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December 24, 2002
Dear friends and family,
I have been enjoying reading many
letters and messages of Christmas cards as they come pouring in as I have
been trying to get my computer fixed so that I can get my messages off,
but it looks I’m going to have to wait till after Christmas, so please
forgive the lateness of my greetings, and thanks so much for your greetings
and news!
My e-mail greetings will just have
to wait!
This has been a very busy year
and a troubling one I believe for all of us, but I try to keep my sight
on the bright stars that shine in the long night of our times, with the
faith and hope that the dawn of a new day once again which rise upon us
through our Savior Jesus Christ who comes to set things right where we
have messed up, planting and assisting us in the building up of his Civilization
of Love, Justice, Truth, Freedom which brings us Joy and Peace.
In ministry this year, my missionary
activity has led me to many places in the country and a record 4 times
to Canada in a year, though one of those times was when I was on holiday.
I decided to drive north visiting parks and lakes through California, Oregon,
Washington and British Columbia, while visiting family in Kamloops, BC
and Bend, Oregon. It was a great holiday and I enjoyed spending time with
my relatives. During my last visit, after I finished a mission in Vancouver,
I was able to baptize a grand nephew, a reminder that I’m not as young
as I used to be!
I’ve also been engaged in a good
deal of supply work in the different parishes of this diocese of Sacramento.
Also working along with other vocation directors within the diocese and
with my religious community in the promotion and guidance of young people
who feel called to the consecrated life or/and priesthood.
Here, at our place in Citrus Heights
near Sacramento, I’ve had some really wonderful moments. I love this place
and have made some wonderful friends. My health is at it’s best here as
well. I haven’t even had problems with sinus or the flu. Long may it last!
I’m looking forward to spend Christmas
with my community here amidst some pastoral commitments.
I wish I could present myself personally
to you at this time of the year and spend some quality time together with
you, but as that is not possible I want you to know that I will remember
you in a special way during my Christmas Eucharist.
May God bless you. Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!
From,
Christopher Gibson, CP