May the Lord give you His peace!
Happy New Year!!  For us as Catholics we already celebrated our new Church year on the first day of Advent.  This new calendar year, however, gives us yet another opportunity to give thanks for all of the ways that God has blessed us in this past year and to look forward with hope to all of the blessings to come.  Those blessings have been quite abundant in my life this past year, especially with regard to becoming your pastor!  In the spirit of gratitude, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our clergy and staff here at St. Anthony’s along with our ministers, choir, and decorating crew who made this year’s celebration of Christmas such a joyful and meaningful experience.  The children who practiced with the help and guidance of the adult “pageant crew” under the direction of Ms. Jean Jacksen did an outstanding job, including this year’s baby Jesus, Jerry Forgione!  I am sure our Lord was as pleased with the gift of our presence at Christmas Mass as he was of the Shepherds and Wise Men who came to visit Him at Christmas.  Thank you as well for the generosity that so many of you show throughout the year and particularly at Christmas with regard to your support to St. Anthony’s parish and for your many kindnesses to your priests in the form of cookies, cakes, cards, and so many thoughtful (and tasty!) gifts.  All of God’s blessings upon you in this new year!! Please know that you will all be kept in prayer. 
Peace!
Fr. Tom