Dear friends,
In 1943, Philip Van Doren Stern wrote a short story tilted The Greatest Gift. The story is about a man named George Pratt who finds himself on a bridge on Christmas Eve, ready to jump and end his life. Before he can, an odd man approaches him and strikes up a conversation. George admits to the man that he wishes he had never been born. The man tells George that his wish has been granted. Upon returning to his town, George finds that no one recognizes him. After the initial shock, he realizes just how important he was to others, how much he values his life, and to throw it all away would be a terrible waste.
That story sounds familiar, doesn't it? It should because it was the basis of the classic Christmas film, It's a Wonderful Life--one of the all-time popular Christmas movies. No matter how many times we watch that film, it always moves us because it reminds us of important truths, namely everyone is important, has value, and plays a significant role in the lives of other people.
The story we celebrate at Christmas reminds us even more profoundly of those truths. God sent His only begotten Son who came across eternity and was born into world in Bethlehem to reveal to us, when were so lost and despairing, how important each of us is to God and to others and to save us. May we savor these truths and share them with others.
We wish you and your loved ones a glorious Christmas. May God bless you with Christ's holy love and joy!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Joseph Shea, Pastor
Fr. Luis Estrada, Parochial Vicar
Fr. John Moloney, Retired in Residence
Fr. James Maher, Retired in Residence
Deacon Pete Wilson
Deacon Terry and Dorothy Reibenspies
Deacon Christopher and Kitty Ryan
Deacon David and Catherine Lawrence
Deacon Rolando and Barbara Bautista
odd and Leslie Sanders: Deacon in Formation
The Pastoral Staff and Leadership Teams of St. Rose of Lima
The Faculty and Staff of St. Rose of Lima School and Religious Education Program