the office with checks to assist the family. After hearing of Paula’s efforts on WVIN, individuals and church communities have been dropping off gifts clothes, toys and household necessities.

Last weekend I preached on the possibility of remaining peaceful at the center of our being - even in times of great chaos. Over the past few weeks, I’ve tested this hypothesis and have found it to be accurate. The secret though is to , as Paul says, “pray constantly.” So each time my computer froze in the midst of a major project, I pleaded with God to give me patience. Each time I interrupted one responsibility to hurry to another, I pleaded to God for strength. And, each time that I found myself too involved, too busy or too rushed to respond with full attention to Pat or the folks at the office who requested my ear (and mind), I asked God to make them go away. When they didn’t, I asked God to help them forgive and be super patient with me. Eventually they did . . . and were.

Advent is a time of expectant waiting for the Prince of Peace, while clinging to the small remnants of peace embedded in our frail, all too human bodies. It is also a time to marvel at the outpouring of good will that is so generously showered on thousands of people who face the challenges and yes, the chaos of trying to survive, pay the rent and feed their families 365 days a year. My chaos, is often self inflicted. There’s is too often societal.

In this week’s Gospel, Luke tells the story of a young Hebrew girl who set aside her fears and faced the chaos of becoming the unwed mother of our Savior. In Advent, and at all times of chaos God’s promise is the same as it was too Mary: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. . . . For nothing is impossible for God.”

Will we respond to the challenges and chaos of our lives as Mary did? “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done unto me according to your Word.”

An advance word of thanks to all who will be generous Stewards of Time, Talent, and Treasure during the coming week as we prepare to celebrate the Joy of Christmas at St. Mary’s. I am so blest o have you as friends and parishioners.

Have a Blessed and Peaceful Christmas.

Deacon Ray

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Bulletin: Dec 21, 2008