Humbled By Your Generosity

The Christmas season is normally overwhelming. The Lord works in so many incredible ways in our lives. Oftentimes it is the most hidden ways that He works, just as He was born in a hidden way 2000 years ago.

There are so many hidden heroes to thank who help us celebrate Christmas as a pastoral region. There are those who decorate the Churches, altar servers who show up early and serve multiple times in a weekend, singers who rehearse for music, and so many more. Thank you to everyone who lends a helping hand at Christmas time. Our volunteers and parish staff are absolutely incredible.

Also thank you to everyone who sent Christmas cards with family pictures, nice notes, and tasty cookies. They are truly heartwarming and very much appreciated. Also thank you to all who offered gifts. I think I wrote thank-you-notes to everyone, but I wouldn’t be surprised if one or two got lost in the shuffle. Your generosity is astounding.

Thank you all for making Christmas a blessed time in our parishes and may the Lord bless you and your families.

Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Sean Wilson

Dear Petersburg family,

Along with Father Sean, I also want to acknowledge and express my gratitude for the many Christmas cards and gifts that you all sent my way over the past few weeks. Your generosity is overwhelming, and I am deeply grateful for your kindness. Most of you will have received thank-you cards (well…postcards) by now, but I received many more cards and gifts that were either anonymous or didn’t include a return address. So, for those of you who wish to remain anonymous, please be assured of my gratitude! I had quite a lovely display of Christmas cards in my office throughout the Advent and Christmas Seasons!

I’m sure that this year will bring many new and unforeseen challenges to our Parish region as we transition to a “Family of Parishes” and continue to consolidate ministries and schedules. And, of course, there is the uncertainty and anxiety that often accompanies change. But whatever the future brings and whatever uncertainties come with it, it is edifying to know that our four parishes are blessed with so many generous and supportive parishioners. So for that, I thank you all.

Be assured of my continued prayers and sacrifices for all of you throughout this new year. And, please continue to pray for me as well as for all priests, that we may truly be the close friends of Christ that He has invited us to be.

Fr. Jedidiah Tritle