CHRIST THE REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH 46833 Harry Byrd Highway
Sterling, Virginia 20164

Christmas 2006

Dear Friends at Christ the Redeemer,

The joy of Christmas bursts once again from the hopefulness of Advent. As we read of the great joy of the Birth of the Savior, we are embraced and encouraged in our Christian life within the parish and within our family homes. Once again this year, it is my joy to wish you parishioners at Christ the Redeemer the peace and good things of the Lord in your life.

Christmas-Epiphany like all liturgical seasons is an invitation to remember the ever-faithful presence of the Father in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. By the action of the Spirit all of us are blessed with life and breath. We are able to see and encounter the Christ in the brothers and sisters of our human family. The liturgy offers us the colors, sounds, and ritual of God’s actions in our lives. Hopefully, the Christmas liturgies will intensify and celebrate this already joyful season. Thanks to our ministers who have helped us to worship well.

Christmas allows us to remember the year of grace just passed. Thank you for your presence in our worshiping and praying community. We continue to be blessed with believers who discover the Lord in our worship on the Lord’s Day and other feasts throughout the year. As a community, we have been blessed with many, many baptisms, confirmations, and first communions. As a community, we have welcomed the spectrum of God-with-us from the joys of brides and grooms to the tears of people saying good-bye to their beloved dead.

We are thankful for our children in both our English and Spanish speaking religious education programs. They are life and hope. Thanks to the catechists and parents who have shared the faith with the children and young people.

The parish has been blessed with a sense of mission as many have served our brothers and sisters in their needs. Thanks to those who have stepped-forward with LINK, with the Blood Drive, with feeding the day laborers of our area.

We are richly blessed in our life and mission. Thanks to those of you who faithfully support the ministry with your contributions. We are blessed in your gifts to the parish and to the others needs which have been brought to your attention.

A most blessed and joyful Christmas from the Friars, Father Lino, and the Staff at Christ the Redeemer. The Lord’s continued blessings and peace with you and your families.

Sincerely,

(Fr.) C. Donald Howard, SA
Pastor