Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dear Friends in Mission,

As a young boy, the Christmas season was always a very special and holy time in the life of my home parish at Holy Guardian Angels.  We were taught by our pastor to have a great love and reverence for the Divine Christ-Child and to go often before or after Mass to make a visit to the manger.

In a real way, at that moment kneeling before the crib with Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I came to understand the importance of knowing God and all that He created in the world.  Like the angels in adoration around the baby Jesus, I too was in adoration and gave witness to his birth!

I guess because the guardian angels were our patrons in the parish and we were always reminded of their love and care for us, I took a special interest in their company and all their doings in the world. 

St. Luke, 2:8-11 tells us. “And in that region there were shepherds . . .  and an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. . . Be not afraid; for I bring you good news of a great joy . . .  for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  It seemed to me that the angels had a special mission that required a unique skill in service both to God and humanity. And I was always curious to learn more.

In a real way each of you are angels because you continue the missionary legacy of the Black andIndian Mission Office.  When I travel to our American Indian reservations or Black Catholic communities, I am mindful of the many hearts that are united in prayer and sacrifice for the missions across the United States.  I see your presence at St. Peter Indian School in Phoenix, St. Augustine school in Washington, DC, at St. Michaels Indian School in the Diocese of Gallup and St. Peter Claver in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Like the angels, you have a special skill in caring and sharing that only you can give!

Thank you for your mission collaboration during 2011. Please share our mission outreach to Native Americans and African Americans with your family and friends.  Invite them to visit us at www.blackandindianmission.org .  

May the Christ-Child bless you and your loved ones abundantly during this Christmas season and  2012 bring “good news of great joy” to our families and missions across the United States.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Father W. Paysse

Executive Director

Advent calls us like the magi to follow the "star" that leads to Jesus

 My recent visit to St. Anthony's Mission School in the Diocese of Gallup, NM was a "magi experience" when I saw the smiling faces of the Zuni youth. They were like bright shining stars that gave a glow of joy, peace and a great sense of faith. . .  

The children and their teachers along with their principal shared a real treasure with me as I walked through the classrooms and school campus. Impressed and inspired as their hands went up like festive flags anxious to respond to their teachers questions and inquiries.

As we journey through this season of grace, as we prepare for the birth of Jesus, allow his spirit of love, joy, peace and reconciliation to shine brightly in our hearts and to permeate all whom we meet each day. Let us follow his Star, let us imitate the Zuni People, especially their children, blessings now and for future generations!
 
Advent blessings! 
Father Paysse