Leland's Growing Lump of Coal

Remember the charming seven-year-old I wrote about this summer? I don't know where he went. This week, in particular was the most trying so far. Although it feels like we need to transfer him to military school in Colorado, we realize he's a typical seven-year-old, an only child, and thanks to pandemic, coping with house-arrest for the past nine months. But now is not the time. It's the end of the year. I'm at my wit's end and behind in so many things to keep this parish alive and well. So, Msgr. Torgerson advises: "If you're too busy to pray for an hour every day—then pray for two hours." Oh, Monsignor!

That aphorism has been attributed to Zen masters, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and probably many others. But I love that I heard it for the first time from our pastor.

Our lists may not be longer this year, but they are certainly more complicated. St. Monica has not postponed, delayed, or reduced any of our year-end holiday outreach commitments. It's vital that we continue to serve, support, and sustain our parish and civic community's population that is most in need. Along with Thanksgiving, our end of the year appeals include Share the Season (Adopt-a-Family & Stockings for Singles), Africa Education, and Christmas offertory, which (along with Easter) accounts for one-third of our annual giving.

Thank you for all the ways in which you inspire this parish to be present: for those in need, for families struggling, and for brothers and sisters across the globe! Even when we're too busy to support in the typical ways—you have doubled down. May God's blessing and grace pour out in abundance. Blessed Advent to you and yours.