Priest's Web site urges Christians to 'stand up for Christmas'

Published: 2005-12-06

COLD SPRING, N.Y. (CNS) -- Father Brian McSweeney wants the world to know "it's not a 'Happy Holiday,' it's a 'Merry Christmas.'" The pastor of Our Lady of Loretto Parish in Cold Spring has launched a Web site at www.MerryChristmas.ms that sells a wide variety of merchandise bearing the slogan, "You can wish me a Merry Christmas!" He has already sold thousands of buttons bearing the message. Any proceeds from the sale of the items will be used to support youth programs at his parish, he said. "Each year it seems as if the very word 'Christmas' becomes increasingly taboo," Father McSweeney said, citing as an example the frequent references to "holiday trees" instead of "Christmas trees." "We need to stand up for Christmas," he added.

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