Remembering The Way It Was

As we wrap up 2021 with a big bow (and try our best to give it away), it is important to keep in mind how many good things happened this year. It is said that one of the worst things about living through a global pandemic is that life goes on, even while in crisis mode. Babies were born, people got married, and we celebrated the regular milestones like birthdays and anniversaries.

2021 was the Year of St. Joseph, and Jonathan Francis from the Chaldean Catholic Diocese tells us just what that means and also shares the Christmas Mass schedule. Guest columnist Ur Jaddou, Director of the office of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, shares her story, and talks about what it means to be Chaldean. Reverend Bryan Kassa, Vocational Director for the Chaldean Diocese, takes us through the process of becoming a deacon in “Seminarian’s Next Step.”

Of course, December is all about Christmas. Our cover story, “Remembering Christmas Past,” takes us back to the beginnings of The Chaldean News and revisits every December issue from 2004 to the present.

Speaking of presents, the annual gift guide shows off some great gift ideas. From sweet treats to ‘whiskey business,’ we feature some fun gift ideas. One of those gift ideas even comes with some delicious new recipes!

Kids today don’t know what it was like to pore over a toy catalog, circling their favorites and waiting with much anticipation to see what Santa brought. The instant gratification of the 21st century can be a real mental bummer.

In Family Time, we talk about how social media and enhanced screen time can affect our teenagers in a tangible and negative way. You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge, right?

Acknowledgement is something that those who were affected by the Christian genocide in Iraq and the surrounding area are seeking. Dr. Miri shares his knowledge in part III of “Genocide in the 21st Century.”

We have even more reason to celebrate, as we report on the 3rd Annual Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) Gala and the 41st Anniversary of The Chaldean Voice.

We’ll take you through the Chaldean Chamber and CCF year in review; sometimes it’s easy to forget how much we’ve gotten accomplished until you see it all laid out. Cal Abbo, our ace reporter, talks to the guys at Citizens State Bank, the only Chaldean owned bank in the US.

Finally, His Holiness, Mar Awa III, Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, recently visited the Foundation, and we’ll tell you about that, too.

Thank you for being with us throughout the year; we welcome you into the next.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Sarah Kittle

Managing Editor

Sarah Kittle