Thank you to everyone who supported the mission and ministries of our parish during the month of December. Our average weekly collection for the 6th month of this new fiscal year was $10,334 ($13,831 in 2011). We are running 5% behind last year’s Sunday Offertory; however, our Christmas Collection ($72,885) increased by 6% in 2011. Our budget for Jul – Dec was $297,000; our actual is $269,000 ($28,000 shortfall).

Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2013 Migrations: pilgrimage of faith and hope

Human Trafficking is a crime that affects approximately 27 million people globally. According to the U.S. State Department, it is estimated that as many as 600,000-800,000 persons are trafficked across borders each year. Sadly, human trafficking is also a national and local reality. The United States is a source, destination and transit country for human trafficking. It is present in every community, including our own.

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS EACH NEW YEAR brings the expectation of a better world. In light of this, I ask God, the Father of humanity, to grant us concord and peace, so that the aspirations of all for a happy and prosperous life may be achieved. Fifty years after the beginning of the Second Vatican Council, which helped to strengthen the Church’s mission in the world, it is heartening to realize that Christians, as the People of God in fellowship with him and sojourning among mankind, are committed within history to sharing humanity’s joys and hopes, grief and anguish as they proclaim the salvation of Christ and promote peace for all.