Happy New Year 2022!
Once again, I accepted the daunting task of writing for our Pastor Fr. Robert, while he is away in Uganda. I am excited to share some reflections of the season and ponder them along with you.
The Church, unlike secular society, does not quickly celebrate Christmas and hastily dismiss it as she moves to the next holiday. Rather, Christmas is a season to be enjoyed and entered into. Our beautiful Catholic faith which for over 2000 years, in her wisdom, immediately lays out for our consideration and inspiration, the lives of her saints and martyrs. Thus reminding us that this world is “not our final destination.” Some of you may remember Msgr. Tom, who years ago was very fond of closing each sermon with those very words.
Immediately following Christmas is the Feast of St. Stephen, one of the first martyrs. Martyr means “witness,” those who willingly sacrifice their lives rather than renounce their faith in God. We need their example of virtuous perseverance in the face of persecutions. Next comes the Feast of the Holy Family. God came into our broken world, through a family. The Church in promoting this feast, presents the Holy Family as the model and exemplar of all Christian families.
The twenty-eighth brought us the, Feast of the Holy Innocents, who were some of the earliest martyrs of the Church. They sacrificed their lives for a name they did not know, Jesus, and shed their blood as Christ would later do for us all. The Holy Innocents died because of Him and for Him. They gave their precious lives so that God’s plan could be fulfilled in His Son, Jesus.
At the beginning of the new year comes the feast of Mary, Mother of God on January first. Dom Vonier, O.S.B, an Abbot in England once wrote,
“True civilization is easily tested by its attitude towards motherhood.” He goes on, “There was a time when the world’s evil did frighten my soul, when I looked upon it with scared eyes and an anguished heart, as if it were something mighty with power and substance in it. But from the day when I began to understand [Mary’s] motherhood more clearly, and to love it more ardently, my soul has ever made merry of the idle efforts of the princes of darkness to cow man’s spirits into timidity through their idle attempts at establishing a mendacious sovereignty of gloom. The Creator of the starry skies smiles sweetly at you, oh fairest of all women, and you return his smile in triumphant peace, and I know that with God smiling at his sweet Mother the grim powers of evil are already defeated.”
Yes, that was a mouthful, and much to chew on. Essentially, I meant it to be a reminder for all of us of the sublime power against evil in the humble presence of our Mother Mary. We need not worry, have anxiety or be fearful. Christ has conquered death and evil has no power over us unless we consent to it. Let 2022 be a new beginning in a deeper relationship of love with our Blessed Mother.
Finally, Fr Mike Schmitz leaves us this little gem of a homily from the Epiphany. Here is the link to the audio, 01/02/22 It's Not About You - Bulldog Catholic or you can also search for it.This powerful short homily is a great way to reorder ourselves. There is a trap, especially now, for us to think everything is about us. I invite you to commit to listening to it, and ponder it in prayer asking yourself, is this ever me? What must I do to combat this destructive habit?
Today’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord is another way the Church teaches us about Christ’s humility and willing obedience to do the Father’s will. He entered the waters of His baptism not to wash away His sin, as He had none, but to take on ours, and crucify them as a perfect sacrifice to the Father to expiate for us.
May we never take our own Baptism for granted. This indelible mark, has marked us for Christ, and it is in imitation of Him that we must pick up our own crosses.
Be blessed,
Barb Lishko
Coordinator of Marriage and Adult Faith Formation
WE are responsible for the effort not the outcome. What efforts will you make to solidify your heavenly destination in 2022? Small doable steps- Adoration, more Mass, devotion to our Lady, confession etc
Jan 15/16- Your Builder shall marry you, Wedding Feast at Cana
Jan 22/23- One body different parts. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
Jan 29-30- Before I firmed you in the womb I knew you, 1Cor 13 -Still more excellent way. Love. Prophet not accepted… (reminder about Candlemas)
TONIGHT, January 7th and Saturday, January 8th
Location will be in the Chapel
THIS Sunday, January 9th after the 7am and 10am Masses. Our featured ministry will be: Liturgy Ministry
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Wednesday | 6:30pm
Saturday | 5:00pm
Sunday | 7:00am, 10:00am, 2:00pm
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