It's the New Year BUT it's still the Christmas season. There's still time to contemplate "Emmanuel, God with us," and what that means for our humanity and divinity, for our gifts and our deficits, for our living and our dying... So, no need to rush around taking down all of your decorations today. Sit for a moment in the light of your Christmas tree. Gaze upon your manger with the Wise Men in attendance and ponder the following:
The magi went looking for the Christ Child and when they found him, they recognized him, paid him homage, gave him gifts, and went home by a new and different path. They were changed by the encounter. What kind of change might our hearts, our families, our parish, our community, our world experience if, in this new year, we more intentionally sought out the presence of God in one another, honored each other as God's creation and gift, and shared freely all that we are and all that we have? Wouldn't THAT be a great gift to take to the manger!
Though today, January 6, is the actual Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, we will be celebrating this feast together at Mass on Sunday. Dr. Jenny Close of Australia has a 3 minute reflection that might be a nice way to prepare to once again to hear the familiar story of the Magi encountering Jesus, and consider what that encounter means for our lives.
I haven't seen the worship aid for this weekend, but I'm kind of hoping we will be singing the following song all together. I always love a classic with a twist!
Three Gifts for YOU
Prayer: The Solid Foundation of Our Catholic Home
On January 17, 24, and 31 at 7:00, we are going to EXPERIENCE and PRACTICE different types of prayer.
You can join us for one session or join us for all 4! Visit the website for more info and to register
You can always call the Parish Center or email me to get more information and register as well
Beyond the Nudge: Rediscovering the Gift of the Holy Spirit
On the morning of January 28, Father Alberto Vargas will be with us to talk about the movement of the Holy Spirit throughout Salvation History and what this means for our lives today. This event is for everyone so invite your husband, your wife, your cousins, your neighbors, your friends! Click the button to the left for more information and to register.
On January 19 we have two opportunities to watch and discuss Just Mercy at the Parish Center
1:00-3:30
6:30-9:00
To watch the trailer or to register, please click the button to the right, email me, or call the Parish Center
And is there ANY greater gift than just getting together and having fun? Here are two opportunities for our Parish Family to share some food and laughter and to make new friendships!
Whole Parish Family Game Night on
January 20!
All are welcome to join us for food, board games, bingo, and a Euchre tournament! You can participate in any or all of the games!
Details can be found on the website. You can register there or give the Parish Center a call!
Whole Parish Family Talent Show on February 10
BUT
We NEED ACTS ASAP !
All sorts of acts are welcome, including jokes, music, martial arts, juggling, singing, magic, recitation, poetry, etc. If you would like to participate, please register by January 10.
“If we allow the love of Christ to change our heart, then we
can change the world."
Happy New Year, Church Family! I'm looking forward to another year filled with opportunities to grow in faith, hope, and love together!
lyn