The Baptism of the Lord

Transcription

1 The Baptism of the Lord January 11th, 2015 The Order of Mass can be found on page 2. Pastor: Fr. Gene Dyer Weekend Associate: Fr. Luke Kleczka, SDS Pastor Emeritus: Fr. Gerald Rogala Deacons: John X. Rottman, Robert Cnota, Steven Wagner and Michael McManus Business Manager Mr. Joe Wojtowicz School Principal: Mr. Dan Gargano Music Director: Mr. Aaron Dixon Religious Education Coordinator: Mr. Ron Mazzoni Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. (Mass in Polish) Monday through Saturday: 8:30 a.m. Holy Days: Please see the bulletin Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy: Tue. - Sat. following 8:30 a.m. Mass Adoration: Wed. 1:00 p.m. with Benediction at 3:00 p.m. Confessions: Saturday 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. Spowiedþ: po polsku Niedziela 11:00-11:25a.m. Office Hours and Addresses: Church: 6725 W. Devon Ave. Chicago, IL Parish Office: 6333 N. Newcastle Ave. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30am - 7:30pm (773) , FAX: (773) parish@saintthecla.org School: 6323 N. Newcastle Ave., (773) Visit us on the web at:

2 The Order of the Mass The Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord A Prayer Before Mass Loving Father, as on my earthly pilgrimage I come to receive Your beloved Son under the veil of a sacrament, may I one day see Him face to face in glory, who lives and reigns with You for ever and ever. Amen. The Introductory Rites Processional Hymn: 697 Healing Spirit of the River Beach Spring Sign of the Cross and Greeting V. In the name of the Father, + and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. R/. Amen V. The Lord be with you. R/. And with your spirit. The Sprinkling Rite Gloria Refrain: Cleanse us Lord, from all our sins, wash us, and we shall be whiter than snow. (Lyrics printed with permission by composer Richard Rice) Collect At the conclusion, all reply: Amen. First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-11 THE LITURGY OF THE WORD Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 29: You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation. Second Reading: 1 John 5:1-9 Gospel Acclamation (Stand) Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Chant Verse, R/. Gospel Reading: Mark 1:7-11 Homily Profession of Faith Universal Prayer At the conclusion, all recite the Hail Mary. Preparation of the Gifts 2 THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST The Offertory Chant Psalm 117: (Sing as a responsorial) R/: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord; the Lord God is our light, alleluia, alle luia. Chant Verse, R/. Stand V. Pray brothers and sisters R/. May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, and for our good and the good of his holy Church.

3 Prayer over the Gifts At the conclusion, all reply: Amen. The Preface V. The Lord be with you. R/. And with your spirit. V. Lift up your hearts. R/. We lift them up to the Lord. V. Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God. R/. It is right and just. Sanctus 855 Mass VIII, Chant The Eucharistic Prayer (kneel) At the Consecration the Holy Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross is made present again. Memorial Acclamation V. The mystery of faith. R/. We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your resurrection, until you come again. The Doxology At the conclusion, all reply: Amen. The Lord s Prayer The Sign of Peace At the fraction, the Agnus Dei begins. The Communion Rite Agnus Dei 859 Mass VIII, Chant Holy Communion V. Behold the Lamb of God R/. Lord, I am not worthy, that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed. Communion Antiphon (John 1: 32-34) R/. Behold the one of whom John said: I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God. Chant Verse, R/. Prayers for before and after Holy Communion are on next page 4. Communion Hymn 332 Taste and See Moore Prayer after Communion At the conclusion, all reply: Amen. The Concluding Rite Announcements Hail Holy Queen and Prayer to St. Michael (on next page 4) The Blessing and Dismissal Retiring Procession 657 Baptized in Water Bunessan 3

4 Prayers 4 A Prayer Before Receiving Holy Communion Dear Lord, may I receive you in this Communion with open arms, And a loving, contrite heart, so that I may be filled with Your grace, for my good and Your glory! Amen. A Prayer After Receiving Holy Communion Anima Christi Soul of Christ, be my sanctification; Body of Christ, be my salvation; Blood of Christ, fill all my veins; Water of Christ's side, wash out my stains; Passion of Christ, my comfort be; O good Jesus, listen to me; In Thy wounds I fain would hide; Ne'er to be parted from Thy side; Guard me, should the foe assail me; Call me when my life shall fail me; Bid me come to Thee above, With Thy saints to sing Thy love, World without end. Amen. A Spiritual Communion Prayer for those unable to receive the Eucharist My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen. Hail, Holy Queen Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears! Turn, then, O most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. V: Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R/: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. Here is an explanation of the devotion. Since the 16th century Catholic piety has associated entire months to special devotions. The devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus has been traditionally associated with the month of January, due to its celebration on January 3. The name Jesus was given to the Holy Child at God's command (Luke 1:31). The Holy Name is all-powerful because of the Person who bears it; we honor it because of the command of Christ, that we should pray in His Name and because it reminds us of all the blessings we receive through our Holy Redeemer. Hence St. Paul was able to write to the Philippians: "... at the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth" (Phil. 2:10). By means of this devotion we also make amends for improper use of the Holy Name. In our sanctuary you will see an icon of Jesus surrounded with candles; you are welcome to light one. Offer this prayer: To You our devotion aspires; by You our prayers are received; we delight in contemplating You. O Name of Jesus, You are the glory of all the saints for eternity. Amen.

5 Weekly Parish Information Mass Intentions Mon. Jan. 12th, 8:30am +Ludwik & Weronika Sajdak Tue. Jan. 13th, 8:30am +Joseph Cwiklik Wed. Jan. 14th, 8:30am +Barbara Savage Thur. Jan. 15th, 8:30am +Loretta B. Szmyd Fri. Jan. 16th, 8:30am +Jacob & Marian Grilz +Jim Lutke Sat. Jan. 17th, 8:30am +Chris Strobel 5:00pm + Hank Karas Sun. Jan. 18st, 8:00am +Andrew, Antoinette, Al Bryk 10:00am 11:30 a.m. Mass in Polish +Stanislaw Szuba +Jacek Leszcz +Denis Hernon +David Podgorny +Bernice Borucki +Genevieve Erazmus +Helen D. Wojcik Lottie Serafin Jadwiga Lubiniecki Edmund Granquist Peggy Edsey John Kinnavy Parish Calendar for this week Monday Jan.12th- Sport Practices-3-8pm-gym Girl Scouts-6-7:30-St>Joseph The Worker Room Baptism Prep.-7-8pm-parish dinning room Tuesday Jan.13th- Sport Practices-3-9:15pm-gym Gen.Anders Confirmation Catechism-7-8pm-church Wednesday Jan.14th - Adoration 1pm-church; 3pm Chaplet & Benediction Sport Practices-5:30-8pm-gym Thursday Jan.15th- Al-Anon Mtg-9:30-11am-St.Joseph the Worker Room Sport Practices-5:30-7pm-gym Music Set-Up-6-7pm-church Adult Choir 7-9pm-Church Boy Scouts-7-8:30pm-gym CAPS mtg. 7-8pm- QoP Boy Scouts-7-7:30pm-RH Friday Jan.16th- Bible Study (Polish) -6:30-9pm-QoP Sport Practices-6-10pm-gym,Russo hall, school kitchen Saturday Jan.17th- General Anders-9-12:30pm-Mary Queen of Peace, St. Joseph the Worker, Russo Hall General Anders - dance-12:30-3pm-mary Queen of Peace, St. Joseph the Worker General Anders Staff Mtg-12:45-3:45-Russo Hall Sport Practices-2:30-4pm-gym Boy Scout Pack Night 5-10pm-gym,school kitchen Sunday Jan.18th- Sport Practices-2-3:30pm-gym THE WATERS OF BAPTISM When new sod is put in, it needs constant saturation with water. Landscapers say that this knits the sod to the soil. The same when a branch is grafted onto a tree: the poultice that joins them at the splice must be kept wet at all times. Water is the stuff that binds the very cells of our bodies together. No wonder religions throughout all times and cultures have used it so prominently. When Jesus stepped into the Jordan for baptism, he knit himself to what had come before him. By going to the Jordan, he made himself one with the people of Israel who had crossed it into their Promised Land. With John the Baptist, Christ wove himself into the prophetic tradition that heralded the coming reign of God. He had become fully human in the waters of Mary s womb, and by partaking in the rite of the baptism of repentance, Jesus identified himself with our sinful, frail humanity. It is through the waters of baptism that Christ continues to graft new members onto his Body, the Church; through these waters we are cleansed from sin and filled with the promise of grace, given our destiny for eternal life. For us, as for Jesus, it is also the waters of baptism that inaugurate our mission to proclaim the Good News. READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Heb 1:1-6; Ps 97:1, 2b, 6, 7c, 9; Mk 1:14-20 Tuesday: Heb 2:5-12; Ps 8:2ab, 5, 6-9; Mk 1:21-28 Wednesday: Heb 2:14-18; Ps 105:1-4, 6-9; Mk 1:29-39 Thursday: Heb 3:7-14; Ps 95:6-11; Mk 1:40-45 Friday: Heb 4:1-5, 11; Ps 78:3, 4bc, 6c-8; Mk 2:1-12 Saturday: Heb 4:12-16; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mk 2:13-17 Sunday: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Ps 40:2, 4, 7-10; 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35-42 SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: The Baptism of the Lord Monday: First Week in Ordinary Time begins Tuesday: St. Hilary Saturday: St. Anthony 5

6 Keep in mind... Prayer List, US Military United States Air Force: SrA Michael J. Archam, A1C Heather Bosh, SrA Nicole Coreil A1C Scott Frisco A1C Shane Garrison, SSgt. Adam Krey, Lt. Andrew May, 2ndLt. Peter A. Schroeder, SSgt. James E. Stay SSgt. Sentara Stay SSgt. Matt Tredwell AIG. Keith Daniel Garrison United States Army: MAJ. Terence W. Bacon, SGT. Sean Doherty, SGT. Rachel Hall, CPT. Gina Marie Healy, SGT. Robert Lach, CPT. Jared Lampe, WO. Steven Larmay, SPC. Thomas J. Lyons III, PFC. Raymond Rau, SPC Thomas Rohl, 1LT. Michael Spiwak SPC. Neil A. Dunn Jr. United States Marines: 2ndLt. Philip E. Blais, 2ndLt. Kevin Bowler, PFC Michael T. Brennan, Pvt. James Dinela, LCpl. Kyle Elmer, SSgt. Benjamin Juhasz, LCpl. Nathaniel J. Juncer, Maj. Michael C. Mroszczak, Cpl. Brian Pasterczyk, Capt. Craig V. Platt, LCpl. Jose Rivera, MSgt. Richard L. Sroka, SSgt. James E. Stonehouse United States Navy: SN E-3 Joseph J. Daly CAPT. Steven Stancy We keep those who are serving in the military in our prayers. Please print the name of your loved one and drop it in the collection basket or return it to the Parish Office. Their names will remain on the list until you notify us of their return or if their rank changes. Sick List - We pray for all those in nursing homes, homebound or who require extended care and those who care for them: Help us with the responsibility of keeping the list up to date and accurate. Please call the office when the status of someone s health changes. Joseph Augustin Frank Bednarczyk Frank Bednarz Gino Belcaster John Belcaster Christina Bennett Rosemary Besyk David Bergthal Stella Bieniek Frank Bieniek Robert Blachowiak Franciszek Bosak Marian Brown Laurence Brueck Daniel Burke Krzysztof Bylica Herlinda Castellanos Irena Chmielowski Susan Christ Therese Ciborowski Eileen Cobb Kevin Connolly Dorothy Taylor Elizabeth Link Joan Lonasney Eileen Conway Mike Curtin John Dooley Sophie Dembek Jackie Dubiel Donald Edsey Kenneth Ellinger Genevieve Erazmus Kristen Formanski Nicolette Garrigan Frank Gibbons Joan Giuntoli Loretta Golubski Ann Gosciniak Ireta Gross Patrick Hall Gerald Halvey Dorothy Hennessey Frank Herbig Gerald Halvey Teresa Jozefczak Tommy Kernan Wladyslawa Kielar Jodi Chmiel John Tentele Beverly Kisiel Rita Koch Mary Kozlowski Stephanie Krupa Sophie Lally Anita Lapiszko Mary Lavalle Arlene Lewandowski Elizabeth Link Dorothy Lyjak Martin McCaffrey Eileen McGovern Edward McManis Imleda Mizones Lillian Morris Gerrick Mueller Katharina Mueller James Mullins Kim Murphy Julie Muza George Marcin Maria Baratti Catherine Neumann Kathleen Numec Danuta Okrzesik John Orloff Patricia O Toole Bob Paige Susan Peterson Kevin Peterson Giselle Piekarski Estella Plaza Caroline Plodzien Thomas Podgorny Roman Poniatowski Raymond Prybil Joe Pulizzano Virginia Romarynowski Stanley Sadej Anthony Sansone Mary Sarlo Peter Schroeder Eugenia Siemianowski Janina Sikora Susan Carroll Barbra Ammemdola Laura Smith Janina Sroka Helena Starzynska Judith Wolff-Stenzel Dorothy Struck Helen Surdey Janis Taylor Patricia Timm Cecilia Walega Christine Wasowski Mary Widelka Anthony Wiorski Irene Wlezien Edward Wnek Julia Wojtanowski Paul Wyncott Julia Zeler Rose Zemba Burke Daniel Wanda Marshall Therese Neiman Walter Malinowski 6

7 Stewardship Weekly Collections $240,000 $230,000 $220,000 $210,000 $200,000 $190,000 $180,000 $170,000 $160,000 $150,000 $140,000 $130,000 $120,000 $110,000 $100,000 Nov YTD 2013 Nov YTD 2014 Nov YTD 2014 Budget November 2014 Fiscal Year-To-Date Weekly Offertory Collection $220,057 $201,209 November YTD Total $220,057 $201,209 $223,808 $223,808 The chart above shows the St. Thecla offertory collections fiscal year-to-date through November. A reference to last year s November year-to-date collection and to the November 2014 year-to-date budget is also shown. Monthly electronic giving (ParishPay) is included in the totals above. We have fallen $22,599 short of our fiscal year-to-date collections budget through November. Our November fiscal year-to-date collections were $18,848 lower than the same period last year. Please use your weekly contribution envelopes or consider enrolling today in ParishPay our electronic giving option to consistently prioritize your support of our parish. A message from the Finance Council Almost half-way through this fiscal year, the Sunday weekly collections continue to fall short of the budget that we established. Also concerning is that - in total, our collections are running lower than last fiscal year. We need to maintain the momentum of the great financial progress we made in the last two fiscal years. Have you missed a donation that you can catch up on? Are you able to increase your Sunday contribution this year if you haven t done so already? Thank you for giving this your consideration. We are thankful for your continued generosity and we appreciate your active support for this gift of our parish! Weekly Contributions: A note from the Finance Council We need to maintain the momentum of the great financial progress we made in the last fiscal year. Have you missed a weekly donation that you can catch up on? Thank you for giving this your consideration. December 28th, 2014 Total Collection......$8, Maintenance Fund...$ School Fund.....$ 0.00 Children s Envelopes......$ 2.06 Parking Lot Fund.$ Sharing Parish..$ Christmas Flowers...$2, January 4th, 2015 Total Collection......$9, Maintenance Fund...$ 0.00 School Fund.....$ Children s Envelopes......$ 4.00 Parking Lot Fund.$ Sharing Parish..$ Solemnity of Mary...$3, Christmas.$32, Thank you for your generosity to help meet our weekly financial goals. Please remember St. Thecla in your will. Sign up for Automated Giving by visiting or by calling parish-1 The following parishioners donated to the Christmas flowers in memory of their loved ones. These were the donations that came in this past weekend. Thank you. Ms. Rita Jurkowski Mary Beltowski, Walter Beltowski, Julius Jurkowski Ms.Paula Bernacki Mr.and Mrs.Miroslaw Mastela Mr. Chester Barbas Ever wonder who the Knights of Columbus are? Ever consider becoming a member? To find out who these men are and for more information about joining contact Tony Mangiaracina, Field Agent at (773)

8 Nasza Wiara Polski Dystrykt AA-tel Leczenie uzaleznien: Zrzeszenie Polsko-Amerykanskie Ola-wewnetrzny 346, Piotr wewnetrzny 347. Schronisko dla bezdomnych-tel , wewnetrzny 326 lub 319. Stop przemocy tel wewnetrzny 333 lub 331 (ofiary przemocy). 357 lub 344 sprawcy przemocy Haymarket Center-leczenie uzaleznien (po polsku) Daniel , Andrzej , Grzegorz Anawim-schronisko dla bezdomnych lub 1125 N.Cleaver St. Chicago Dzienna Pomoc Bezdomnym-Kosciol Sw.Jacka Rainbow Hospice Centrum Wsparcia w zalobie Święty Michale Archaniele! Wspomagaj nas w walce, a przeciw niegodziwości i zasadzkom złego ducha bądź naszą obroną. Oby go Bóg pogromić raczył, pokornie o to prosimy, a Ty, Wodzu niebieskich zastępów, szatana i inne złe duchy, które na zgubę dusz ludzkich po tym świecie krążą, mocą Bożą strąć do piekła. Amen. Witaj, Królowo, Matko milosierdzia, zycie, slodyczy i nadziejo nasza, witaj! Do Ciebie wolamy wygnancy, synowie Ewy; do Ciebie wzdychamy jeczac i placzac na tym lez padole. Przeto, Oredowniczko nasza, one milosierne oczy Twoje na nas zwróc, a Jezusa, blogoslawiony owoc zywota Twojego, po tym wygnaniu nam okaz. O laskawa, o litosciwa, o slodka Panno Maryjo! K. Módl się za nami święta Boża Rodzicielko. W. Abyśmy się stali godnymi obietnic Chrystusowych 8

9 If you know someone who has lost a child or grandchild to abortion, or was in any way responsible for an abortion, and now suffers from remorse or sadness or simply doubts that God can ever forgive them, please let your friend know about the Church s post-abortion ministry, called Project Rachel. More information can be found at or by calling HOPE. Pro-Life Projekt Rachel telefon: rachelpolish@yahoo.com Dom Samotnej Matki-telefon: Contact Us Option Line is a 24/7 Call center for those experiencing needing help finding a Pregnancy Help Center in their area. Phone: HELP (4357) ANNUAL MARCH FOR LIFE CHICAGO JANUARY 18, 2015, 2-4PM STARTS AT FEDERAL PLAZA (50 W ADAMS) MarchForLifeChicago.com marchforlifechicago@gmail.com World Meeting of Families 2015 We are excited that Pope Francis is coming to Philadelphia! The World Meeting of Families takes place on September 22-27, Marriage and Family Ministries is partnering withfaith Journeys pilgrimage tours to offer an opportunity to travel together to Philadelphia! For more details about the pilgrimage: World Meeting of Families Brochure. To register for the pilgrimage, please contact Faith Journeys at: FAITH JOURNEYS1440 SO PRIEST DR., SUITE 102TEMPE, AZ Phone (480) Fax (480) info@myfaithjourneys.com AN ANCIENT BAPTISTERY One of the most ancient and enduring sites for baptism in Rome is the church of San Giovanni in Fonte. This church is in fact a baptistery, and houses the font for the Lateran Basilica, the cathedral of Rome. The Emperor Constantine sponsored its construction in the year 315, and it is therefore the oldest baptistery in the world. It is the model for nearly all later baptisteries, including perhaps the font in your own parish church 9

10 General information Baptisms: Please contact the Parish Office to arrange a Baptism. Baptismal Prep Class: Will be confirmed at time of Registration of the Baptism. Marriages: The Pastoral Guidelines for Marriage Preparation for the Archdiocese of Chicago ask that a minimum of 4 months be set aside for personal preparation for marriage. Couples should refrain from setting a firm date or making any other arrangements until after they have met with a parish priest or deacon to discuss marriage plans. Please note that Weddings do not take place during Lent. Bulletin Deadline: All articles must be ed or dropped off at the Parish Office by 10:00 a.m. on Fridays (8 days prior to publication date). Holidays subject to longer lead times. Please articles to parish@saintthecla.org. Note - articles subject to editing. For more information call the office at (773) website: How to Become a Catholic: Adults or teenagers interested in receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, or Eucharist) or those who are interested in the Catholic Faith should call the Parish Office for more information about the R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). Homebound/Communion Visitations: St. Thecla Church has several ministers of care who can regularly take communion to those in need. Please call the Parish Office to arrange for communion for yourself or a homebound loved one. THANK YOU, BULLETIN ADVERTISERS This bulletin is subsidized completely by those companies whose advertisements appear on the last two pages. If you have the opportunity, you may thank them in the name of our parish by using their products or services. Should you desire to participate as a sponsor of our bulletin, you may contact J.S. Paluch Company at To register as a parishioner; call the Parish Office for more information at

11 Parish Life Annual Saint Thecla Super Bowl Party WHEN: February 1 st, 2015; 3:30-10:30 WHERE: Falcon Gym $25 for All-You-Can-Eat Steak Dinner -Dessert Table Included -Soft Drinks, Water, and Coffee included Drink Packages available for purchase Half-Time Chili-Cook Off 1 st Place cash prize Entries for Cook-Off need to be in by 1/23 Please contact Trish Ranallo to enter: trishranallo21@gmail.com Event Tickets available at the door (cash or check) Reserve a table (8 people) by 1/23 and receive a $25 voucher at the event Voucher to be used towards event Please contact Don Kottl for Table Reservations: donkottl@gmail.com First-Time families to the event receive a Spirit Wear or Babysitter voucher (up to $25) Please denote First-Time family at time of registration The Super Bowl Party is an Adults-Only event Please make all checks out to: Saint Thecla Athletic Council The eyes of the world see no further than this life; but the eyes of a Christian see into eternity. St. John Vianney St. Thecla parish started in 1925 and 2015 marks 90 years of parish life! Adoration takes place every Wednesday in church starting at 1pm. At 3pm we conclude with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Benediction. Come and spend time with our Lord. Adoracja Najºwiêtszego Sakramentu w naszym koºciele odbywa siê w kaýdà ºrodê od godz. 1 do 3:00 po po³udniu. Na zakoñczenie adoracji udzielane jest b³ogos³awieñstwo Najºwiêtszym Sakramentem. Dear Parents: We are very pleased to announce the start of a Children s choir for students in grades 1 and 2. In order for this to be a success, we need your help! If you are an adult that has been Virtus trained and CANTS certified, please consider being an assistant to Aaron Dixon our Music Director. More information can be acquired by contacting him, at: (773) ext. 203 or adixon@saintthecla.org Christmas 2014 Dear Parishioners; Christmas came up so fast and in the blink of an eye it s January 11th. I take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your support and your devotion to the Faith. During the past two weeks the parish experienced the death of several long standing parishioners who will be missed. The birth of our Savior; the gift of Jesus, his death on the cross and his resurrection is what sustains us during every trial or loss on our pilgrimage to Eternity. I consider myself very blessed to walk this pilgrimage with you. Our Lord s blessings and my love to you in 2015! -Fr. Gene