“ Peace on Earth. Good will towards men.”
This is the season of the year, when this eternal message is uppermost in our minds. Why only at Christmas time? Shouldn’t this coupled with the GOLDEN RULE, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” , be our guide for everyday of the year and not just at Christmas time. Although Christmas is a time when families draw closer together for their devotions and celebrations and attention centres around children, let us not forget our Seniors Citizens.
There are many widows and widowers of our Fraternity, who might otherwise spend a cheerless Yuletide, unless we do more than just think about them. As you read this message, I have completed almost half of my Official Visits. I have found them, generally, most rewarding. Several Chapters are feeling disconsolate over the lack of new candidates, attendance or Officers material. I hope the other Chapters in their District will continue to lend them physical and moral support until this upswing in all Capitulary and Organizations that appears to be materializing within the entire Jurisdiction touches and
benefits them.
To ALL my Officers, Grand Chapter members, Royal Arch Companions of this wonderful Jurisdiction, their families, my sincere wishes for those of the Christian faith a very Merry Christmas, To those of other faith in the words of Tiny Tim, God Bless you everyone and a most Happy and Prosperous New Year.
May the Supreme Architect of the Universe make 2023 a happy one. Not by shielding you from all sorrow and pain, but by strengthening you to bear it, If it comes. Not by making your path easy, but by making you sturdy enough to travel any path. Not by taking hardship from you, but taking all cowardice and fear from your heart. Not by granting you sunshine, but by keeping your face bright even in the shadows. Not by making your life always pleasant, but by showing you where man and his cause need you most, and by making you anxious to be there and help.
Jimmy S. Catala
Grand First Principal