Christmas is one of the most important days of the Church year, second only to Easter. Celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is the culmination of the mystery of the incarnation, the feast of God becoming flesh.

The liturgical season of Christmas begins with the Vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (January 11th this year). During this season, we celebrate the birth of Christ into our world and into our hearts and reflect on the gift of salvation that is born with him, including the fact that he was born to die for us.

The Christmas trees and the Nativity scene are popular symbols of the season and traditionally stay up until the season ends.  As we look upon our beautiful Nativity, trees, and poinsettias for one more Sunday, we give thanks to all who helped make our Christmas liturgies possible.

First and foremost, our clergy – Monsignor Houle, Fathers Maurice and Ernest, and Deacon Mike, who make sure our liturgies are celebrated to perfection. They have the great ability to be flexible and adapt to last minute challenges and changes so that everything looks seamless.

Next comes our liturgical ministers – those lay people who have accepted the call to help serve the Church in some capacity to make Masses possible.  Smiling usher/greeters welcome our parishioners and visitors at every Mass. Lectors make sure the word of God is proclaimed properly.  Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist with the distribution of the Eucharist.  Our altar servers do their best to serve the priests in many ways – they must learn so much for being so young!  Our sacristans have the behind-the-scenes responsibility of making sure everything is set up for each Mass.  In total, our Christmas Masses included almost 100 liturgical ministers.  Lastly, we can’t forget our Music Ministry as their voices and instruments filled the church and the gym with Christmas carols.

If you would like to join any of our liturgical ministries, please call MJ at 904-222-0608, or email mjstpaulre@gmail.com.  May God continue to bless all those who unselfishly serve our Lord and the Church!