December 29, 2019

Peace On Earth…
         Peace on earth.  It seems almost impossible to imagine, let alone realize.  But this hope is ours and it is possible because of Emmanuel – God with us.  How do we find peace? How do we further the comfort and security that peace brings to our lives and our world?  First, don’t shirk it off as something unattainable.  God has revealed through His prophets, and in Jesus His Son, that peace is possible.  Secondly, Jesus is the Prince of Peace; allow him to reign in and over your life.  Prayer is essential.  As the psalmist reminds us, be still and know that I am God. 
     So often when we think of where peace needs to dwell, we turn our attention to distant places like the Middle East, warring factors of the African continent, or tensions the United States faces with North Korea or China.  Perhaps we look at the need for reconciliation between elected officials and political parties, where daily we hear of the deep divide in our nation’s capital.
     We hear news reports of the crime that take place in our local region, senseless violence with shootings and stabbings and we wonder why?  How can human beings treat one another in such cruel and diminishing ways?  And then there’s the national scourge of the disrespect for the sanctity of human life in so many forms, from the killing of unborn children to physician assisted suicide.  God help us!  And He does!  He has given us a Savior who has come to bring reconciliation between us and our heavenly Father and one another.  Dare we turn to Him and follow His ways?
     We must first find peace in our hearts and lives and we do that in quiet prayer – silence.  Again, be still in the presence of God.  Friends, just five minutes a day in quiet prayer and allowing the God of all peace to speak to us in the silence of our hearts makes a world of difference in our lives – and our world.  This is the place to begin.  Know God’s peace, and take it into the world – beginning with our families.
     On this day of celebrating the Holy Family, Jesus Mary, and Joseph, let us not only reaffirm peace as possible, but recognize where “our world” begins, and that is in the family.  Where do we need  to address the need for reconciliation in our families?  Who in our immediate family is in need of our forgiveness let alone our extended family?       We need to forgive and let go of past hurts just as our heavenly Father, who is so rich in mercy, forgives us of our sins.  However, we cannot give what we do not have.  That is why prayer is key.  Be not bashful in asking our loving God to help us to see and love ourselves as He sees and loves us.  Be humble – truthful about who we are and who we are not, and celebrate the mercy of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is schedule six out of seven days a week within our parish grouping (See the bulletin for scheduled times). 
     Recognizing the extravagance of God’s mercy should help us to extend that goodness to others.  If forgiveness remains a problem, do not hesitate to ask our Heavenly Father for help.  He is always there to assist us in our need and give us what we need for salvation!
     Yes, peace on earth, beginning in our lives and extended to our family members.  That’s what the Feast of the Holy Family calls us to recognize as possible in our lives and within our families.  From there, let us take the peace of God into our world where it is sorely needed.  We can do it!  That’s because Emmanuel, God with us, is the Prince of Peace.  Peace to you and your family.  Allow the Holy Family to serve as model in your home and in all of your relationships.  Peace…
  
Welcome!
     Effective communication in its many forms is critical in this information age.  This is particularly true when it comes to the Good News of the Gospel!  We have been actively searching for someone who we believe can fulfill this mission for the Catholic Community in Wexford.  I am pleased to announce that this position has been filled and on this weekend of Holy Family, its a perfect time to announce the extension of the parish staff team.  Riley McCullough has accepted the position and is joining our parish evangelization team as Media Coordinator. 
     She recently moved to Pittsburgh after three years of mission work for the Church. Riley has served with Damascus Catholic Mission Campus in Ohio and The Diocese of Westminster in London, England, primarily in event planning and youth ministry.  Riley is bringing to our team her degree in multimedia communications from Purdue University in Indiana.  She is excited to share the Good News of Jesus within our community through dynamic, efficient communication for our parish and the larger community.  Jesus IS the center of everything our parish is about!  Welcome Riley!
 
 
Merry Christmas and Many, Many Thanks!
     Thank you to so many parishioners for your thoughtfulness and generosity at Christmas!  Your cards, warm wishes, prayers, gifts, and delicious baked goods are so appreciated!  We cherish the blessing of being a part of the Saint Alphonsus and Saint Alexis parish families.  In these times of transition, your support means so much beginning with your prayers.  May God bless you for your kindness a hundred-fold and may the new year be filled with His holiness and blessings.  Merry Christmas!
With gratitude, best wishes, and continued prayers,
 
Fr. Zywan and Fr. Joe