Advent is upon us, reminding us to slow down and prepare for the joyful time of the celebration of Jesus’s birth. But most of us are already stressed with the usual demands of family, work, and household chores, and now we add the frenzied pace of gift shopping and wrapping, baking and decorating, and so on.
Because we’re overwhelmed by the busyness of it all, it is only too easy to let the noise and crowds obliterate the quiet joy meant to bless us in this holy season. Make quiet time, it doesn’t matter where, and reflect on everything that brings you joy, courage, and peace.
And because God is with us at all times, you will find peace, if you open your mind and heart to forgive past hurts, and then everything else falls into place. You will be blessed to see Love coming and so become more loving!

Prayerfully pause and remember Pearl Harbor this Saturday, Dec. 7, a day that will forever live in infamy, and remember the brave souls, who without hesitation answered the call, when war was declared on Dec. 8, 1941, and President Roosevelt stated, “We will win the inevitable victory, so help us God.”
The cost of freedom is high, and our young men and women, who mostly volunteered to fight this horrific war were driven by a fierce sense of patriotism, to guarantee that America would be safe for generations to come. Young and old courageously left their families to fight overseas, and at home their families sacrificed as diligently to keep hope alive in these awful frightening times. Before the Second World War ended on September 2, 1945, the heartbreaking tragedy of that war claimed thousands and thousands of young lives, before they ever had a chance to know their dreams.

Sadly, the never-ending conflicts continue with our valorous Armed Forces marching on to wars this very day, sacrificing everything for love of precious freedom. Let us remember our treasured heroes who we thank with all our hearts, for being the greatest of every generation, when called to arms. Let us pray to God for peace and freedom, in America and all over the world.

The Hudson Valley Honor Flight 9th Annual Luncheon was held at Pier 9 on November 24. More than 800 veterans, donors, families, volunteers, and friends gathered in an atmosphere that resembled an annual alumni reunion. Presentation of the colors was made by the Jr Army ROTC of Washingtonville High School. The National Anthem was sung by MSgt MaryKay Messenger, USMA Band Soloist from West Point, and the Keynote speaker was Cmdr. Jason Grower, USN, Retired. Cmdr. Grower is a native of Saugerties, NY. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1998 and was designated a Naval Aviator (Pilot) in 2000, and retired as Executive Officer of the Marine Air Base in Kaneohe, Hawaii.

During the festivities, Catholic War Veterans Joseph R. Farina Memorial Post #386 presented a plaque to Jimmy Sturr, “The Polka King,” in recognition of his loyalty to the United States of America and his continuous efforts, in behalf of the Hudson Valley Honor Flight and all veterans who have served and are currently serving. Sturr’s response to receiving this award was, “I want the citizenry of the U.S.A. to never forget the veterans, because it was and is, their sacrifices that allow us to be who and where we are today.”

Reference to Gary Sinise, a popular spokesman for veterans was used by Jim Formato to point out that Jimmy Sturr is doing the same type of positive relations, and that hopefully, this is the beginning of Sturr’s notoriety.

The Knights of Columbus Council 444 invite you to its Annual Parish Community Christmas Party, on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Dan Leghorn Fire Engine Co. of Orange Lake, 426 South Plank Road in Newburgh. Enjoy a hot Buffet, fun, and music. Prices: $20 Adults/Children ages 12 years & over; $10 Children ages 5 to 11 years old; Children 4 years and under are free.
For more information, please contact PGK John DeLessio at (845) 562-4963, or Advocate Jude Martini at (845) 569-0787. Parents please RSVP by December 8, with names of children, age, and gender.
May you always have an angel at your side.