Christmas Message from Bishop Thomas Dowd
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December 23, 2020Dear members of the diocesan family,
Dear friends of all faith traditions,
It gives me great pleasure to address this letter to you just a week after the inauguration of my ministry as bishop for the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie. With Christmas arriving just around the corner, one joyous occasion follows another!
There is something special about this time of year. Even as we struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic, hope bursts forth. We will have the chance to celebrate Christmas itself, for which I am grateful, and the new year carries with it the promise of a vaccine which will help us return to a more normal way of life.
To help combat this virus, residents of Ontario are being asked to enter another lockdown. Looking on the bright side, it will be a chance for us to slow down and spend time with our families
and loved ones. Let us not forget that the reason for this “pause” is to protect the most vulnerable.
Many of us have experienced a loss this year, myself included. Christmas will feel different, no question about it. I invite all of us, therefore, to also remember those who may be feeling sad
or alone at this time. Christmas is a chance for us to renew community, and this spirit of mutual communion is one of the great gifts Jesus gave to the world over 2000 years ago. Let’s open that
gift, and our hearts!
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a most blessed and happy New Year!
Yours in Christ,
+Thomas Dowd
Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie