"Where All Are Welcome"!
224 Franklin Street |
Elmira, NY | 14904 | Rectory:
607-734-6254 | Fax: 607-733-8890
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Dear Friends,
January 8 was the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. With that feast, the Christmas Season came to a close. As I think back on Christmas, it was one that I enjoyed immensely. The reasons are many...namely the many like yourself who came to worship and celebrate the Lord's birth with a spirit of joy and gladness. Filled with all the red and white poinsettias, the church looked absolutely beautiful...but it would have been empty were it not for your faith-filled presence and the smiling faces of the children!
And this year you may have noticed two new items in church which made Christmas special. We now have a creche for our Nativity figures. This was made by Skip Reed who also made the altar and ambo for our new church. I think its simple elegance fits so well in the church.
The other new item that you may have heard is our new harp. We were able to purchase it from Notre Dame High School for a very reasonable cost. Mary has been working and practicing hard on the harp...something she has always wanted to do. So if you haven't hear it yet, you will. I find that the gentle sound of the harp helps to life the mind and heart up to the Lord in prayer and meditation.
I also want to thank the very many who sent cards, breads, cookies, candies and gifts. As usual, I was overwhelmed with your generous spirit of giving. Thank you for everything!! And thank you for a very good Christmas collection! Your love and support of St. Mary's is tangible and visible and clearly seen!!!! Thank you!
Again, thank you for a most beautiful Christmas season. And for your year-round support and love!
Love,
Fr. Rick