There are so many aspects to the church in the modern world. But one aspect at the very heart of the church’s mission is charity. From its beginnings, Jesus directed his apostles: “Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them everything that I have commanded you,” (Mt 28:19-20).

The command he has given us is a new commandment. Jesus told us to love one another as I have loved you. In the end, we will be judged by God in our response to those in need for as it is stated in the Gospel, “When did we see you hungry and feed you or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you or naked and clothe you?” (Mt 25:37-38)

In my experience as a priest and a bishop, my life has been enriched by the example of the families I have encountered. I have observed them in times of joy and during times of struggle. I laughed with them and celebrated their successes. I have prayed and cried with families at the deaths of loved ones. I have watched as the loss of a job or economic hardship necessitated a move to another town or state, tearfully separating friends. I have viewed the effects of an injury or illness, forcing adjustments to the normal family routine in order to care for a loved one.

As we approach Christmas, we are again bombarded with the usual Christmas stories. For the children there is “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” finding his niche as a directional signal, or “The Night Before Christmas,” enkindling the excitement of Old St. Nick.

For the adults there is George Bailey discovering “It’s a Wonderful Life” (“To my big brother George, the richest man in town.”) and, of course, there is the timeless favorite, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” in which Mr. Scrooge will be visited by the three spirits of Christmas – past, present and future.

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Most people are invited to at least one wedding every year. Family members, friends or coworkers want others to share in their joy. As a priest, I was privileged to celebrate a number of weddings and each one was unique. Of course, the religious ceremony was similar but each couple possessed the special signature of their relationship.

The preparation for the wedding was a time to explore the relationship and assist the couple in discovering God’s hand in their vocation. For many couples it was a time to give thanks for their families and the contribution they made in the decision to marry.

Throughout the archdiocese there are smiling faces of young children making their way to school, and there are a few tears being shed by parents whose babies are entering those school years – a true sign that their children are growing up.

I can remember my first day of school at St. Michael; it was kindergarten, and my teacher’s name was Sr. Alipia. She was a legend in her work with the very young and everyone loved her. I have often said that the teacher in the earliest years of schooling sets the tone for the rest of one’s academic life. In fact, there was a book written which reflected that sentiment.

I was so proud on the first day of school. I was joining my cousins and neighbors in my rightful place in society. Papa went to work and I went to school. When I entered the school, those eighth graders looked soooooooo old and I wondered if I would ever get to that grade level, if I would ever be that big, if I would ever be that smart. Now, years later, those eighth graders look so young it’s hard to remember that we were ever that age. Today, we are much bigger and wider in many ways than we were in eighth grade and, of course, we all realize that many of us are not as smart as even a fifth grader. Just watch the quiz show.