January: Month of the Holy Name of Jesus
Since the earliest centuries of the Church, the name of Jesus has been invoked to drive out demons and heal the sick. But above all, it has been called upon to conquer sin, overcome temptation, and grow in holiness. In fact, many of the saints became saints by doing nothing else but calling on the name of Jesus, either by ceaselessly repeating his name or by praying a prayer such as, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.”
The name of Jesus is incredibly powerful for combatting temptations and in conquering sinful passions. No matter what you’re struggling with—anger, alcoholism, lust, pride, laziness, fear—the name of Jesus can conquer it.
“Naught but the name of Jesus,” says St. Bernard of Clairvaux, “can restrain the impulse of anger, repress the swelling of pride, cure the wound of envy, bridle the onslaught of luxury, extinguish the flame of carnal desire – can temper avarice, and put to flight impure and ignoble thoughts.”
Now, to clarify, repeating the name of Jesus should never be mindless. We should not treat this name as a magical incantation, but should rather realize that we are calling on a living Person—one who loves us and gave himself for us. By invoking this name, we are acknowledging our sin, helplessness, and our need for constant mercy. By calling on Jesus, we are crying like St. Peter as he drowned in the waves, “Lord, save me!”
If you want to overcome sin and grow in virtue, look first at your own neediness and helplessness. Acknowledge it— it’s healthy to do this. Then, call sincerely and constantly on the great and holy name of Jesus. I promise you, he will come to your aid.
(article from The Catholic Gentleman)
Next week's newsletter will feature the 50th Anniversary of the March for Life. Watch for Part III of the Holy Name of Jesus series on Jan 26, where we'll focus on the attack of Jesus' holy name and reparations for these sins. Click here to read Part I.
For more about January's lectionary, feast days, and more, click here.
“Flog your enemies with the Name of Jesus, for there is no weapon more powerful in heaven or on earth.”
"The Art of Living"
In December, parishioners were blessed with a free book called "The Art of Living: the Cardinal virtues and the freedom to love" by Dr. Edward Sri.
In this book, we discover the close connection between growing in the virtues and growing in friendship and community with others. A consummate teacher, Dr. Sri leads us through the virtues with engaging examples and an uncanny ability to anticipate and answer our most pressing questions.
In his inimitable, easy-to-read style, Dr. Sri shows us that the virtues are basic life skills we need to give the best of ourselves to God and to the people in our lives. in short, the practice of virtues gives us the freedom to love.
On Formed, Dr. Ben Akers welcomes Dr. Edward Sri to discuss his new book and the virtues generally. In these six episodes, viewers will learn what a virtue is, how to grow in them, and how our ability to love is dependent on our pursuit of the virtuous life.
Don't have a free Formed account? Click here for sign up instructions. Did we mention it's free?
So many parishioners had a great time at last weekend's after-Mass socials! Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for hosting all of the morning and evening socials. If you would like to assist with any of February's socials, visit this link.
Parish News
MAIN ENTRANCE CLOSED
Due to the work beginning on January 9, the main parish entrance will be closed until construction has been completed. The exits inside the sanctuary beside the choir and Mary statue will be open to enter the church for parish activities and Masses. On weekdays after school hours and weekends, the school entrance doors will be open. If you need assistance, please call the parish office.
FOOD PANTRY
The food pantry is in need of canned corn and dry beans.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST THIS WEEKEND
After the 7:45 AM Mass and the 10:30 AM Mass, the Knights will be offering a Pancake Breakfast, with the net proceeds going to support local PRO-LIFE organizations. Take-out trays will be available. Please come and join us for Food & Parish Family Fellowship while donating to a great cause. Plus, enjoy the Catholicism 101 Class Between the Masses if you stay in the Parish Hall to eat.
SMCS RACK CHALLENGE
Beginning January 15, follow St. Michael Catholic School social media for the RACK Challenge. Each week for the next three weeks, you and your family are invited to perform a "Random Act of Christian Kindness." Share how you blessed someone else, and tag St. Michael's page! Your random act of kindness could inspire others to do the same! (Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.)
PRIME TIMERS SOCIAL
Prime Timers (55+) will have their quarterly social on Friday, January 27, from 6:30-8:30 PM (or until
prizes run out) in the church hall. We will have an evening of bingo. Each person is asked to bring a bingo prize (no white elephants) and an appetizer to share. Wine and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. For more information, contact Mary Matthews at maryandjim47@charter.net.
BLESSED SHRINE RETREAT CENTER
"Into the Arms of the Father" is a women's retreat for spiritual healing on January 20-22. Join us to explore the common distractions and obstacles that inhibit our trust and surrender to the love of God the Father, and how to unblock our endeavors for spiritual healing and growth. Online registration is not yet available, but those who would like to register now can do so by contacting Michelle, our Administrative Assistant, at 334-855-4474 (ext 1) or btsr.adminassistant@msbt.org.
BABY CLOTHING DRIVE
The Knights of Columbus will be conducting a Baby Clothing Drive all weekends in January 2023 for Baby Steps, which helps AU women to continue their education through pregnancy and thereafter. Please bring baby clothes, diapers, blankets, or other small items for infants and toddlers and place them in the box marked Baby Steps, located at the junction of the kitchen and vestibule hallways. Gift cards may be dropped by the church office during the week, or you may send them directly to Baby Steps, PO Box 713, Auburn, AL 36831.
EASEHOUSE MEALS IN 2023
The harvest is great, but the laborers are few! The need to feed the hungry here in Lee County is great and increasing! There are now updated opportunities for three individuals or families to cook meals for the low-income elderly at EaseHouse each week of 2023. It is a gift to be able to be the Lord's hands and feet through these weekly opportunities. Please be generous and sign up today by clicking here. Pictured below is program director Ms. Meadows and a tenant with the New Years delivery of meals.
View this week's bulletin HERE.
View this week's daily readings HERE.
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish
(334) 887-5540
parish@stmichaelsauburn.com
socialmedia@stmichaelsauburn.com
From the Archdiocese: SEARCH Retreat for Teens
SEARCH Retreat for High School Youth is coming up on January 27-29 @ Children's Harbor in Lake Martin, AL.
SEARCH Retreat is an archdiocesan retreat led by teens for teens. It’s a tradition based on Cursillo spanning back over 50 years and can change your teen's LIFE. On a SEARCH weekend, there is sharing by the team members, songs, prayer, small group discussions, Eucharist, Reconciliation, quiet time, and great fellowship.
The weekend begins on Friday evening and goes to Sunday afternoon. Registration cost is $125 and includes lodging, food, and retreat materials. Scholarships are available, please don't let cost be an issue.
For more info and registration forms, visit mobarch.org/search-28 or contact Brandon Bender bbender1@gmail.com or Tex Phelps oym@mobarch.org.
