A Christmas Message from Fr. Kevin McCracken, cm
Christmas 2022
Dear parishioners, staff members, visitors, and friends of St. Catherine Labouré Parish,
Merry Christmas! We rejoice together at the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The miracle of Christmas reminds us that the God’s Light is more powerful than darkness and that God’s Love binds all creation together. It has been my privilege to walk with the people of St. Catherine’s for the past several months.
I have long known that the parish has a deep commitment to the charism of St. Vincent de Paul, striving to see and serve Christ in the poor. Your participation in the Vincentian Christmas Program has been amazing. THANK YOU!
Growing beyond the disruptions caused by the pandemic and engaging in the All Things New planning initiative have marked my time at the parish. Much has been accomplished, much remains to be done. I encourage all of us to remain open to the All Things New initiative: engaged in unceasing prayer, united in evangelization, generous in stewardship.
Early in 2023, another Vincentian priest will arrive at St. Catherine’s to serve as parish administrator and future pastor. I am confidant that he will find a welcoming community united by the celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy and the Vincentian spirit of service
As many of you know, I made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, including Bethlehem, in November. I celebrated Mass and prayed for the people of St. Catherine Labouré at the Grotto of the Nativity and many other sacred sites. I hope that our celebration of the birth of Jesus fills us with the same love that Mary and Joseph experienced that first Christmas.
Peace,
Fr. Kevin McCracken, CM
“Mary gave birth to her first-born son.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7