December 2020 Edition
The Gift of God’s Presence: You Never Walk Alone
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

-Joshua 1:9
Words of Encouragement
from Rhonda Abrams, Bereavement Coordinator

When you think about Christmas, you probably think of the traditional ways we celebrate the holiday: Christmas decorations, Midnight Mass, family gatherings, time away from work, and of course, the gifts. This year, I challenge you to step back and consider the real gift of Christmas: God stepping into our world as one of us. God intended His presence among us to be so personal and real that He came in the form of our frail, human nature, and was subject to the same pains, emotions, and temptations that we encounter on a daily basis. It’s through this gift of Jesus, that we have a model of how to draw close to God even in our brokenness. God, through Jesus, freed us to experience His grace and love more fully. He is present to you in infinite ways – including prayer, scripture, the sacraments, loved ones, and even use of our own gifts.

Know that when you experience His presence, you come away changed: New eyes, new heart, and renewed in spirit. The circumstances of life may remain the same or may even be rapidly changing, but you are settled in His peaceful, loving presence.

This month’s bulletin is about finding an anchor (God) in the midst of the storms of life and in the midst of this pandemic season. As one who grieves, be assured that you never walk that journey alone. All you have to do is call upon Him and He is there to help carry the heavy burden of grief. He walks with you every step of the way, making your burden lighter, maybe even bringing a bit of joy. Reach out for the gift of God’s presence among you today and every day!
Winter Decoration Schedule

Now through March 15th, winter wreaths and other artificial decorations are permitted. We recommend families label their decorations with the name and location of their loved one in the event the decoration is moved or blown away.

Learn more about our decoration policies (including restrictions) here.
Christmas Ornaments Available

While the CCA was very saddened to cancel our Cemetery Sunday Masses for this year, we wanted to ensure families had the prayer resources they need to remember and honor their loved ones. Now through December 31st, families may pick up a special ornament from any of our cemetery offices. Click here to find an office near you.

Please contact Rhonda at rabrams@clecem.org with any questions.
The 2020 holiday season is looking far different than any other we’ve experienced. While Thanksgiving presented its own challenges in terms of gathering together, the Advent season is special in that festivities tend to be scheduled through the entire month of December. This year, as we are called to stay home and remain physically distant, we may all be grieving the loss of our “normal holiday.” For those who have lost a loved one, this holiday season may seem even more daunting, as the friends and family you could normally rely on for support and companionship during the holidays may not feel comfortable expanding their quarantine bubble. As we all continue to navigate this unprecedented time, there are some creative ways to stay connected to those you love while also staying safe. Keep reading to learn more.
The approaching holiday season is enough to make anyone anxious: the plethora of social and financial obligations can be overwhelming, not to mention the emotional stress that the holidays may bring. This may be especially challenging for those who have lost a loved one. The holidays often are a reminder to people that their loved ones are gone. Therefore, this season can be saddening, or even painful for certain people. While there is no way to reverse or avoid these feelings, there are some things you can do to make the holidays more bearable. Keep reading to learn more.
Staying Connected During a Pandemic Christmas Season

In this episode, we discuss ways you can feel connected to family this holiday season, while also staying safe and following CDC guidelines regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic.