Several years ago, I was challenged to do a Christmas letter that was real unlike ones where everyone has been blessed from beginning to end, and each member of the family has won a nobel peace prize.

2025 has not been easy. I left the land flowing with milk and honey but found a place of welcome.

I have worked hard to keep friendships, which sometimes as a priest I have neglected to do.

I have made some good decisions and poor ones. I have watched my boy blossom.

I have not laughed enough.

I have sometimes let people down.

I have become a pirate – and thank the Lord for that.

I am sometimes frustrated, annoyed, angry and reckless…. Yes me….. and of course,…. I am as mad as a hatter sometimes. But I am alive… and that is a positive.

Hope Christmas continues to be good for you, and the God I believe in blesses you….and I will allow him to bless me too.