MSGR. NELSON'S NOTES

                                                                    November 2009


My Dear Friends in Christ,
Happy New Year! Another year has passed and once again we are blessed with a new life. We thank God for all the blessings he has given us, even during these difficult economic times.  So many people have been suffering during this last year and I know it has been very challenging for them But we do remember how Jesus himself was poor and just because we may lack luxury
items or even simple needs, through charity of others and the church we will always be provided for, and no matter how poor in pocket we may be, we can still be rich in faith, hope and love. Let us remember to watch out for our neighbors. Some people may be embarrassed to ask for help so we want to make sure that their needs are met.

If you remember from last year, the first international pilgrimage to Rome took place in the summer time and there was a wonderful turn out. Well this November, the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care will hold its 24th International Conference at the Vatican on the topic: The Deaf Person in the Life of the Church. Such an exciting time to see the Universal
Catholic Church meet to address the needs of Deaf Catholics throughout the world! I will be attending this conference as an observer and I will bring your thoughts and prayers with me. Please pray for those Deaf Catholics who will be presenting on your behalf. It gives me great joy and hope for the future of the Deaf Apostolate around the globe. This is such a joy to know that YOUR Catholic Church understands your call and wishes to serve you as best as She can. The Church loves all her members.

I invite all of you to help join us in celebrating Christmas this year. Our Christmas Mass begins at 12:00 Noon in DeKalb at Christ the Teacher University Parish on December 20. The party begins afterwards at 1:00 PM. Please join us for prayer and fellowship. Also, thank you to all who have donated gifts for the residents of the Jack Mabley Center. It is always a joy to bring Christmas to the residents there in Dixon, I hope you will consider volunteering to help bring Christ Cheer to a very special community.
Finally, I take this opportunity again to thank all of my wonderful interpreters and volunteers who help make the Deaf Apostolate such an active and life-giving ministry. I could not do this work alone, and I am glad I do not have to...you are all WONDERFUL!

                                      God bless you all!!!