“Glory to God in the highest and peace to all men of good will”
Dear Friends in Christ,
Merry Christmas! May the Joy of the birth of the Word incarnate, the Nativity of Jesus Christ, fill your heart during the Christmas season. God’s plan to send His Son for our salvation is celebrated during this solemn season of course. But in a particular way during this Jubilee Year of Mercy, we give praise for the Love shown unto us.
Not just in this Year of Mercy, but always, we are invited to know of the Father’s mercy so that we might change our own lives and then in turn extend mercy to others.
As you spend time with family and friends during this beautiful season, I encourage you to reach out to those who have been away from the faith. With gentleness and mercy and through witness and invitation, you can be messengers of God’s Love. If you are seeking resources to share, the diocesan web page is great place to start. My weekly TV Mass homilies, the Bishop’s Bulletin and prayer resources are updated regularly for all to use as we look to nourish the faith that has been handed on to us.
Be assured that you will be remembered in my Christmas Masses and that you are always in my prayers. Rejoice, our Savior is born!
Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Paul J. Swain
Bishop of Sioux Falls