Today is the Feast of the Epiphany, and with that comes the close of the Christmas season for the church.  We used to celebrate for another eight days, celebrating the coming of the Magi with its own octave (eight days of prayer).  No more!  We are back to Ordinary Time.   The city was busy taking down decorations the day after New Year's, and many businesses are already stocking up for Valentine’s Day.  It does not seem that time can pass so fast, especially the past two weeks.  Like someone said:  “Don’t complain! You are still alive, and that is what counts.”  God sure is patient with all of us.  I hope that in your New Year's resolutions you did include some upgrading of spiritual life, like prayers, Sacraments, good deeds, better stewardship of time, talents, and treasure.  God sure gives us much, and He expects us to use it well in charity.

 

This week, I will be on retreat at the King’s House with a group of priests.  Please pray for us.  I will not stay there at night, since I will sleep better in my own bed.  I will leave early each day to be in time for Mass with the rest of those on retreat.  Our retreat ends on Thursday at 1:00 P.M.

 

As I write this article (Wednesday), there are many events happening this week.  I would like to thank all who took part in the Blood Drive on Saturday morning, including those workers who set up, worked the blood drive, and cleaned up.  I am also thanking all who came for the Mass of Anointing of the Sick and Elderly, which also took place on Saturday morning.  Both events recognize our mortality and need for help to live in this world, as well as in our spiritual world.  We cannot do it alone.

 

This is a short span before Lent begins—one month from today, on February 6^th,  which also translates into an early Easter, and all of the events that follow it.  Get ready!

 

This afternoon, beginning at 1:00 P.M., we will take down and store away, the Christmas decorations in church, and elsewhere.  We can use lots of help to carry items to the attic as well as to the basement.  Since we re-use all of the items as much as we can, we take the time to box them properly.  It is so much nicer and faster when the storing away is done with care.

 

Again, I ask you to pray for vocations to the priesthood and the religious life.  The shortage is going to get worse before it gets better.  Our prayers and  encouragement, and our own self-giving now will make it easier for our children and grand-children.  When we do not do the portion that is our lot to do, we dump it on the next generation to do what should have been done, and what they need to do for their turn.  This applies to all stages of our call to good stewardship.

 

Again, thanks to all of you for all that you do for Holy Childhood Parish, for our Diocese, and in bringing Christ to our community.  May God bless you abundantly!

 

 

January 2008

 

1/06 9:00 AM PSR-hcs

1/13 9:00 AM PSR-hcs

1/20 NO PSR

1/27 9:00 AM PSR-hcs