Bulletin: The Baptism of The Lord

Posted 2022-01-07 by @saintmichaelyyc

What you need to know from this weekend’s bulletin:

The Baptism of Approval

January 9, 2021

Christ’s baptism marks the formal beginning of His public ministry. It also symbolizes His continuing allegiance to God’s will. It is both his first public appearance, so to speak, and the inauguration of His divine ministry. The Lord’s baptism is symbolic of the Father’s approval of the Son’s ministry of preaching the Good News of Salvation that would culminate in his passion, death and resurrection. When Christ submitted Himself to be baptized by John in the Jordan River, God’s stamp of approval was dramatically executed by the symbolism of a dove and voice from above which said: “You are my Son, the Beloved: with you I am well pleased.”

Jesus’ baptism represents the fulfillment of what is prophesied in the Servant Song in Chapter 63 of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. God sends His servant-son, filled with his spirit, sharing his divine life and power, to accomplish the salvation of the world, bringing new life to all of humanity. He is designated as the representation of God’s people according to the Spirit. He is declared formally as the only Son of God, the Servant of Yahweh, anointed with his prophetic spirit.

On the human level, the Lord’s baptism would be like getting the approval and support of our parents to get married or getting the green light from your boss to undertake a significant project. Our being sworn into office, getting married or ordained or being commissioned for a particular ministry or assuming a public office are ceremonies of approval not only from the human authorities but also from God, from whom all authority originates. Pledges and oaths mention the name of God, asking his assistance and inspiration. Inauguration ceremonies speak of a kind of surrender of God’s authority in the fulfillment of our responsibilities.

The celebration of the Lord’s baptism makes us reflect on the need to ask God to consider or approve what we plan to do with our respective lives. It speaks of the need to submit ourselves and our decisions to God’s clearance. It invites us to consider the need to get God’s opinion on what we undertake on a daily basis, giving our life and our acts a kind of stamp of approval from the Almighty Father. What does God think or feel about what I am doing? If Christ would have to do the things I am concerned with, how would He go about them? Let’s reflect on how much we really mean when we pray on a regular basis “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.

FrEdmund@saintmichael.ca

Announcements:

Bible Study

Mondays at 7 p.m. starting January 10

Please join us for a bible study via Zoom on Mondays at 7 p.m., beginning January 10. The first study of the winter/spring season will be a 6 session video study on The Creed with Bishop Robert Barron. For more information, contact Augusto at abitter@telus.net.

CWL Fundraiser Save the Date

January 11 to February 7

“Fish for Fridays” Lent Fundraiser, will be on-line ordering January 11 to February 7. Orders to be picked up at the church on Tuesday, February 22, just in time for Ash Wednesday on March 2.

To place an order, please visit: https://fundforward.ca/collections/st-michael-cwl-lent-2022.

Catholicism 101: What Do Catholics Believe?

Tuesdays at 7 p.m. starting February 1

Starting Tuesday, February 1 at 7p.m., this ten-week online course presents the central beliefs, teachings, and practices of the Catholic church. Each 1.5 hour session includes a short video from the Symbolon: The Catholic Faith Explained series and small group discussion. Contact Mark Richards at 403-836-0545 for more information. Go to saintmichael.ca/events to register.

Alpha Online

Wednesdays at 7 p.m. starting February 2

Alpha is an opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open, and informal environment. It will run on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. beginning February 2 via Zoom. Gathering once a week over an eleven-week period, Alpha welcomes people from every walk of life, wherever they are on their faith journey. We will have time for connection, a talk, and small group discussion. Many are looking for meaning in their lives during this time and Alpha is a great place to start! Come and bring a friend! Call Mark at 403-836-0545 with any questions. For more details or to register go to: https://saintmichael.ca/alpha/.

Text to Donate New Number

Our text to donate number has been updated to (833) 768-0514. Please save this number if you donate using this method.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Special thanks to all St. Michael parishioners for supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul! During the month of November we helped 18 families (25 adults and 9 children). We continue preparing for this year’s Christmas Hamper distribution.

We are looking for new members. If you are interested, contact us at SSVP@saintmichael.ca or 403-249-0423 ext 122.

Donations of non-perishable food items can be dropped off in the SSVP food chest in the gathering area. Currently we are looking for: cereal, pasta sauce, canned vegetables and canned fish/meat.

Monetary donations can be deposited in the drop-box in the food chest or by online donations through the St. Michaels Parish website https://saintmichael.ca/giving/. Please indicate funds are for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the drop-down menu.

If you or anyone you know needs assistance, please contact us at SSVP@saintmichael.ca or 403-249-0423 ext 122.

2022 Contribution Envelopes

Next year’s 2022 contribution envelopes are now available for pickup in the Gathering Area. Please look for your name alphabetically-organized, and note that your number may have changed from last year. If you have any questions, call the parish office at 403-249-0423.

Lectio Divina Books

Lectio Divina Books for Year C (2021-2022) are now available at the stand next to the gift shop or at the parish office. Free will offering.

Indoor Social Gatherings

Due to provincial temporary measures, indoor social gathering after Mass or in the parish halls is not permitted. Please refrain from socializing in the Church after Mass.

Mass Schedule for this Weekend

Saturday, January 8, 5 p.m. – Fr. Raul Hernandez

Sunday, January 9, 9 a.m. – Fr. Raul Hernandez

Sunday, January 9, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Fr. Fr. Edmund Vargas

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The Baptism of The Lord, 09/01/2022, 660.78 KB