Christmas Letter 2021

Thy Kingdom Come!

24 December 2021

Dear Family and Friends,

Greetings from Cheshire, the most exciting place on earth! This is the titles with which one of the other fathers in the community has christened the Legionaries of Christ Novitiate and College of Humanities. It certainly is an interesting place. It is very rewarding to be working with young men who are preparing themselves to be priests.

In February, I got away with the priests for a few days to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. With Fr. John, we experimented with ice fishing. Well, I don’t know if it is fishing if you don’t catch anything. In any case, it was a nice experience and a good getaway. I have picked up a greater interest in fishing over the last several years, which is a good way to unwind and relax, as well as enjoy great camaraderie.

Living in New England, Boston has come to be one of my favorite cities. In May, we took the brothers to get to know the steps of the Revolution. I enjoy each visit to Boston, regardless of the weather. One of my favorite spots is the park with the statues of the ducks. No pictures, this time!

Last year, in our community, we received Fr. Anthony Bannon. Fr. Anthony was an Irish father who did a lot to build up the Legion in the United States. He has always been one of my heroes. He came to Cheshire in semi-retirement because of health issues. In August, he passed away. Although the loss was heartbreaking, I was comforted by the fact we had been able to spend so much time with him in an informal setting. The day before he passed away, I was able to visit him in hospice. Although he was unconscious, I spent about 45 minutes praying with him and telling him everything he meant to me. As one of the priest-members of his community, I was able to help carry his casket before the wake.

Fr. Josef Hare and I grew up together. He came to Cheshire for two months this year on a personal spiritual retreat. In October, we were able to get away with two other priest friends in New Hampshire. It was a great moment for brotherhood and prayer, reflection and sharing, as well as some great hikes to enjoy the fall foliage.

It was great making it home for Thanksgiving this year. One of the highlights was meeting my newest niece and presiding over her baptism. Mom and Dad are doing well, and it is great to see how each one of my brothers and sisters is growing up and making their own impact in the world.

I am very grateful to God for a wonderful 2021 and am looking forward to 2022. I am still working on my Master’s in Psychology at Divine Mercy University https://divinemercy.edu/. I hope to finish in October. I am blogging and creating videos and other content at www.fathernicholas.com and helping to re-vamp some of the official communications websites for LC Cheshire. This is all very exciting, in addition to my ordinary duties helping to take care of the brothers.

I am praying for all of you. God bless.

If you would like to support my mission, there is an easy way to make a donation. https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=E2q7kH

In Christ,

Fr. Nicholas Sheehy, LC