MONROE - Monsignor Thomas Campion worried the weather could keep people away from Saturday's Apostolate to the Handicapped Christmas party.
But his smile broadened when he saw the buses, vans and cars begin to line up in front of Monroe High School and he saw the guests arrive.
"I'm amazed," Campion said.
He shouldn't have been. Not really, anyway.
The Christmas party has been an annual highlight for guests and caregivers alike for more than 40 years. The handicapped come because they know it's their day, their chance to see friends and to enjoy the Christmas spirit.
"It has been my good fortune to be the celebrant of the Mass for many years," Bishop William J. Bullock told the guests. "It is always a deep joy to come to Monroe and pray and worship with the disabled, their caregivers and, of course, Monsignor Thomas Campion."
Bullock said the Apostolate to the Handicapped allows people to see the goodness of people and of God.
"As we look around we can see that our salvation is near," he said. "The handicapped are the reason for hope and salvation.
"Caring for them gives us clearance for the gateway to Heaven."
Bullock reminded people that Jesus said whatever people do for others they do for him.
"The Gift You Have Received, Give as a Gift" was the theme of the 41st annual Christmas party.
"You are the gift," Campion said. "We see the real Christ, present, alive and real in the faces of the handicapped. They make Christ truly with us."
People from across southern Wisconsin, Iowa and northern Illinois attended the dinner and Mass to celebrate the season and the songs and fellowship.
The guests stood up to shake Campion's hand and wish him well. Those who couldn't stand reached out to shake his hand.
Campion shook hands and greeted as many people as he could.
The annual celebration includes dinner, a Mass, singing and Christmas gifts for those attending. Hundreds of volunteers help make the event possible. They also help at other events, including the spring celebration at Monroe High School and a summer trip to Wisconsin Dells.
But his smile broadened when he saw the buses, vans and cars begin to line up in front of Monroe High School and he saw the guests arrive.
"I'm amazed," Campion said.
He shouldn't have been. Not really, anyway.
The Christmas party has been an annual highlight for guests and caregivers alike for more than 40 years. The handicapped come because they know it's their day, their chance to see friends and to enjoy the Christmas spirit.
"It has been my good fortune to be the celebrant of the Mass for many years," Bishop William J. Bullock told the guests. "It is always a deep joy to come to Monroe and pray and worship with the disabled, their caregivers and, of course, Monsignor Thomas Campion."
Bullock said the Apostolate to the Handicapped allows people to see the goodness of people and of God.
"As we look around we can see that our salvation is near," he said. "The handicapped are the reason for hope and salvation.
"Caring for them gives us clearance for the gateway to Heaven."
Bullock reminded people that Jesus said whatever people do for others they do for him.
"The Gift You Have Received, Give as a Gift" was the theme of the 41st annual Christmas party.
"You are the gift," Campion said. "We see the real Christ, present, alive and real in the faces of the handicapped. They make Christ truly with us."
People from across southern Wisconsin, Iowa and northern Illinois attended the dinner and Mass to celebrate the season and the songs and fellowship.
The guests stood up to shake Campion's hand and wish him well. Those who couldn't stand reached out to shake his hand.
Campion shook hands and greeted as many people as he could.
The annual celebration includes dinner, a Mass, singing and Christmas gifts for those attending. Hundreds of volunteers help make the event possible. They also help at other events, including the spring celebration at Monroe High School and a summer trip to Wisconsin Dells.