St. Pius Catholic Church

FROM THE PASTOR

    During this Advent Season we have been focusing on gifts.  For many of us the focus has been on gifts we want to give, for others on gifts we want to receive.  But as we get closer to Christmas we shift our focus to the gifts that God has for us.  The angel tells the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem that they should fear not.  Then he promises them joy because the Savior that is born will bring justice and peace on earth.
    So I pray this year that the gifts of justice, peace and joy will be yours in abundance.  But especially I pray that God’s gift of removing all fear would ours this year.  That is the gift the angel delivered to the shepherds before he mentioned anything about joy, justice and peace.  And that’s the gift we desperately need after a year full of fears of economic recession, fears of growing violence in Afghanistan, fears of H1N1 and fears of increasing unemployment.
    As we accept the gift of not fearing, lets remember that all God’s gifts are given to us so we in turn can give them away to others.  So, let us look around us and identify the fears in our families and in our culture.  Then, in 2010 let us work together to remove all fear.  It’s a great challenge, but it’s only possible if we remain united to one another, united to the angels over Bethlehem and united to Christ who is truly the great gift of Christmas.  May you and all your loved ones have a Blessed Christmas Season.
Mike Schaab, Pastor