My dear parishioners and visitors,
There is only 11 days left to 2014 Christmas! Are you ready?
The “must asked question” is how and what we should do now in order to be spiritually, emotionally and physically ready not only for the 1st coming of Jesus, Christmas, in our human history over 2.000 year ago in Bethlehem, for his 2nd coming in glory and majesty to judge both the living and the death but also very important for His personal coming to us here and now in mystery through the sacraments, especially through the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
The answer for this question is found in the readings for this Sunday. So Let us together attentively listening to and faithfully following what St. Paul’s teaching us: “Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, hold fast to what is good and abstain from every form of evil.” (The 2nd reading, 1 Thess.5:16-24).
The action-plan for this week: Clean up our hearts, our souls and our minds then come to receive the sacrament of reconciliation on December 17th, Wed., at 7.00p.m. Also “Let us live justly and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of the glory of our great God”. (Titus 2:11-13).
I have an unexpected news to share with you. That is the two furnaces and the hot water tank in the rectory have not worked and functioned properly and effectively. Bob Becker and Alvin Koberinski told me that these two furnaces and the hot water tank have been installed at least in the late 1950. They have worked together to fix it for the many years. It is the times now, Bob & Al said, and the Canadian Western Mechanical LTD recommended, to have new furnaces and hot water tank for the rectory. They need to be replaced soon. This company gives us a quote of $ 10.356.80 (including tax & labours and with 10 years parts & labour warranty) for this project: Two new Single Stage Furnaces and a new hot water tank. They will upgrade the gas lines, return air plenum, drainage pump and line and the venting system.
I have a meeting with the members of the finance committee on Dec. 11th, Thursday, and the consensus is that the old furnaces and hot water tank must be replaced and that the given quote is good.
We are so blessed to have the money for this emergency project from the Faith in Action. Many of you have given generously to FIA this year. I now would like to ask all of us, everyone, please give to FIA Campaign. If you have given yet, please give it before the end of December 2014. You will receive the Income Tax receipt for your donation. I am deeply grateful for your generosity.
Have a good week and a blessed Advent Season.
Fr. Peter Hoan Nguyen, your pastor