After over a year in the ECS program at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, Fr. Christian Hoper, SCJ, joined the Mississippi community just in time to celebrate Christmas.
“I received a beautiful opportunity to serve at Christ the King Catholic Church for the celebrations on December 24–25,” he wrote. “It was my first time experiencing Christmas ministry there, and it became one of the most meaningful moments in my Dehonian journey.
“What touched me most was the role and participation of the children during the Christmas Eve Mass. I hadn’t known beforehand that the liturgy would be dedicated especially to them. The children served as the choir, the lectors, and even presented a charming drama about the birth of Jesus. Watching their enthusiasm and innocence brought a deep sense of joy to my heart.
“But I must admit — when I saw how many children were present I suddenly realized that the homily that I had prepared would not make much sense to them. It was too complex, too adult. They moved my heart and so right there, in the moment, I decided to change my homily.
“I invited the children to come forward to the altar. We sat together on the floor, forming a little circle. The children were so excited, yet they listened with such calm attention. We talked together about the meaning of Christmas. ‘Why are celebrating this special night?’ I asked them, and then explained that Jesus was born into the world because He loves us — God’s love is for people.
“And from that simple truth, I invited them to learn how to respond to God’s love by what I call the ‘Three L’s’:
“Love your God,
“Love your parents,
“and Love your neighbor and friends.
“It was a beautiful moment of connection — simple, joyful, and full of the spirit of Christmas. And for me, it was a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful ministry happens when we let the Holy Spirit guide us in the moment.”
Fr. Christian (pictured above on the left) is a member of the Indonesian Province, now ministering in the United States.
