Dear St. Mary Magdalene Family, Several months ago, I met with an old friend from my former parish who told me he wanted to offer a large quantity of beautifully framed images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a Christmas gift to St. Mary Magdalene's parishioners. Moved by his generosity, I accepted his offer on behalf of the parish.

With that said, I am pleased to announce that we have more than 1,300 framed and wrapped images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus ready to distribute after Christmas Mass this year. Accompanying each image is the special prayer of enthronement so that each family might "enthrone" the Sacred Heart in their homes.

Beginning Christmas Eve, we will distribute the framed image to any family that desires to take one home and offer the enthronement prayer. Please note that this gift is one per family while the supplies last.

The enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in one's home is intimately connected to the mystery of Christ's birth at Christmas, because both celebrate God's profound desire to dwell personally and lovingly among His people. At Christmas, the eternal Son of God takes on our humanity and enters the world as a vulnerable child, revealing the depth of divine love made visible in the flesh.

The Sacred Heart extends this same incarnate love into the life of the family, inviting Christ to reign at the center of the home with His mercy, peace, and tenderness. Just as the Holy Family welcomed Jesus into their dwelling in Bethlehem, the enthronement is a conscious act of welcoming the Incarnate Lord into the heart of daily family life-allowing His love to shape relationships, heal wounds, and sanctify the ordinary rhythms of the household. In this way, Christmas and the Sacred Heart enthronement together proclaim Emmanuel-"God with us"-not only in history, but in the living present.

This gift offered to our parishioners has only been made more meaningful when it was announced that the U.S. Bishops voted in November at their bi-annual General Assembly to consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This will take place during the 250th anniversary of the nation which we celebrate in the coming year 2026.

Also being distributed to our parish families this Christmas, is the special gift provided by another anonymous donor. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis is a profound spiritual classic that offers practical guidance on living a life of humility, devotion, and Christ-like virtue.

Written in the early 15th century, it presents reflections on the inner life, encouraging the reader to focus on prayer, meditation, and self-discipline while avoiding worldly distractions. The book emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' example, cultivating a deep personal relationship with God, and embracing the cross in daily life.

Through its simple, yet powerful teachings, The Imitation of Christ calls Catholics to reject vanity, pride, and sin, and to seek holiness through humility, self-examination, and sincere love for God and neighbor. Its timeless wisdom continues to inspire those striving for deeper spiritual growth and a closer walk with Christ.

As we celebrate this Christmas may each of us be open to the love of God pouring into our hearts and his desire to be among us - born as a humble child in the harsh circumstances of the manger - and to bring to us the Good News of salvation. As we welcome the Christ Child into our homes and hearts let us be a parish family infused with hope - enlivened with the Spirit - and constant in faith knowing that Emmanuel has come - God is truly with us!

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