In the heart of Haughville on the corner of North Holmes Avenue & West St. Clair Street on the near westside of Indianapolis, Indiana.

A Merry and Blessed Christmas Season and a Happy New Year!  It never fails that around this time of year I think about how quickly the year has passed.  This time of year begs us to reflect upon this past year.  As a parish we have seen many blessings.  Our 500 Fest with live music was a wonderful evening, even though the weather wasn’t very cooperative.  Our parish council and commissions have worked hard to address the needs of our parish and new members stepped into positions of leadership.  Partnering with other parishes we held a very successful first annual Parish Partner clean up day.  Our Sunday coffee and donuts continues to be a wonderful time of community and fellowship.  Through the generosity of parishioners and friends of Holy Trinity we were able to raise money to begin the renovation of Bockhold hall.  Our SVdP and Altar Society continue to reach out to those in need and the Poticas continue to bake away in support of Holy Trinity.  The Holy Family Shelter Project has begun with the demolition of Lavric and Mary Carl Halls.  God truly has blessed us. 

For many of us we face the New Year with fear and uncertainty as our economy and the stock market have taken a down turn.  Many people have lost their jobs and/or their homes.  Many have also watched as their investments and retirement plans lose significant value.  The Silver lining of this cloud is that it reminds us that in the end no amount of planning, investing, or earthly things will save us.  Only in God do we find our salvation.  The season of Advent and Christmas call us to remember that our God is faithful.  Throughout human history God’s faithfulness to us was leading to the incarnation, when God the Son entered into humanity in the person of Jesus.  How is your relationship with God?  Do you talk to God daily?  Are you turning to God by giving thanks and praise through regular participation in the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist?  Are you actively involved in your faith community, giving of yourself to build up God’s kingdom?  May this new year of 2009 bring each of us to conversion and a closer relationship with God and his Church.  May we recognize where we are called to forgive or ask forgiveness and to reconcile with God and others.  May we live this year in gratitude, regardless of what may come.  May you invest wisely in the ultimate retirement plan, your relationship with Christ.  Finally, may this New Year bring you peace, love, and joy.  God Bless you!

Love,

Fr. John