What is your greatest hope this Christmas?
December 15, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
As we prepare to enter the Jubilee Year and focus on its theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” The Monitor asked members of the diocesan family to share their thoughts on this key question: What is your greatest hope this Christmas?
Gabrielle Bosco
Youth group member, Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle
There are many ways I can begin to answer the question, “What is your greatest hope this Christmas?” A lot of my own personal matters come to mind, since it is very easy to focus on ourselves at times, especially with the hustle of the Christmas season.
Although there is a lot I hope for, I’m placing my trust in God and his timing to handle the matters in my life, which brings my attention the hopes I have for others, and more specifically the Church. Over the past few years, I have been involved in my parish’s youth group and have experienced many amazing things there as well as been able to grow a family. My experience has been going to Adoration with the youth group; when the Lord touches all our hearts and reveals the love and healing provided for us through the Eucharist. This experience in particular has always brought our youth group closer together, and that is a kind of love, healing, comfort, support and joy that I hope everyone in the world is able to experience – that their hearts may be set on fire with God’s love, and that they are guided into a community that supports them and feeds their souls through the beauty of the Eucharist. I hope they get to know the love that is so powerful it brings them to tears, that they are able to see the world with new eyes, and that fills their hearts so full that they keep coming back to the Father.
I believe God can bring us together as one family, and that we can grow God’s Church with his love alone. That is what I hope for this Christmas, that the whole world may experience God’s love.
Dr. Cassandra T. Brown
Parishioner, Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro
When asked, what is my greatest hope this Christmas, I think about my family. For me, on any occasion, but specifically at this time of the year gathering during the Christmas season has a special meaning to me.
At a very early age, my parents introduced my nine brothers and sisters and I to the tradition of coming together on Christmas Eve. In spite of their untimely deaths, we continued to gather to celebrate on Christmas Eve. However, with the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, continuing to come together at the same time each year was difficult, but knowing how important this season is to all of us, we decided to look at other ways of bringing the family together.
First, we tried having a Zoom on Christmas Eve, but this lacked the personal contact and closeness we were accustomed to having. Zooms are fun, but for our family, it just wasn’t enough. Last year, we selected a new date and went to a local restaurant for a holiday dinner where we played games, shared special memories and just enjoyed being with each other. After this, we all agreed that coming together for dinner was an excellent decision. A new tradition is born!
As I look to this year’s Christmas dinner, my greatest hope is that we will always remember what our parents instilled in us so long ago – a sense of family and a sense of pride. Although the day has changed from Christmas Eve to different days during the season, we’ve come to realize that it doesn’t really matter when we celebrate, as long as we do.
Father Michael Kennedy
Pastor, St. Luke Parish, Toms River
As a new pastor my greatest hope this Christmas is that the parish of St Luke’s will grow in love and adoration of Jesus Christ. That goes for myself as well.
Throughout the year, but particularly in these special seasons, I’m always hoping to grow deeper in discipleship of Christ. Obviously, I’m concerned for my own salvation but also taking seriously the responsibility I’ve been entrusted with regarding this particular community as well as to the Bishop and the Diocese as a whole.
Ultimately, the joy and peace of Christmas and the celebration of Christ’s Nativity help me and hopefully all Christians to see that these are joyful responsibilities which will result in the greatest compliment we can wish to receive from God, “We’ll done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Master” (Mt 25:21).
Kayla Latendresse
Member, St. Dominic Parish, BrickFreelance correspondent for The Monitor
Christmas is truly a special time to celebrate the miracle Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and reflect on the blessings and gifts God has given us. The greatest gift we have received is not under the tree but lies in our hearts and souls and all of creation.
As the saying goes, we must keep Christ in Christmas and remember that Jesus is the reason for this most blessed and joyful season. Jesus reminds us that Christmas extends beyond just one day. Christmas is meant to be an everyday occurrence in our lives. Christ lives in each of us, and when we live each day as Jesus has called us, we celebrate Christmas, honor Christ, and carry out God’s work.
My greatest hope this Christmas is for everyone to open their hearts to be touched by God in a new, extraordinary way and not only grow in their own Catholic faith but also show God’s love and grace to others. Likewise, my desire is for everyone to embrace God’s countless blessings in their lives, use their precious gifts for the good of the world, and put their faith into action by giving to those in need and helping to share Christ’s teachings and the Word of God this Christmas season and every season of life.
Every effort we make for others is done in the presence of Christ. Every single good deed we do for others, even if we feel it is small, is enormous in the eyes of God and makes a difference in their lives.
I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season. May God’s blessings continue to be boundless in your life and let us live out Jesus’ example today and every day.
Felipe Garrido
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat
My wish for this Christmas is that parents love their kids, give them quality time, teach them respect and values, and teach them about God love, but not with words but way of life. That way a new generation will be better.
Hannah
4th grade, St. Jerome School, West Long Branch
My greatest wish this Christmas is for kindness. You should always be kind to others and it will come back to you.
Ashley
4th grade, St. Jerome School, West Long Branch
My hope this Christmas is for everyone to remember to keep hope in their hearts. Jesus was born on Christmas Day to give us the hope of healing, the hope of peace and the hope of joy. I hope for my grandma with ALS to get better, I hope for there to be peace in the world and my final hope is to bring joy to those around me.
Nancy Rhodes
St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton
My greatest wish for Christmas this year is to spend time with family and friends. As my husband and I celebrate 50 years of marriage, I believe it’s important now more than ever to make cherished memories with our children and grandchildren, and to embrace God’s love of family as we come together to find the spirit of the holidays in our love, joy and laughter. As we celebrate the Christmas season, we remember it’s a time of sharing, giving and helping others as we anticipate and prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Speaking with other members of the Elderberry Club (a senior club at St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish) many were wishing for “peace in our world and an end to human suffering” (RP) and “that all people would treat each other with love, respect and dignity,” (CT) While another stated “My wish is that each of us experiences – even in a small way – the humility the awe, and the joy felt by the shepherds, keeping watch over their flocks on the Holy Night that Jesus was born.” (KW) While all responses are heartwarming this is the one that touched me the most. “My Christmas wish is that more people will embrace Christmas as a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus. My hope is that people will not hesitate to greet others with a loving Merry Christmas. Let’s inspire others to get in the spirit by displaying mangers/nativity scenes in our homes and send a card that contains the phrase Merry Christmas! Spread the Joy!” (GB)
Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!
Theresa & Mark Labajo
Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton
Our greatest hope for Christmas is to see our sons experience the joy of the season without the limitations of their medical condition. Hemoglobin-E/Beta Thalassemia is a blood disorder requiring them to undergo regular blood transfusions. When their appointments fall around the holidays, it can sometimes make it harder to fully enjoy the festivities. Our deepest wish is for a cure – so they can live healthier lives and embrace the holidays with the same energy and excitement that many other families do.
Beyond our own family, we hope that all those facing chronic illnesses or health challenges find healing, strength, and comfort this holiday season. We know many families are navigating similar struggles, and our wish is for them to experience the warmth of the season, surrounded by health, hope, and love. The greatest gift we could receive is the opportunity to celebrate together as a healthy, whole family, filled with gratitude for every moment we share.
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As we prepare to enter the Jubilee Year and focus on its theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” The Monitor asked members of the diocesan family to share their thoughts on this key question: What is your greatest hope this Christmas?
Gabrielle Bosco
Youth group member, Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle
There are many ways I can begin to answer the question, “What is your greatest hope this Christmas?” A lot of my own personal matters come to mind, since it is very easy to focus on ourselves at times, especially with the hustle of the Christmas season.
Although there is a lot I hope for, I’m placing my trust in God and his timing to handle the matters in my life, which brings my attention the hopes I have for others, and more specifically the Church. Over the past few years, I have been involved in my parish’s youth group and have experienced many amazing things there as well as been able to grow a family. My experience has been going to Adoration with the youth group; when the Lord touches all our hearts and reveals the love and healing provided for us through the Eucharist. This experience in particular has always brought our youth group closer together, and that is a kind of love, healing, comfort, support and joy that I hope everyone in the world is able to experience – that their hearts may be set on fire with God’s love, and that they are guided into a community that supports them and feeds their souls through the beauty of the Eucharist. I hope they get to know the love that is so powerful it brings them to tears, that they are able to see the world with new eyes, and that fills their hearts so full that they keep coming back to the Father.
I believe God can bring us together as one family, and that we can grow God’s Church with his love alone. That is what I hope for this Christmas, that the whole world may experience God’s love.
Dr. Cassandra T. Brown
Parishioner, Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro
When asked, what is my greatest hope this Christmas, I think about my family. For me, on any occasion, but specifically at this time of the year gathering during the Christmas season has a special meaning to me.
At a very early age, my parents introduced my nine brothers and sisters and I to the tradition of coming together on Christmas Eve. In spite of their untimely deaths, we continued to gather to celebrate on Christmas Eve. However, with the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, continuing to come together at the same time each year was difficult, but knowing how important this season is to all of us, we decided to look at other ways of bringing the family together.
First, we tried having a Zoom on Christmas Eve, but this lacked the personal contact and closeness we were accustomed to having. Zooms are fun, but for our family, it just wasn’t enough. Last year, we selected a new date and went to a local restaurant for a holiday dinner where we played games, shared special memories and just enjoyed being with each other. After this, we all agreed that coming together for dinner was an excellent decision. A new tradition is born!
As I look to this year’s Christmas dinner, my greatest hope is that we will always remember what our parents instilled in us so long ago – a sense of family and a sense of pride. Although the day has changed from Christmas Eve to different days during the season, we’ve come to realize that it doesn’t really matter when we celebrate, as long as we do.
Father Michael Kennedy
Pastor, St. Luke Parish, Toms River
As a new pastor my greatest hope this Christmas is that the parish of St Luke’s will grow in love and adoration of Jesus Christ. That goes for myself as well.
Throughout the year, but particularly in these special seasons, I’m always hoping to grow deeper in discipleship of Christ. Obviously, I’m concerned for my own salvation but also taking seriously the responsibility I’ve been entrusted with regarding this particular community as well as to the Bishop and the Diocese as a whole.
Ultimately, the joy and peace of Christmas and the celebration of Christ’s Nativity help me and hopefully all Christians to see that these are joyful responsibilities which will result in the greatest compliment we can wish to receive from God, “We’ll done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Master” (Mt 25:21).
Kayla Latendresse
Member, St. Dominic Parish, BrickFreelance correspondent for The Monitor
Christmas is truly a special time to celebrate the miracle Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and reflect on the blessings and gifts God has given us. The greatest gift we have received is not under the tree but lies in our hearts and souls and all of creation.
As the saying goes, we must keep Christ in Christmas and remember that Jesus is the reason for this most blessed and joyful season. Jesus reminds us that Christmas extends beyond just one day. Christmas is meant to be an everyday occurrence in our lives. Christ lives in each of us, and when we live each day as Jesus has called us, we celebrate Christmas, honor Christ, and carry out God’s work.
My greatest hope this Christmas is for everyone to open their hearts to be touched by God in a new, extraordinary way and not only grow in their own Catholic faith but also show God’s love and grace to others. Likewise, my desire is for everyone to embrace God’s countless blessings in their lives, use their precious gifts for the good of the world, and put their faith into action by giving to those in need and helping to share Christ’s teachings and the Word of God this Christmas season and every season of life.
Every effort we make for others is done in the presence of Christ. Every single good deed we do for others, even if we feel it is small, is enormous in the eyes of God and makes a difference in their lives.
I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season. May God’s blessings continue to be boundless in your life and let us live out Jesus’ example today and every day.
Felipe Garrido
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat
My wish for this Christmas is that parents love their kids, give them quality time, teach them respect and values, and teach them about God love, but not with words but way of life. That way a new generation will be better.
Hannah
4th grade, St. Jerome School, West Long Branch
My greatest wish this Christmas is for kindness. You should always be kind to others and it will come back to you.
Ashley
4th grade, St. Jerome School, West Long Branch
My hope this Christmas is for everyone to remember to keep hope in their hearts. Jesus was born on Christmas Day to give us the hope of healing, the hope of peace and the hope of joy. I hope for my grandma with ALS to get better, I hope for there to be peace in the world and my final hope is to bring joy to those around me.
Nancy Rhodes
St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton
My greatest wish for Christmas this year is to spend time with family and friends. As my husband and I celebrate 50 years of marriage, I believe it’s important now more than ever to make cherished memories with our children and grandchildren, and to embrace God’s love of family as we come together to find the spirit of the holidays in our love, joy and laughter. As we celebrate the Christmas season, we remember it’s a time of sharing, giving and helping others as we anticipate and prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Speaking with other members of the Elderberry Club (a senior club at St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish) many were wishing for “peace in our world and an end to human suffering” (RP) and “that all people would treat each other with love, respect and dignity,” (CT) While another stated “My wish is that each of us experiences – even in a small way – the humility the awe, and the joy felt by the shepherds, keeping watch over their flocks on the Holy Night that Jesus was born.” (KW) While all responses are heartwarming this is the one that touched me the most. “My Christmas wish is that more people will embrace Christmas as a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus. My hope is that people will not hesitate to greet others with a loving Merry Christmas. Let’s inspire others to get in the spirit by displaying mangers/nativity scenes in our homes and send a card that contains the phrase Merry Christmas! Spread the Joy!” (GB)
Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!
Theresa & Mark Labajo
Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton
Our greatest hope for Christmas is to see our sons experience the joy of the season without the limitations of their medical condition. Hemoglobin-E/Beta Thalassemia is a blood disorder requiring them to undergo regular blood transfusions. When their appointments fall around the holidays, it can sometimes make it harder to fully enjoy the festivities. Our deepest wish is for a cure – so they can live healthier lives and embrace the holidays with the same energy and excitement that many other families do.
Beyond our own family, we hope that all those facing chronic illnesses or health challenges find healing, strength, and comfort this holiday season. We know many families are navigating similar struggles, and our wish is for them to experience the warmth of the season, surrounded by health, hope, and love. The greatest gift we could receive is the opportunity to celebrate together as a healthy, whole family, filled with gratitude for every moment we share.