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January 2019
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There is something very nostalgic about Christmas.  One of the things many of us do during this time of year is look back; particularly  to the year that has just passed.  And for some of us it has been a great year.  Maybe we’ve had positive developments in relationships and marriages and even friendships.  Maybe some are happier in our work than a year ago, either from a change in jobs or an increase in pay.  Or maybe some have been able to rejoice in our accomplishments, or those of our spouses or children or friends.  Some of us might actually be healthier than we were a year ago.  All good things.

But then there are the rest of us...  those who look back and are faced with the realization that it’s been a really tough year.  Maybe a relationship is under stress or has ended.  Perhaps you or someone you love is facing a tough illness.  Maybe work is a disaster or financial issues are making you lose sleep.  Or maybe some are lonelier, suffering from an addiction or grieving the death of a loved one.  Perhaps bad choices have led to bad consequences followed by daily guilt.  All difficult things.

Put simply: Life happened.  Life is hard.  And messy.  And, at times, unpredictable.

And that’s one of the things that makes Christmas so important, so special, so necessary as we make our way through life…WE ARE NOT ALONE!

Our joys are sweetened and our sorrows softened because we are never alone.  “Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14).  “I will be with you always until the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)  

For those of who had a good year…Thank God!

And for those who didn’t…those who feel ‘less than’, or incomplete or ‘less than whole’ or disconnected in anyway; the infant lying in the manger has a message for you:   “How can anyone ever tell you that you were anything less than beautiful.  How could anyone ever tell you, you were less than whole.  How could anyone fail to notice that your loving is a miracle.  How deeply you're connected to my soul.” (Baby Jesus)

Merry Christmas,

Fr. Brian Sullian

    IN THIS ISSUE
Christmas Schedule

Antioch Retreat 2019
January 18 - 20



CLICK HERE to register for the Antioch Retreat happening this coming January 2019. For more information contact christa@churchofchristtheking.org.
Luminary Set Up
December 24 at 11am



Calling all TEENS!

Luminary Set Up on December 24 from 11 am to 12 pm at the Parish Hall.
CLICK HERE to sign up!
CTK Women's Retreat Day
January 26



Contact Sr. Mary Joseph for more information.
Christmas Concert 2018
[photo album & videos]




56 singers, traditional dance, period instruments, bells, a full church and a lot of energy coming from the choirs of Christ the King and St. Patrick Church (Chatham, NJ). This was a night to remember and a great way to start the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

CLICK HERE to see video 1.
CLICK HERE to see video 2.
CLICK HERE to see the Photo Album.
Vulnerability and Mary
by Sr. Mary Joseph Schultz, SCC



“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.”  Brené Brown

When I recently heard this quotation, I was immediately led to reflect on the life of Mary, particularly during her Advent season.  If there is one word to describe our Blessed Mother  during her pregnancy, it is “vulnerability.”  Not only at the Annunciation but all throughout her life, Mary kept showing up and was never in control of the outcome.

With Gabriel’s surprise visit to this teenager in Nazareth, Mary’s life was changed.  Her open, docile and immaculate heart responded to God’s invitation, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  Let it be done to me as you have said.”  Or, in today’s jargon, “If God says it, I’m in!”

Right after she learns of her own pregnancy, Mary’s first thought was to go to her older cousin, Elizabeth, to be of assistance.  She set out alone…a precarious position for a pregnant teenager in Palestine…and courageously traveled a long distance to show up.  She did not know the outcome as she left her house, but she was rewarded by John’s leap of joy in his own mother’s womb, and the comforting, faith-filled testimony of her cousin.  

Many years later, Mary showed up at Cana.  At the wedding feast, when the wine ran short, she plainly laid out the facts to her Son, “They have no wine.”  Her vulnerability evident, she had no idea what Jesus would do, but she knew He would do something and he would save the day.  Her simple statement of the fact led to an abundance of choice wine.  

Mary speaks few recorded words in Scripture.  At the foot of the cross she speaks no words at all.  After all, what could be said?  Her courageous presence, her vulnerability as the Sorrowful Mother, spoke volumes.  On that day did she think back to her Annunciation words?  “Let it be done.”  This losing of her Son was the ultimate test of her faith, for sure.  But the Resurrection win three days later again flowed from her moment of utter detachment and trust.

Vulnerability is not always seen as a positive quality.  We are encouraged today to be strong, to fight for our rights, to stand up for ourselves.  As I reflect on Mary, I am reminded to be detached from the winning or losing, to just have the courage to show up and leave the control to God.   Then I will be sure of the most abundant outcome.

Through Mary’s hands, may all the joys and graces of this holy season be yours!

Please share your comments and experiences with me: srmaryjoseph@churchofchristtheking.org
Christmas According to Kids
[video]



What happens when you ask a bunch of kids to tell the story of Christmas? Enjoy this story of Bethle-ha-ha-ham and the magical star that appeared.

CLICK HERE to see the video.
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