Fr. Tom's Blog

 As the Christmas season has ended, this week we return to Ordinary Time in our Church year. We move from stories about Christ’s birth to stories about his public ministry. The Gospel for today is the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana when Jesus turns the water into wine at the request of his mother. John’s Gospel says: Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him. This story is also considered one of the three epiphanies of Christ which help establish his mission and identity. Through the miracle that Jesus works, we are reminded that God is doing something new through Jesus. We are also called to heed the words of Mary to the servers: Do whatever he tells you. As we listen and follow, Jesus has the power to work something new in our lives.
 
All registered parishioners will receive a January parish mailing that includes information about upcoming parish activities, an update regarding our Campaign, and tickets for our annual Crazy Cash Raffle. This is one of our few parish fundraisers and this year we are designating the proceeds to benefit those in need through our Parish Charity Account and our service partner, Uplift. As we have been blessed, this is an opportunity to bless others. Please help us with this effort by purchasing or selling the book of 5 tickets sent to you. You may return your completed tickets and money in the regular collection at Mass or to the Parish Office. We appreciate your support!
 
This week there are several observances that need our prayer and attention. This is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Say a prayer that the division between Christians can be healed. This Monday, January 21, is the national observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. More than ever, we need prayers to end the racial hatred and division in our nation. Learn about Dr. King’s vision and be part of the solution. This Tuesday, January 22, is the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision and a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Pray for an end to abortion and greater respect for all human life.
 
Next weekend, January 26-27, is the beginning of the annual observance of Catholic Schools Week. This is a time to give thanks for the commitment our parish makes to the school and celebrate the opportunity to provide a faith based Catholic education. Please plan to join us after Mass for donuts, juice, and coffee.
In connection with Catholic Schools Week, there will also be a second collection next weekend to support our Parish School Endowment Fund. Please use the designated envelope in your January packet or clearly mark your donation for the Endowment. This Fund will help us provide future generations with the opportunity to receive a Catholic education. All contributions are appreciated!   
Many Blessings! 
 

Today we end the season of Christmas as we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. At Jesus’ birth, he was proclaimed as the Savior of the World. At his baptism in the river Jordan by John the Baptist, the voice from the heavens proclaims: You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased. The story of his mission and purpose that began at his birth continues at his baptism. This event is also considered one of the epiphanies of Jesus as his identity is more fully revealed. Like John the Baptist, our role is to place Christ first in our lives and allow him to be revealed through our faith. Our life with Christ began at our baptism. We are beloved sons and daughters through our baptism into Christ. May we continue the story and keep the joy of Christmas alive throughout the year by the ways we live out our baptism. Take some time this week to reflect on the significance of your baptism and how it defines who you are!
 
As we bring the Christmas season to a close, I want to thank all of you who have been so generous with your time, talent, and treasure this time of year. Our parish community has been blessed by so many of you who make a commitment to serving others and sharing your gifts. May our commitment to being good stewards of God’s gifts be another way we keep the spirit of Christmas alive all year.
 
This month we are beginning our new adult faith program called ALPHA. Alpha uses the small group format and is a way to learn about and grow in your Catholic faith with other parishioners. Joining an Alpha group is a great commitment to make for the new year. There are 12 sessions to the program and there is no cost to participate. Bishop Johnston has endorsed the program, as well as many other bishops. I encourage you to learn more about the program and sign up to join a group.
 
The anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in our country is Tuesday, January 22. As a way to join in prayer for the unborn and all those affected by abortion, we are all encouraged to participate in the 9 Days for Life Novena that begins this Monday, January 14. Please see the information in this bulletin to access the prayers and materials for the Novena. Let us all join in prayer to protect the precious gift of life. The Knights of Columbus are also coordinating the Roses for Life this weekend. The roses will be sent to our elected officials.
 
This weekend at the 8:30am Mass we formally welcome those who are preparing to join the Catholic faith at Easter through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Please keep them in your prayers as they continue their journey to be one with us in the faith.
Many Blessings!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! May the blessing of a new year fill your hearts with the abundant mercy, peace, and joy of Christ. As we usher in this new year of 2019, we also continue our celebration of the Christmas season with the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. The readings for this day speak of light breaking through the darkness, the glory of God shining forth, and a rising star that leads to Christ. The familiar Gospel story we hear on this feast of the star in the night leading the magi to a simple stable reminds us of the power of God at work in the most common of places. The magi represent people of all nations and as we hear in the story: the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. In this new year of 2019, may we allow the light of Christ to be our source of joy and fill us with the brightness of our faith.
 
The Feast of the Epiphany is the traditional time for the blessing of homes. The simple blessing included in the bulletin can be used as you mark your doorway with the blessed chalk. This is a visual reminder that God is with you as you come and go from your home each day. If you have blessed chalk left from past years, you can use it for the marking. There is also blessed chalk available in the Gathering Space. The marking you make with the chalk is the first initial for each of the traditional names of the three magi or wise men – Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar – and the numbers for the year. This year you would mark the upper lintel of the main door you use with 20 + C + M + B + 19. This is a great conversation piece among family and friends and a daily reminder that God is with us on our journey.
 
Next weekend we bring the Christmas season to a close with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Be sure to focus on ways you can keep the spirit of Christmas alive throughout the year by sharing your faith in the new year. As many of us take time to make resolutions this time of year, don’t forget to include ways you can grow in your faith. Let’s all resolve to make time for prayer each day, take time to participate in faith formation activities, and put our faith into action through service to others. Be sure to use the Christmas book we handed out and the subscription to FORMED as ways to make the new year a faith-filled one!  
May 2019 be filled with many blessings!