What you need to know from this weekend’s bulletin:
Of Givers & Gifts
January 7, 2024
The early Church told the story of astrologers who noticed a new star they were sure belonged to a very special person. This story was one way of explaining that Jesus has come not only for the Chosen People, but for all peoples, as St. Paul writes to the Ephesians in our second reading. The magi brought gold, frankincense and myrrh as gifts to the child Jesus. These were material gifts that were symbolic of inner gifts. Gold was a sign that the child was king. Frankincense was a sign of reverence for God and symbolic of the child’s priesthood. Myrrh, a spice for burials, is sign of humanity and the child’s prophetic mission.
The age-old tradition of giving gifts is related to the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord when the wise men gave gifts to the new-born king as symbols of homage. In a way, we give gifts during this Christmas season because we believe that gifts given to others are given to Christ himself. Hopefully, we have come to realize that the greatest gift we receive at Christmas is Christ Himself.
At the end of this giving season, it is time to reflect on the inner gifts we can continue to offer to God and share with one another. We also have to think and reflect about volunteer work which expresses our gratitude to God who has gifted us with our respective talent, time, and treasure. Becoming faithful and generous stewards of God’s gifts is in keeping with our paying homage to our King and Saviour.
Epiphany is a time to celebrate the truth of God’s presence in our midst. Fully aware of God’s presence in our midst, we invoke God’s presence in our lives as we begin a new year.
“Lord, God of heaven and earth, You have revealed Your only begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless our homes and all the members of our parish community. Fill us all with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Healing Lines
Christmas time is time to remember Jesus as a baby who, like other babies, was completely vulnerable and at the mercy of the adults in his life. Significantly, God did not take any chances with this child. God takes drastic measures to ensure the safety and protection of the child. As far as the safety of the child Jesus, God acted decisively and timelessly. In our societies today, children (like women and the elderly) remain one of the most vulnerable groups. How do we respond in this Christmas Season to protect those who are vulnerable?
Mass Schedule for this Weekend
Saturday, January 6 at 5pm: Fr. Jose Bustalino
Sunday, January 7 at 9am: Fr. Edmund Vargas
Sunday, January 7 at 11am: Fr. Edmund Vargas
Sunday, January 7 at 5pm: Fr. Kevin Chukwurah with Dec. Randy Assisting
Announcements:
Please see this weekend’s bulletins for all announcements:
Download St. Michael bulletin
Download Diocesan bulletin (Condensed)
Download Diocesan bulletin (Full Length)
St. Michael Event Schedule
January – Regular Events:
Sundays | Coffee Sundays | Narthex | After 9:00am & 11:00am Masses
Tuesdays | Rosary Group | Day Chapel | 6:30-7:00pm
Tuesdays | RCIA | St. Nicholas Room| 7:00-9:00pm
Thursdays | Coffee Thursdays | Narthex | After 9:00am Mass
Thursdays | Moms & Tots | St. Nicholas Room | 9:30-11:30am
Thursdays | Knitting Ministry | Library | 10:00am-12:00pm
January 2024 Special Events:
January 8 | Bible Study: Lectio Eucharist First Session | St. Nicholas Room | 7:00-9:00pm
January 9 | CWL General Meeting | St. Michael’s Room | 5:30-9:00pm
January 11 | Moms & Tots Resumes | St. Nicholas Room | 9:30-11:30am
January 11 | Knitting Ministry Begins Thursdays | Library | 10:00am-12:00pm
January 13 & 14 | Bring Your Phone to Mass
January 13 & 14 | Lectio Devina 2024 Books and Baked Sale | Narthex | After All Masses
January 17 | Women’s Ministry Bible Study: Wild Goose First Session | St. Nicholas Room & Theater| 9:30am-12:00pm | Zoom 7:00-9:00pm
January 17 | TMIY First Session | Theater and Narthex | 6:00-7:00am
January 18 | First Reconciliation Session 4 | 6:00-7:30pm
January 19 | Confirmation Session 2 | 7:00-8:30pm
January 23 | Grief Share First Session | Rooms 143 & 144 | 7:00-9:00pm
January 23 | PPC Meeting | St. Michael’s Room 136 | 7:00-9:00pm
January 23 | SSVP Monthly Meeting | St. Gabriel Room 145 | 7:00-9:00pm
January 26 | Daily Mass moved to Day Chapel | 9:00am
January 26 | Youth Rally Impact Night Featuring Tony Melendez | Sanctuary | 7:00-9:00pm
January 27 | Tony Melendez Live Concert | Sanctuary | 7:00-9:00pm
January 27 | Baptism Preparation | St. Nicholas Room | 9:00am-12:00pm
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Epiphany of the Lord, 07/01/2024, 664.19 KB