Happy Christmas  On our Saviour’s Birthday let us give thanks to God and count our blessings! Celebrating the joy of this sacred time with our families and friends we are mindful too of those who have to cope with illness or other tough concerns. Our most sincere gratitude to the local St. Vincent de Paul Society and to all the volunteers who so generously contribute to making Christmas a little less stressed and a lot happier for those most in need in our community. We express our thanks also to the many parishioners who assist with the pastoral, spiritual and financial needs of our parish, especially with looking after the churches, helping at the Masses, sharing in the work at the parish office, the parish grounds, the cemeteries and in the parish schools throughout the year. Special greetings to those home for Christmas and to new parishioners spending their first Christmas with us in Rahan parish. It continues to pain us all to see the terrible scenes of war and destruction in the Holy Land and so many other places around the world. The unimaginable reality which grandparents, parents and children have to face each day is heartbreaking. So as we pray before the Crib at home or in our churches, we think of all who suffer this Christmas and we plead for peace as we mark this birthday of the Prince of Peace! Pray too for our own families and thank God for the blessings, love and peace we enjoy. On this Christmas Day may the Light of Christ light up our lives, illuminate the darkness which prevails in our world and shine the Light of Heaven brightly for all our dead, especially remembering those who have died since our last Christmas. Assuring you all of our prayers and wishing you and your families, much health and happiness as you celebrate our Saviour’s birthday. Fr Michael and Fr Frank