Dear Beloved Parishioners of St. Monica’s,

As Christmas dawns upon us, my heart overflows with joy and gratitude, reflecting on the incredible journey we have shared as a parish community over the past year. Your love, support, and dedication have been a shining beacon of hope and inspiration, and I am deeply thankful for each one of you.
As I look back on the past year, I am struck by the countless ways in which you have served our parish community with selfless dedication, generosity, and commitment. Your tireless efforts have been a source of strength and inspiration to me and to our entire community.
Christmas is a time to rejoice in the extraordinary gift of God’s love, revealed to us in the birth of Jesus Christ. As we celebrate this sacred feast, let us remember that the true essence of Christmas lies not in the external trappings of the season, but in the profound mystery of God’s Incarnation in our midst.
This year has also been a milestone year for our parish as we celebrate our 75th anniversary. As we reflect on the past 75 years, we are reminded of the countless blessings that God has bestowed upon our parish community. We remember the many priests, religious, and faithful who have served our parish over the years, each one contributing their unique gifts and talents to build up the Body of Christ. I think of the countless sacraments that have been celebrated within our walls, the many lives that have been touched by God’s love, and the numerous ministries and programs that have been established to serve the needs of our community.
As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we are called to look to the future with hope and anticipation. We are reminded of the importance of building the Church in all its various endeavors. As we embark on this new chapter in our parish’s history, I invite you to join me in reflecting on how we can continue to build up the Church and deepen our relationship with God.

At the heart of our faith is the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. It is through this sacrament that we are nourished and strengthened in our journey of faith. It is through the Eucharist that we are formed into the Body of Christ and are sent forth to be the light of the world. As we journey together, let us strive to build each other up, to support one another, and to bear witness to the love of Christ in our daily lives. Let us undertake the responsibility and call to be disciples of Jesus, and try our best to live the mission, breathing community of faith, hope, and love.
I am thrilled to see how our parish community has courageously come together over the past year, emerging stronger from the challenges of the pandemic. I have witnessed firsthand your unwavering commitment to our parish, your unshakeable faith, and your unrelenting generosity.
As we look to the future, I envision our parish community continuing to flourish, with a renewed focus on evangelization, catechesis, and outreach. I see us embracing our diversity, celebrating our uniqueness, and strengthening our bonds of unity. I see us becoming an even more vibrant, loving, and supportive community of faith, where everyone feels welcome, valued, and loved.
I express my deepest gratitude to the many individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support the mission and ministries of St. Monica’s. To our dedicated wardens, Fundraising committee members, Pastoral Council, Parish staff, and volunteers, I offer my sincerest appreciation for your selfless service and generosity.
May this Christmas season be a time of profound joy, peace, and love for you and your loved ones. May the warmth and light of Christ’s presence fill your hearts and homes, and may we, as a community of faith, continue to be a source of hope, inspiration, and guidance to one another.
With heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.

Fr. Jaison Joseph