Open Letter to Chreasters

It’s Christmas Eve. Many regular church goers and the clergy will notice faces that they haven’t seen in a year or Easter.

Many of us will notice that these people will take the hymnals, favorite spots in church, the parking lot, and coat hooks. It seems awesome, right? Not for everyone. Meanwhile, the pews will be standing room only depending on the capacity it can fit. It is great.

A priest reminds us

“I understand the annoyance. But friends: if our churches were this crowded every Sunday, it would be a DREAM. Imagine all that we could do for God together.

So, let's smile and welcome new faces. Let's park in the back so our guests can take the front. Let's not grumble if people don't know the words to the prayers. Let's offer them our hymnal if we can sing the songs by heart. Let's smile at their tired toddlers. Let's make room for strangers in the inn of our hearts.

Maybe they'll show up again next Sunday if we show them how glad we are to welcome them. Maybe next year they'll be regulars along with us. And even if they never darken the doors of our church again, if we welcome the stranger as Christ and show them a share of the love we've found in our church home, then we will have celebrated Christmas well.”

Now, I would like to write to anyone who may be in that category.

Dear Chreaster,

I noticed that you’ve come to church since Easter or a year maybe two. I commend you in attending Mass which is best way to Keep Christ in Christmas.

However, I noticed the culture has gotten into the way of your catechetical upbringings that it prompted you to abandon your Catholic roots. I condemn the way of the culture. I know that things happened to the church, a priest may have said something that has driven you mad, yet he wanted to direct you to heaven. Years have gone by, and the Catholic faith has been in the back of your mind. It is time to make amends.

I want to extend an open invitation to you and loved one to attend Mass every given Sunday. It is time to seek his mercy, the Eucharist which nourishes body, mind, and spirit, and most importantly what he has in store for you.

Please accept my invitation to practice your faith more.

Merry Christmas