Editor's Note

A Time to Say, “Welcome”

Southern author Beth Boswell Jacks tells the story about the boy who brought his school Christmas pageant to a halt when, as the Innkeeper, he grinned at Mary and Joseph and said, “Sure, we’ve got plenty of room. Y’all come on in.”

We laugh, but, hey, maybe the boy had an idea. The theme for this issue of NCC is “harboring the harborless,” a corporal work of mercy which seems especially pertinent in this season when we welcome friends and family into our homes and Jesus, anew, into our hearts. In our cover story you’ll read about a young family in Silk Hope, NC, who give shelter year round to those who need it. You’ll also read about the 18 men pursuing a call to the priesthood in our diocese, a call which the Lord is always making but, like Mary and Joseph at the inn, is not always welcomed.

Sometime soon, perhaps even today, someone or something will seek our welcome. Busy with shopping, we may be approached by a panhandler. Perhaps we’ll learn that our least favorite relative is in danger of spending Christmas alone. Or a thought, the thought that perhaps there is something we need to change about our attitudes or our habits, may come knocking on our consciences.

The season of Advent is the start of the Church’s year. And there’s no better time to start our own spiritual year by extending a welcome to others and to the promptings of the Spirit – to say, even when it may be inconvenient, “Come on in.”

Thanks so much for the many letters, emails and kind words about NCC. I’m always eager to hear from you at 715 Nazareth Street, Raleigh, NC 27606 or reece@raldioc.org. Meanwhile, all of us here at the magazine wish all of you a blessed and joyous holiday season!