I would like to take this time to wish our members, their families and those many friends we serve throughout the year a very Blessed and Holy Christmas. I am reminded of a reflection that Msgr. Peter Schonenbach, our national spiritual advisor, gave at our recent national board of directors meeting. Msgr. spoke about one line in the Lord’s Prayer, one which we all know well and repeat often. When we ask God to forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others, please remember we are simply asking to be forgiven by the same measure we forgive others. Please let us always remember to forgive others as well as try to understand why and how our friends in need are lost in a cycle of poverty. We can and should do more for these friends and neighbours by looking at ways we can reduce or eliminate the obstacles their families face. Indeed, our focus on social justice issues can provide us with a way to achieve such success.

May I close with a sincere thank you to everyone for your dedication and efforts this past year as I continue to be inspired by your examples of love, sharing and caring for our fellow citizens.    

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.

Sincerely,

Jim Paddon