A Christmas Message from Father Ryan, Pastor
My dear friends in Christ,
As we enter this Fourth Sunday of Advent, our hearts draw near to the radiant mystery of Christmas, the mystery of a God who loves us so intensely that He steps into our world, into our history, and into our humanity. Advent has been a season of longing, watching, and preparing; now it gently gives way to wonder. The closer we come to Christmas, the more clearly we see the heart of our faith: God comes to save us. He comes not because we have earned His love, but because He is love. This is the simple and astounding proclamation of the Gospel, the kerygma, that changes everything.
In Jesus Christ, God Himself breaks into the silence of our sin, our fear, our wounds, and our loneliness. He comes as a child, vulnerable and approachable, so that no one may fear to draw near to Him. The manger is not merely a quaint scene; it is a declaration of divine tenderness. It is God saying, “I have come for you. I desire to be with you. I desire to save you.”
Mary and Joseph show us what it means to receive this gift with faith. Mary opens her heart in trust; Joseph listens to the voice of God even when the path is uncertain. Their lives are changed because they allow God to draw close. And so it is with us: when Christ enters our lives, truly enters, He brings hope where there is discouragement, mercy where there is sin, and peace where there is unrest.
This final week of Advent invites us to stand beside Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem. It invites us to ready our own hearts, to prepare room for Christ, not simply to remember His birth, but to let Him be born again in us. The world still needs the light of Christ. Our families need it. Our parish needs it. Each one of us needs it. And the astounding truth is that God still comes. He still draws near. He still chooses to dwell among His people.
As your pastor, it is one of the great graces of my priesthood to walk with you toward this holy night. And it is with joy that I invite you, your families, and your loved ones to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord here at St. Benedict Parish.
Christmas is not merely a holiday, it is an encounter. In the Eucharist, the same Jesus born in Bethlehem comes to us in His Body and Blood, offering Himself as our Savior and our peace. What a gift to receive Him together as a parish family.
I warmly invite you to join us for the Divine Mystery of Mass on Christmas, to rediscover the beauty of the liturgy, the warmth of the community, and the gentle nearness of the Lord who longs for you. Bring your children, your grandparents, your friends, and your neighbors. Share the joy. Share the hope. Share the love that comes from Christ alone.
Please know that you are deeply in my prayers throughout this holy season. In my daily Holy Hours and at the altar, I bring each of you before the Lord, your intentions, your burdens, your joys, your families. I pray that this Christmas renews your faith, strengthens your hope, and fills your hearts with the peace the world cannot give.
May the newborn King bless you with the grace to know His love more personally this Christmas, and may His light shine brightly within your homes throughout the coming year. A blessed Advent and a joyful, hope-filled Christmas to you and your loved ones, and let’s become great saints together!
In Christ's Sacred Heart,
Fr. Ryan
Mass Schedule
Christmas Eve Family Mass
4 PM & 6 PM
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass
Caroling begins at 11:30 PM
Christmas Day Mass
8 AM, 10 AM & 12 Noon