And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:6-14

Father John J. Hickey wishes all of you a blessed Christmas and a holy New Year.

General membership meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month starting at 7:30 PM for members. Officers meet before the general membership meeting at 7:00 PM sharp.

The CORSAC Home Association Board of Directors meets every other month, on the third Wednesday of the month, at 7:30 PM. The third Wednesday of February this year is Ash Wednesday. Should the February meeting date be changed, we'll publish the new date in the next edition of the Short Sheet.

Maybe you've thought about attending the next meeting but keep putting it off for one reason or another. A lot of positive things have happened in the past two years, and we are poised for further growth. Now that our Board of Officers has been established for 1999, the last key element towards fulfilling our goals is you! Whether it's judging a "Keep Christ in Christmas" poster contest, organizing a fund raiser like the casino trips, or taking a lead role on expanding the Post's role in critical issues facing Catholics today like abortion, there's a need for input and participation. Look for more input on specific programs in future editions of the Short Sheet and make the commitment to at least one activity.

Next Membership Meeting: January 6^th
Next CORSAC Board of Officers Meeting: February 17^th

To all Post Members and their families, I want to extend a wish of Peace for the Holiday Season this year. Keep Christ as the focus of all your endeavors for this is the "Season of Believing!"

Please participate in Post activities. Most fundraisers are inexpensive and fun for all. Any new ideas are welcome. My door is always open! Thanks to all who help!

For those members we did not see at the December meeting, we hope to see you at the January meeting. We need your help with veterans affairs, right-to-life programs, the Past Commanders' Dinner, and other Post programs. The Post does not run itself!

Editor's Note: Charlie circulated a sign-up sheet for a variety of activities, some of which have neither been discussed at previous meetings, nor published in recent issues of the Short Sheet. You might be interested in some of the issues our 1st Vice wants to discuss. This may be just the type of activity that you've been looking for from our Post. I can't speak for Charlie, but I would assume that the sign-up sheet will be a regular feature of future meetings.

To date we have 144 members which is well behind last year's total of 196. We got off to a slow start in sending out renewal forms this year, so we hope to be hearing from the rest of you soon.

On the bright side of our membership drive efforts, we'd like to welcome the newest member, to our Post, Anthony Bernardini. We hope to see you and other new members at the next meeting. Please remember that we get most of our new members via reference of current members.

If you would like to be a liaison for your parish, please let me know. There is a young crop of recently discharged veterans who never find out about our organization. This group of young men and women veterans in our community may be just the boost our membership base needs!

Editor's Note: I couldn't get together with Ernie before publishing this edition of the Short Sheet. Let me take a moment to tell you that the Children's Christmas Party was once again a wonderful affair due to the hard work of many Post and Auxiliary members, entertainment by Gotcha Hopping, and a very jubilant Santa Claus. Thank you all!

I've provided some pictures from the party, including the award winning poster and artist from the "Keep Christ in Christmas" poster contest. Please accept the Post's appreciation for all who helped with judging posters, buying gifts, and everything else!

Please keep the following members in your prayers as they recuperate from their illnesses, injuries, and losses: Rich Guglielmo, Ben Rodini, Dot Kelly, Emily Schexnayder, William Reisch, Tony Bernardini, and Monty Rosci.

We received $37.00 cash and 2 boxes of canned goods for the "Helping Hands" of Sacred Heart.

I wish for a holy, healthy and happy New Year to all Ladies of Post 731. The CWVA also wishes Commander Fred Steigerwalt and his "band of merry men" (our post members) a holy, healthy and happy New Year.

Ladies and gentlemen - this is it. This is the big one - 1999. With the Dear Lord, His loving Mother and glorious Father, St. Sebastian and St. Agnes we'll do it. We will have lived in two centuries. Let's make our Post proud. Attend meetings, join in activities, pray for our beloved deceased - those who lost their lives to war so that we could live "free" and those who served for the same reason but have since gone to their eternal reward. We must always remember them. We thank them. Happy 1999! God Bless, Kay

Also, special thanks to the following Chairpersons:
Eileen Steigerwalt - 42nd Street was a social and financial success. A good time was had by all that attended, those who did not - come next time.
Betty Hall - for orchestrating our Christmas Dinner and assisting Eileen with the Media trip.
Carmie Gianfrancesco - 100% membership paid. Great job! New members are welcome.
Jo Sheridan- 50th Anniversary of our Auxiliary

1^ST VICE PRESIDENT Pat Brown: Thanks to all of the ladies who wrote Christmas Cards for our Veterans in the hospital. We had a good response and I mailed them to "Friends of the Troops" last week. November 29th was Corporate Communion Sunday and once again our ladies participated with the men at the 10:30 Mass at Sacred Heart followed by a continental breakfast at the Post.

42^nd STREET: Thank you to all who attended this night. My feet are still tapping! Hope to have another in the not too distant future. Eileen Steigerwalt

COCKTAIL PARTY: Our annual cocktail party has been scheduled for October 24th, 1999. Details will follow.

The Ladies Auxiliary is sponsoring a Casino trip to the Taj Mahal on Tuesday, January 19th, 1999. The cost is $16.00/person and you will receive 12.50 in coins and a show called "Zoot Suit Strut." By the time you receive this notice, the trip may already be fully booked, so call Pat Brown at 449-2419 or Jan Zampino at 449-3074 right away to check on seat availability.

The bus will be leaving from the Post parking lot at 9:00 AM and be returning that evening.

Mom and Dad finally took their eyes off Robert. He made his way to the dessert table and alas, the goodies were just out of reach!

Quick to the rescue was our steward, Fred Steigerwalt, a testament to the level of service everyone receives at a CORSACS' catered party. Don't forget us when planning your next affair! Merry Christmas everyone!