Concluding the Christmas Season
We conclude the season of Christmas as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. We may think that it's a disconnect: how do we go from the birth of Jesus to seeing Christ as a man of about 30 years old going to the River Jordan?
The message is in the revelation in Peter's speech to those gathered at his friend Cornelius' house (which we hear about in today's second reading): Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus goes about doing good. God is with him. "God is with us" is the meaning of Emanuel, the title of Jesus given to him at the Annunciation.
And God is with us every single time we gather for worship--whether in person or online. Our community is a a community that prays together and stays together.
Looking for another way to pray on Sunday? Try our Spiritual Communion Prayer Service.
A Time for Hope
CAFE@Home is way to engage our faith through a selection of resources based on a central theme. In this current series, we're engaging the theme of hope. Check out our website for all kinds of ways to explore the topic, including participating in what's called a Sharing Circle.
Sharing Circles are an invitation to listen intentionally to one another so as to create an environment where we can express ourselves and what we're thinking. There are three Sharing Circle opportunities: January 13, January 20 and February 10. You can sign-up on our Cafe@Home webpage under the heading "Participate."
Vocation Stories: Home for the Holidays!
This past September, parishioner Jasmine Rangel entered the Salesian Sisters, Mary Help of Christians, to discern the religious life. It's the way she feels God is inviting her to live out her baptism. She recently returned home for the Christmas break. We had a chance to catch up and to hear about her first three months:
The Choir Sings
For the on-line Mass this week, members of the Saint Hubert Choir sing "The Eyes and Hands of Christ", a reflection on living out our baptismal vocation:
Thank You for Giving!
Persevering with Faith, Hope and Charity
Thank you to everyone for continuing to bring in your envelopes and donations week after week. Parishioners are dropping them off at church, at the Parish Office, mailing them in and even giving on-line.
Our electronic giving platform is Give Central, or alternatively, there is a platform offered by the Archdiocese of Chicago where 100% of your donation goes to our parish: Offertory Giving.
Thank you again for all your financial support and your prayers as we get through a difficult time.
Glorifying the Lord by Our Lives
At the end of Mass, the deacon sends us to "Go in peace, glorifying the Lord with our lives." We do that by living out our own baptism. But we don't do the work alone. Christmas is realizing that through Jesus Christ, God is with us. He is our strength and gets us through.
May God's peace be with you always,
--Fr. Mike and the Parish Staff
There's more news and spiritual inspiration in today's bulletin.
Saint Hubert Catholic Church
Building up the Body of Christ
with Welcoming Arms, Loving Hearts and Joyful Worship
We Can't Do It Without You!
We're grateful to Brandon, Josh, Jake, Max and Khyle for serving as the Three Kings at last week's 10am and Noon Masses. They helped bring the gospel alive. Thank you !