February: Month of the Holy Family
To honor Jesus, Mary, and Joseph is a devotion that is beneficial to all Christians. The lives of the Holy Family on earth serve as models for every state of life for both the individual and the family. God offers His graces through the Holy Family of Nazareth to encourage devotion and reflection on their lives. We are challenged to make their way of life, our way of life. They are a source of virtue, they enlighten our minds, and they show us how to love through sacrifice. Let us respond to the love they have shown us. We pray for a deeper love of the Holy Family.
This month, as we contemplate the Holy Family, we'll focus on the different ways the Holy Family shows us the path to heaven. Regardless of your current state in life, the school of virtue that is the Holy Family is beneficial to all.
No. 1: The Holy Family Does God’s Will
The Holy Family began with a “Yes” to the will of God. Mary’s acceptance of God’s will for her life to be the Mother of Jesus began with her saying, “May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). With this, the Holy Family began. Joseph planned to divorce Mary until he learned of God’s plan for him. And while others did not understand Joseph, he accepted God’s will for his life: “When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home” (Matthew 1:24). Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane prayed “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Each member said “Yes” to God’s will knowing their “Yes” required sacrifice, but they had confidence in God’s blessings as well. Consider where God is calling us to say “Yes” to His will in our lives. The next time we pray the Our Father, ponder the words “thy will be done.”
“The family is the basis in the Lord’s plan, and all the forces of evil aim to demolish it. Uphold your families and guard them against the grudges of the evil one, by the Presence of God.”
-St. Charbel Makhlouf OLM (1828-1898)
Art: "Presentation in the Temple" by Philippe de Champaigne (1602–1674)Â
February: From Feast to Fast
Though the shortest month of the year, February is rich in Liturgical activity. It contains a feast (Presentation of our Lord) that bridges two other seasons (Christmas and Easter)! In addition, the faithful may receive in February three of the four major public sacramentals that the Church confers during the liturgical year: blessed candles and the blessing of throats and blessed ashes. At the end of the month, we prepare to accept the cross of blessed ashes on Ash Wednesday (February 22) and plunge ourselves into anticipating the major exercises of Lent–fasting, prayer, almsgiving.
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of February 2023
For Parishes: We pray that parishes, placing communion at the centre, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need.
For more about February's lectionary, feast days, and more, click here.
Looking Ahead at Upcoming Offerings
- 2/3: Blessing of the Throat | daily Masses
- 2/3: First Friday Adoration | noon to 5:45 PM (sign up here)
- 2/4: First Saturday Mass | 7:30 AM
- 2/4: Confirmation Mass | 2 PM
- 2/5: SVDP Monthly Meeting | 12 PM
- 2/9: Young Adult Group Taco Social | 5 PMÂ
- 2/10-12: Pan Y Vino Retreat for AU Catholic
- 2/11: Wedding Vow Renewal | 5 PM Mass
- 2/11: Korean Mass | 7 PM
- 2/11-2/12: After-Mass Socials | sign up to help here
- 2/12: SMCS Book Fair | open to the parish from 9-10:30 AM; order online here
- 2/12: Mini Vinnies | 12 PM
- 2/18: First Communion Workshop
- 2/18: KOC Chili Contest | 6-9 PM; details below
- 2/19: KOC Pancake Breakfast | after 7:45 and 10:30 AM Masses
- 2/20: Presidents' Day | Parish Office is closed
- 2/20: Eucharistic Procession | 7 PM; details here
- 2/22: Ash Wednesday | Masses at 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 12:10 PM, 5 PM, and 7 PM (bilingual)
- 2/24-25: Haiti Food Packing Event | sign up to help here
Parish News
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION SIGN UP
All are invited to February's First Friday Adoration on February 3. This month's hours will be from noon to 5:45 PM, and adorers are needed for every half hour. Sign up here or using the QR code in the vestibule. If you need assistance, come to the parish office.
EASEHOUSE
There are now weekly opportunities for three individuals, families, or ministries to cook meals, and we need meals provided as soon as February 7. Volunteers can select to provide either 12 or 6 meals (you can think "casserole turned into 12 meals, plus sides" for reference, if needed). Unsure what to cook? We've got suggested meals! Unsure how to package them? We provide the to-go boxes! Visit this link to sign up and learn more.
HOSPITALITY OPPORTUNITY
If you'd like to help set up and serve your fellow parishioners at next weekend's after-Mass socials, perhaps with friends or your ministry, click here.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES APPEAL
If you have not returned your Catholic Charities pledge card, please do so now. If you prefer to donate online, you can text “CCA” to 91999 for a link. Envelopes are available in the pewS. It is our goal to have every family participate to the best of their ability. We ask that you answer the Call to Give to those in need through your prayerful generosity to this year’s Catholic Charities Appeal. Please, help our parish meet our goal of $205,000 this year and obtain 100% participation.
FOOD PANTRY
The food pantry is in need of spaghetti and oatmeal.
LENTEN MORNING OF REFLECTION
Theme: Turning Water into Wine: how has Jesus turned the water of sorrow into the wine of rejoicing in your life, and how does Lent renew the miracle?
Presenter: Carol Whatley, CSD
Place: Â St. Mary's Catholic Church, Opelika
When: Saturday, February 18, 8:30-11:30 AM
Co-sponsors: Mary's Daughters Cursillo Reunion group and Wisdom Circles Bible Study
All are invited. No charge, but reservation required.
Contact: marieruggiero@gmail.com; cell: (334) 704-3125
CHILI CONTEST ON FEB 18
All parishioners are welcome to sign up for a Chili Contest, sponsored for the Knights of Columbus, on Saturday, February 18. If you've got the best chili (voted on by attendees), you win a trophy and have bragging rights for the year! Proceeds benefit St. Michael Catholic School scholarships. For more information and to sign up, click here.
ABORTION HEALING RETREAT WEEKEND
Have you been emotionally and spiritually impacted by a past abortion experience? Do you feel like you are the only person walking through the pain and grief of your past? Do you long for someone to take your hand and say they have been there too? The Rachel’s Vineyard Abortion Healing Retreat team of Columbus, GA would like to invite you to a weekend healing retreat on February 10-12, 2023. We are teaming with the PATH Rachel’s Vineyard Military Retreat team to also help those in our military, veterans, and families. He is calling you to be whole. God wants to speak truth to those places in your heart that have been broken by abortion. For information or to register: Contact Deb Penzak at Hismercy4you@hotmail.com or (240)423-6083 or Military, Veterans, and Families contact Jody Duffy at military@pathatl.com or (404)247-9046.
