CARMEL OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY ST. PETER CHANEL

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1 St. John of the Cross Catholic Cluster NOTRE DAME du MONT CARMEL OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY ST. PETER CHANEL St. David St. Agatha St. Bruno - St. Remi St. Gerard-Mt. Carmel St. Luce St. Joseph (Hamlin) St. Thomas Aquinas St. Joseph (Sinclair) St. Michael (Summer Months) January 20, 2019 Pastor Fr. James Plourde james.plourde@portlanddiocese.org Parochial Vicars Fr. Antony Alexander Maria Doss, HGN antony.mariadoss@portlanddiocese.org Fr. Selvaraj Kasi, HGN selvaraj.kasi@portlanddiocese.org Deacons Rev. Mr. Donald R. Clavette donald.clavette@portlanddiocese.org Rev. Mr. Rodney Deschaine rodney.deschaine@portlanddiocese.org Cluster 2 Business Coordinator Greg Cyr greg.cyr@portlanddiocese.org Bulletin Editor janice.dufour@portlanddiocese.org Sacramental & Pastoral Care SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Please call your parish office for appointment. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday before 4pm Mass or appointment. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE Please call your parish office at least 6 months prior to date. SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK Please call your parish office. FUNERALS Please contact the Cluster 2 business office. New Parishioners If you are new to the parish or have an address or phone number change, please contact your parish office. NOTRE DAME DU MONT CARMEL 309 St. Thomas Street, Suite 103 Madawaska, ME Parish Office / Cluster 2 Business Office notredamedumontcarmel@portlanddiocese.org Faith Formation Office OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY 379 Main St./PO Box 10, St. Agatha, ME Parish Office Faith Formation Office ST. PETER CHANEL 174 Main St., Van Buren, ME Parish Office StPeterChanelParish@portlanddiocese.org

2 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time January 20, 2019 Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Mass Schedule Saturday, January 19 4:00pm ST: Dr. Fred Harrigan Enid Corey 6:00pm SG: Ronald & Hermance Cyr Children Sunday, January 20 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:30am ST: Memorial Mass (Intentions on Cluster Page) 11:00am SD: Robert Gagnon (1st Anniv.) Jeanne & Tom Monday, January 21 No Mass / St. Agnes Tuesday, January 22 9:00am-5:45pm ST: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 6:00pm ST: George Dugal Roger & Jackie Wednesday, January 23 Sts. Vincent & Marianne Cope 8:30am SD: Julie Albert Family Thursday, January 24 No Mass / St. Francis de Sales Friday, January 25 2:00pm RDG: Martha Beaupre David & Diane Albert 2:00pm CV: George Dugal Lorraine & Andre Tessier Saturday, January 26 Sts. Timothy & Titus 4:00pm ST: Louis Dufour Cecile Tardif 6:00pm SG: Jeannine Saunders Husband, Glen Sunday, January 27 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:30am ST: Gedeon Corriveau Aldeo & Rita Belanger 11:00am SD: Louise Gendreau (1st Anniv.) Family Our Lady of the Valley Mass Schedule Saturday, January 19 4:00pm SA: Jeannine Cyr Jean Paul & Family Sunday, January 20 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30am SL: Memorial Mass (Intentions on OLV page) 4:00pm SJ: Jacqueline Gendreau Family Monday, January 21 St. Agnes 6:00pm SA: Jeannine Cyr Jeanne Pratt Tuesday, January 22 8:30am SJ: All Souls Our Lady of the Valley Parishioners Wednesday, January 23 No Mass / Sts. Vincent & Marianne Cope Thursday, January 24 St. Francis de Sales 6:00pm SL: Sylvia Gies James & Mona Lavertu Friday, January 25 No Mass Saturday, January 26 Sts. Timothy & Titus 4:00pm SA: Aurele & Irma Gendreau Gail Huber Sunday, January 27 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30am SL: Yvette & Norman Guerrette Jill, Jake & Kids 4:00pm SJ: Dick Daigle Corinne & Family Saturday, January 19 4:00pm SB/SR: Donalda Reboyras Marlene & Ray Maldonado Sunday, January 20 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00am SJ: Gervaise Lapierre Rebecca St. Pierre 9:15am SB/SR: Reno Thibodeau Monday, January 21 St. Agnes (Sacrament of Reconciliaton 2nd Graders) 6:00pm SB/SR: Our Lady of the Rosary Joseph & Connie Cote Tuesday, January 22 NO MASS Wednesday, January 23 Sts. Vincent & Marianne Cope 6:00pm SB/SR: Michael Red Roy Linda & Therese 6:30pm - 7:00pm - Eucharistic Adoration & Reconciliation St. Peter Chanel Mass Schedule Thursday, January 24 No Mass / St. Francis de Sales Friday, January 25 10:00am BVM: Msgr. Robert Lavoie Joseph R. & Connie Cote Saturday, January 26 Sts. Timothy & Titus 4:00pm SB/SR: Donalda Reboyras Marlene & Ray Maldonado Sunday, January 27: 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00am SJ: Gervaise Lapierre Rebecca St. Pierre 9:15am SB/SR: Reno Thibodeau Abbreviations for Cluster Church Sites and Facilities NOTRE DAME DU CARMEL OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY ST. PETER CHANEL SD - St. David SA - St. Agatha SB/SR - St. Bruno/St. Remi SG - St. Gerard SL - St. Luce SJ - St. Joseph (Hamlin) ST - St. Thomas Aquinas SJ - St. Joseph (Sinclair) BVM - Borderview Manor CV - Country Village SM - St. Michael s Chapel RDG - Ridgewood SJMC - St. Joseph Memory Care HVM - High View MH - Montfort Heights

3 Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Parish Corner St. David, St. Gerard-Mt. Carmel/Grand Isle, St. Thomas Aquinas/Madawaska Worship & Spirituality PRAY FOR OUR SICK Anne B.C. Deschaine, Rosanne Chasse, Roger Ayotte, Lorette Chasse, Louise Gendreau, Joe Ouellette, Randy Dufour, George Dionne, Carlene Martin, Gene Lavoie, Gordon Soucy, Bernice Martin, Mike Rossignol, Joel Albert, Brenda Levesque, Edwina Sirois, James Lavoie, Tom Gagnon, Odette Pelletier and Donald Cyr. FMI call LAMP FOR THE UNBORN BURNS FOR: St. David - for the unborn a Parishioner St. Gerard - for Adam Beth Bellefleur ST. THOMAS AQUINAS SANCTUARY LAMP BURNS IN JANUARY FOR: For a Special Intention Aldeo Belanger ST. DAVID SANCTUARY LAMP BURNS IN JANUARY FOR: Gaetane Lagasse Family EUCHARISTIC ADORATION EVERY TUESDAY at St. Thomas Aquinas Church from 9am 6:00pm. This week s intention: For an end to gun violence in our country, and also for our area businesses and their workforces. I adore and venerate you as much as ever I can, though my love is so cold, my devotion so poor. Thank you for the gift of this your Body & Blood, which I desire to receive. -St. Anselm EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: We are asking a favor from those who come to pray before the Blessed Sacrament on Tuesdays. If you have finished your time of prayer and are ready to leave but there is no one else in the church, we would ask you to go to the Altar and place the cover that is there on the Altar over the monstrance. If you are coming to pray and find the cover on the monstrance, simply go to the Altar and remove it for your time of prayer. The Blessed Sacrament should never be exposed when there is no one present. Since there are occasions when this happens, we are proposing the cover as a solution. If you have any questions, please ask Deacon Don or Fr. Jim. Thank you for your cooperation and a special thanks for your prayer time before the Lord. Parish Life FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING: Tuesday, January 22nd at 6:30pm in the pastor s conference room. ST. GERARD LADIES OF ST. ANNE MEETING & PIZZA LUNCH: Wednesday, February 13th at 12 noon at the Grand Isle General Store. Wear RED for a chance to win a special prize. DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA PRAYER LINE: If you are in need of prayers for you or a loved one, the Daughters of Isabella can help through the Prayer Line. Many persons who have been placed on the prayer line have found great comfort in the power of prayer and some have witnessed miracles. This is open to anyone not only for members. To add a name to the prayer line, contact Lorraine Talbot, Finance & Administration Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Financial Update Offertory: July 1, 2018 to January 6, 2019 Budget: $201,923 Actual: $204,247 Over Anticipated: $2,324 Amount given Weekly goal St. David $1,764 $1,849 St. Gerard $1,441 $908 St. Thomas Aquinas $3,725 $4,454 Weekly Totals $6,930 $7,212 Heating: $772 Solemnity of Mary: $2,251 JOB OPENING Sexton/Groundskeeper Individual wanted for janitorial and maintenance duties for St. Gerard Church, Main St. Grand Isle. Tasks include care of the grounds, general maintenance and overall handyman. This position is part time with flexible hours. Applications are available at: Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Business Office 309 St. Thomas St. Suite 103 Madawaska ME Faith Formation YEAR 2 FAMILY FAITH FORMATION GATHERING Sunday, January 27th 5:00 p.m. Teaching Mass with Fr. Alex in church 6:00 p.m. Family Potluck in the church center (basement) Community Events KITCHEN PARTY: Sunday, January 20th, from 1 to 3 pm in the Grand Isle Community Center. Free admission. Free snacks and refreshments. Join us for fun with local entertainers. Sponsored the Greater Grand Isle Historical Society. FMI call Gerald at GRAND ISLE SNOWMOBILE CLUB BREAKFAST: Sunday, Jan. 20th from 7 to 11am at the Grand Isle Community Center. All Welcome! GRAND ISLE SENIOR LUNCH: Thursday, January 24th at 11am. Menu: Meatballs with Sweet & Sour Sauce. CHARLEMAGNE: Sunday, January 27th at the Madawaska Senior Center from 1-3pm. Cost: $5 / $6 Canadian. Refreshments served. FOR YOUR INFORMATION MADAWASKA FOOD PANTRY PICK UP Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 7am-11am GOOD SAMARITAN THRIFT SHOP HOURS Monday: 12pm - 4pm Thursday: 10am - 3pm Tuesday: 10am - 3pm Friday: 12pm - rpm Wednesday: 10am - 4pm

4 Our Lady Of The Valley Parish Corner St. Agatha, St. Joseph/Sinclair, St. Luce/Frenchville, St. Michael Chapel Worship & Spirituality SANCTUARY LAMP: Burns this week: St. Agatha: Jules & Marrette Leclercq Daughter, Odette Ouellette St. Luce: Yvette Leclercq Her Sister Odette Ouellette St. Joseph: Reginald Thibeault Odette Ouellette CORRECTION IN LAST WEEK S BULLETIN Mass on Tuesday, January 15th for Adrien Ouellette was being said Ray & Joan Hebert. ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Monday s after 6:00 p.m. Mass until 7:30 p.m. at St. Agatha Thursday s after 6:00 pm. Mass until 7:30 p.m. at St. Luce Prayer Line Contacts St. Joseph: Cecile Ouellette Sacramental Life SACRAMENT of RECONCILIATION / CONFESSIONS Mondays at St. Agatha: After 6pm Mass Thursdays at St. Luce: After 6pm Mass WELCOME TO OUR FAITH COMMUNITY Seth Elijah Paradis Son of Adam & Melissa Paradis Hallie Mae Blanchette Daughter of Eric & Chantal Blanchette Parish Life OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY PARISH IS HOSTING A TALENT SHOW! SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24TH, 6PM ST. AGATHA CHURCH HALL Entrance Fee: $5 PERFORMERS WANTED! Looking for groups or individuals to share their talents!!! (Our goal is to have 15 ACTS) Finance & Administration Our Lady of the Valley Financial Updates Offertory: July 1, 2018 to January 6, 2019 Budget: $107,692 Actual: $111,176 Over Anticipated: $3,484 Amount Given Weekly Goal St. Agatha $1,758 $1,876 St. Joseph $498 $629 St. Luce $1,264 $1,174 St. Michael (13 weeks) $ $791 Weekly Totals $3,520 $4,470 Christmas Offering: $100 Solemnity of Mary: $440 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING Wednesday, January 23rd at 6:30pm - Rectory Hall MEMORIAL MASS Sunday, January 20th - 10:30am Mass at St. Luce John Beaupre L Union St. Jean Baptist Roger Dumais Clarence & Irma Sirois Hilda Bossie Conrad & Jean Cyr Raymond Lizotte Roland & Sandra Carrier Conrad Guerrette Phil & Glenna Guerrette Leo James Martin Claudette O Donnell Gedeon Corriveau Family Fr. Claude Albert Rev. Rene Mathieu Mr. & Mrs. Fortuna Lavoie Germaine Tardif All Souls Parishioners Joe Deschaine Odette Ouellette Reginald Thibeault Odette Ouellette Jules & Mariette Leclereq Odette Ouellette Yvette Leclereq Odette Ouellette Lillian Marquis Phil & Linda Bechard Jean Paul & Estelle Bechard Phil & Linda Bechard Msgr. Joseph Arsenault Constance Cote Harold, Donald, Martin, Denis, Gerald Ouellette, Donald Shields Family Leo Lavoie Bertile Chamberland Pour Les Bien de la Terre Lloyd & Judy Tardif Beulah Madore Levesque Lloyd & Judy Tardif Fred Donovan Mr. & Mrs. Paul Savoie Alfreda Chamberland Lori Allard Our Lady of the Rosary Constance Cote Bernard Bosse Bernard & Gerry Michaud DO YOU Dance; Sing; Tell Jokes; Play a Musical Instrument; or do Magic Tricks? Please contact Lisa Bernier if interested at Cash Prizes: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY PARISH RENOVATION PROJECTS! Community Events SENIOR LUNCHES Sinclair: Monday, January 21st at 11:30 a.m. Menu: Meat Loaf

5 St. Peter Chanel Parish Corner St. Bruno-St. Remi Church/Van Buren, St. Joseph Church/Hamlin & Borderview Nursing Home ST. BRUNO-ST. REMI CHURCH SPONSORS BREAD & WINE SPONSOR / IN LOVING MEMORY OF: Patrick Pelletier (5th Anniversary) John & Noreen SANCTUARY LAMP SPONSOR / IN LOVING MEMORY OF: Patrick Pelletier his Grandchildren Wanted: Bread & Wine / Sanctuary Lamp Sponsors : There are currently available dates for the 2019 year for Bread & Wine and Sanctuary Lamp sponsors. Sponsorship for Bread & Wine is $25 and Sanctuary Lamp is $15. Please consider coming into the office to reserve your dates and memorialize a family member while helping to defer costs. Thank you for your consideration. God Bless. Sacramental Life Marriage Blessing Congratulations to Jared & Nathalie Pinette on the blessing of their Marriage on January 10, First Reconciliation (2nd Graders) Please pray for our children who will be receiving their First Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday, January 21st after the 6pm Mass. PARISH NEEDS DONATION / IN LOVING MEMORY OF: Bea Beaulieu John & Noreen Pelletier Reno Thibodeau John & Noreen Pelletier Cyr & Fongemie Deceased Family Ken & Lorraine Fongemie Aurele Doucette Bob & Kathleen Beaulieu Gervaise Lapierre Bob & Kathleen Beaulieu MERCY MEALS DONATION / IN LOVING MEMORY OF: Cyr & Fongemie Deceased Family Ken & Lorraine Fongemie Reno Thibodeau Bob & Kathleen Beaulieu Food Pantry Update A huge THANKS to everyone who has been supporting our local food pantry through: volunteer hours, equipment purchase or donation, financial support, food donations, grocery bags, God is happy! Food is the biggest resource people everywhere need to be healthy in body, mind and spirit. Food insecurity is everywhere and feeds trauma, lack of love & is our worlds biggest problem. Next Regular Distribution, Thursday, Jan 31, 1-3pm. Emergencies: Dan , Nancy , Norm WINNERS OF THE DECEMBER M.E.M DRAWING $100 Lily Levesque ; $50 - Brian & Lorraine Lajoie; Joey Dumond; $25 Erin Madore; Gary Vaillancourt; Gerald Bard; Pat Ezzy. Congratulations to the winners and thank you for your support! Please allow two weeks for checks. YOUTH MINISTRY MEETINGS - SPC Parish Hall January 20th - Theology at Tim Caribou 6pm - 7:30pm January 27th - 6-7:30PM February 3rd - 6-7:30PM Bulletin Memorials In Memory of: Prayers for our Nation & World Glen Madore AVAILABLE Tardif & Parent Families Ron & June & Family Deceased Members of the Lajoie & Madore Families Steve & Marilyn Antoine Levesque the Pelletier Grandchildren, Leslie, Monica & Brian Roger Beaulieu Debbie & Dave Henderson Wilfred & Jeanne Lavoie Gerald & Kathleen Cyr AVAILABLE Patrick Thibodeau Yolande & Family Kim Beaulieu Uncle Nathan Ouellette Roland Laverdiere Matilda & John Levesque & Morrow Families John & Noreen Hayden Perreault Greg & Sandy Edgecomb Simon L. Cyr Grandpa & Grandma Community Life Finance & Administration Verna Ouellette husband, Nathan Ernest, Tina, & Jim Marquis Rita, Marge & Family Wilfred & Yvonne Cyr Colette & Fred Ayotte Pelletier & Charette Families John & Noreen AVAILABLE Romeo & Helena Cyr Gerald & Kathleen Cyr Cote & Beaulieu Families Bridget Cote & Family **BULLETIN MEMORIALS** This is a reminder that there are bulletin memorials available. The cost of each memorial is: (1 mos.): $20, (3 mos.): $50; (6 mos.): $100; (1 Yr.): $200. These memorials honor family members & friends while helping to offset parish expenses. St. Peter Chanel Parish Finance Meeting: There will be a finance Meeting Monday January 21st after the 6pm Mass in the Parish hall. Daughters of Isabella Card Parties: The Card Parties will be held at the Community Center at 1-4pm. (doors open at 12:30). The entry fee is $6. The schedule is as follows: January 20th; February 17th; March 17th & April 28th. All are welcome to come enjoy an afternoon of fun. American Legion Post #49 Charlemagne Card Parties: The Card Parties will be held on Sunday s, at 1:00pm. The entry fee is $6. The schedule is as follows: February 10th; March 10th & April 14th. KC Breakfast: Sunday, January 27th, 7am to 12pm at the Van Buren KC Hall. Cost: $8/ adults, $5/ children under 12. Takeout's available. 50/50 KC & Columbiettes Weekly Drawing (drop off at KC mailbox or mail: 284 Main St, VB) Name: Address Phone # Amount Enclosed $ $10 = 5wks, $26=13wks, $52=26wks, $104=52wks St. Peter Chanel Parish Financial Updates Offertory: July 1, 2018 to December 30, 2018 Budget: $73,231 Actual: $79,792 Over Anticipated: $6,561 Amt. Given $2,709 Wkly Goal $2,525 Average Collection: This yr. $2,850 Last yr. $2,699

6 ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS CATHOLIC CLUSTER / DIOCESAN CORNER LAVALLEE YOUTH MINISTRY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS January 20th: No meeting! (March for Life-HS) January 27th: Meeting Weekly suggestion for the faithful to consider: January 20: As the nation recalls the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the fight against racism, take time to review and reflect upon the U.S. Bishop s recent pastoral letter on racism or Bishop Robert Deeley s column about it in the January 2019 issue of Harvest magazine. MEMORIAL MASS for Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Sunday, January 20th - 8:30am Mass Elden & Jenny Bouchard Johanna Bouchard Bouchard Family Leona Schultz Angelo & Helen Rossignol Andrew Daigle Jeannine Daigle & Family All Soul s Intentions Parishioners Leonette Gendreau Leola Cyr & Family Deceased Classmates Class of 1969 Roger & Gloria Rouleau Family Normand & Anita Nadeau Adrian Gagnon Claude Michaud Irma Russell Real & Family George Dugal Louise Proulx & Family Shelly Meyers Ike & Claudette Fernand Cyr Marilyn Bard Joel Levesque Wife, Pauline & Family Germaine Cyr Bob & Marge Williams Gladys Desjardins Roger & Jackie St. Anthony Connie Cote George Dugal Mike & Rinette Pelletier Guy Roy Claude Lavertue Mabel Grivois Beaulieu St. Gerard Ladies of St. Anne Armand Corriveau Jackie & Roger Albert Rachel Bechard Joe & Marlene Dechaine Roland & Simone Roussel Lee ST. THOMAS GIFT SHOP St. Thomas Aquinas Church Basement Monday-Thursday: 9am-3pm / Friday: 10am-2pm If your work hours do not allow you to come shop while we're open, don't hesitate to call me at or Lee GIFT SHOP CLOSED ON JANUARY 21ST The Holidays are over, most of our decorations are put away and now we might have a little bit of time to relax! How about making a puzzle, or reading a good book, or listening to relaxing music? We can help you on all 3!! PUZZLES: Beautiful Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall Scenes pcs $ pcs. $12.50 MUSIC: We have many nice CDs on SALE: Al Barbarino, Praise Music - Daniel O'Donnell, Praise & Popular - Jackie Evancho, Praise & Popular - Mark Mallett, Praise - Phil Coulter, relaxing Irish sounds - The Priests, Praise - Steve Hall, Piano - Christian Family Fitness, good to exercise to. Come see our wide assortment!! BOOKS: "HINDS' FEET on HIGH PLACES" Hannah Hurnard Over 2 Million Sold - This book has been around for years but is still very popular. It is one of Hannah's best known and best loved books: a beautiful allegory dramatizing the yearning of God's children to be led to new heights of love, joy, and victory. Follow Much-Afraid on her spiritual journey through difficult places with her two companions, Sorrow & Suffering. Learn how much-afraid overcomes her tormenting fears as she passes through many dangers and mounts at last to the High Places. There she gains a new name and returns to her valley of service, transformed her union with the loving Shepherd. Included in this edition of "Hinds' Feet on High Places" are two special sections: Hannah Hurnard's own account of the circumstances that led her to write this book and a brief autobiography of the author's life. A lifealtering experience! $15.99 BATTERIES: Please know that we have replacement batteries for all of the battery-operated items sold in the gift shop. Come see us, bring a sample battery, and obtain your replacement batteries from us at a very reasonable price. REMEMBER A BOOK IS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!! Also, Gift Certificates are always available!! CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER UPCOMING ACTS RETREATS FOR 2019 All are invited to join other Catholics for a spiritually uplifting weekend at an ACTS retreat. ACTS is an acronym for Adoration, Community, Theology and Service. The weekends are held at the Christian Life Center on 444 U.S. Route 1 in Frenchville. The retreats are opportunities to strengthen your faith, renew yourself spiritually, and establish friendships that will last a lifetime. Participants must be at least 21 years old. To register, visit ACTSApplication.pdf. Here is the schedule for 2019: Retreat for Women (March 28-31), Retreat for Men (April 25-28), Retreat for Teens (July 11-14), Retreat for Women (Oct ), Retreat for Men (November 14-17). FMI, contact Mary Ellen Field, ACTS Core Director, (207) or mfield13@maine.rr.com. OFFICES CLOSED Please note that the parish offices of Notre Dame du Mont Carmel, Our Lady of the Valley and St. Peter Chanel will be closed on Monday, January 21st in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. From The Pastor s Desk Fr. Plourde will be on vacation January 23rd to February 5th!

7 GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE: January 20, nd Sunday in Ordinary Time When you think of being Catholic, what do you think of? Perhaps you grew up with your only associations being fasting, nuns with rulers, and "Catholic guilt." Our faith can sometimes have the connotation of restriction and absence, not abundance. Who is God in your life? Is He the divine law-giver, the judge punishing the rule-breakers? These are certainly attributes of God. But the laws don't exist for themselves alone. They exist to help us love one another as God loves us. And this loving God is the author of abundance and joy. Did you hear today's Gospel? "There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee." Here at this wedding, Jesus would perform "the beginning of his signs...and so reveal his glory." This first sign isn't a miraculous healing. He didn't raise someone from the dead. He kept a party going! "There were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons...the water...had become wine." The wine has run out. Jesus creates somewhere between 120 and 180 gallons to help his friend save face. We may not have such momentous miracles in our lives, but God is watching out for us. The string of green lights when you're running late. The sale on the replacement appliance you need. The friend who calls at just the right time. These are the little moments of God's abundance. We just need to look for them! Not only does Jesus surprise, but the guests point out to their host: "You have kept the good wine until now." The divine wine is better than the earthly variety. God's goodness is better than what we can grasp at for ourselves. Isn't that how it always goes? LIVE THE LITURGY - INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK Did you ever consider that God takes great delight in you? We are no means second or afterthoughts of God. As the master artisan, God takes delight in every fabric of our being and every single component of who we are. We are intentionally and lovingly designed! God gets much joy out of every child He creates, and He does not abandon us. God is definitely in charge! God can take a painful past or an apparent dead-end and turn it into a glorious future. He can transform nothing into something and is always eagerly ready to give us the gifts of faith, hope, and love. We are never bound the past and never without options. All we have to do is listen to Him. Are we willing to give up the controls and allow Him to do what He does best? EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP - Recognize God in your Ordinary Moments There are close to 7.6 billion people currently on earth. That is a lot of people! If you try to estimate how many people have collectively been born since the beginning of time, a good guess is 108 billion! It is hard to contemplate that many distinctly different human beings created our God. In the midst of all those people, where do you and I fit? Can we really be created to make a difference in the world? One can feel very small and insignificant when reflecting on the numbers. We render ourselves insignificant when we make the mistake of seeing ourselves as being just like everybody else. However, when looking at the numbers, how can one honestly think we are all the same? Another way we become insignificant is believing the lie that one person in the midst of so many does not have the power to make an impact. However, we all spend time reading books, watching movies, or listening to news about singular people who made all the difference in some part of the world. Imagine your own world without a few key people who have touched you and made a difference. We are all created with unique gifts. We have those gifts that have been part of us from birth and those that have been imparted to us the Holy Spirit. St. Paul tried to get the Corinthians to understand that reality when he explained to them the many gifts of the Spirit. Perhaps some of his audience back then thought they were insignificant. The message then remains the message today: God is counting on you to use what He has given you. If you don't, who will? Children s Corner QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: First Reading Isaiah could not remain silent with his prophetic message. Who are the people in your faith community on fire for the Good News of the Lord? Second Reading St. Paul teaches the Corinthians about the various gifts of the Holy Spirit? What would you identify as your gifts from the Holy Spirit, and how do you use these gifts to benefit others? Gospel Reading The miracle at the wedding feast in Cana is the first sign of Jesus' divine identity in the Gospel of John. We hear that after the disciples witnessed the water turn into wine, they "began to believe in him." Do you recall when you first started to believe in Jesus? CATHOLIC QUOTES WORDS TO INSPIRE THE FAITHFUL "Our entire good consists not only in accepting the truth of God's word, but in persevering in it." -- St. Francis de Sales