Merry Christmas!

What signs have reminded you of Jesus’ abiding presence over these past weeks? And what signs do you anticipate in this holy season? While much of the world scurries about, caught in busyness and overwhelmed by noise, we as Christians are invited to come in quiet adoration. Just as a newborn draws the attention of family and even strangers, so too should we be attentive to the Lord Jesus, who is present to us today just as he was long ago, lying in a manger.

As we attend to his presence, we are also invited to respond. Amid your lists of presents and the flurry of wrapping, consider this: What gift are you giving the Lord this Christmas? Throughout Advent, we have been preparing the gift Jesus most desires: the offering of ourselves for God’s glory. And though we present this gift, it is not truly ours alone, for everything we are and everything we possess has been received first from the generosity of God. In the Eucharist, we learn to consecrate our lives, discovering that we are made for something greater as we follow the Lord’s will. Our offering is joined to the perfect offering of Christ, and by the Holy Spirit, we are transformed into his life for the world. When we receive the Lord, we take in his very life, and we promise, in turn, to share our lives generously with others.

This sharing begins first in our homes. I encourage you to continue striving to worship the Lord in your daily life and to welcome him into your family truly. The vibrancy of our faith and the spreading of the Gospel begin within our families. How is the Lord calling you to grow this Christmas season? As I pray for you and your loved ones, I encourage you to receive Jesus’ invitation to growth and conversion. Give your family a strong foundation, a witness of faith lived day in and day out. It is fitting that the first Sunday after Christmas honors the Holy Family, our model for family life rooted in holiness and love.

There are many resources available to help strengthen faith at home and in the community. I encourage our families to explore Enkindle Catholic, a wonderful ministry devoted to helping families encounter and respond to God’s love so that faith may take deep, enduring root. Visit enkindlefamily.org for creative ideas and resources to help cultivate a lively faith, including excellent tips for parents and a weekly podcast rooted in the Sunday Scriptures.

Enkindle Catholic is also offering the Playbook for Spiritual Life, a series of brief videos and reflections led by Coach Mike Gutelius, Catholic University’s football coach and one of our parishioners, and Fr. Timothy Gallagher, a gifted spiritual teacher. Grounded in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Playbook offers practical guidance to help you and your family remain centered in the life Jesus offers. Learn more at enkindlefamily.org/playbook.

Our own parish offers a variety of opportunities to grow in faith and friendship for people of all ages, including families with members from toddlers to grandparents. Explore what’s available at olphparish.org, or call our office at (410) 747-4334 to speak with someone directly.

We will begin the new year in prayer and celebration. Please join us as we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. For this holy day of obligation, we will offer Mass on New Year’s Eve at 5:00 p.m. (followed by fellowship) and 7:00 p.m., with Adoration following the 7:00 p.m. Mass until midnight Benediction. On New Year’s Day, Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. As you consider your resolutions for the coming year, take time to pray about what the Lord is asking of you. For the men of the parish, I especially invite you to consider joining our Exodus 90 experience beginning January 5. This 90-day journey is a powerful way to prepare for Easter, as we strive to embrace the freedom God desires for us. Contact Chad Ruggles at Chad.Ruggles@vylla.com for more information. For the women of the parish, consider joining our Walking with Purpose Bible study, Fearless and Free, which begins in early January. This study of Ephesians offers healing and wholeness for those seeking freedom from past wounds and a stronger foundation in Christ. Multiple session times are available throughout the week. Visit olphparish.org/women for details and registration.