Saint Cecilia. The Baptism of the Lord. 13 January Baptism of Jesus. Daniel Bonnell

Transcription

1 Saint Cecilia P A R I S H The Baptism of the Lord 13 January 2019 Baptism of Jesus Daniel Bonnell

2 Welcome! Welcome to Saint Cecilia Parish, a Roman Catholic community that gathers day by day, week by week, to know and make known the grace of God. By means of this abundant grace, we enjoy a diverse and close-knit parish family young, old, rich, poor, of various ethnic origins and differing backgrounds. From our extraordinary music program to a growing children s faith formation program; from the various liturgical ministries to the many opportunities for social outreach that the parish provides, Saint Cecilia is a vibrant community of faith, centered on prayer and worship that tries to keep the Gospel close to heart and to live by Jesus teachings. Saint Cecilia Parish was established in At that time the Back Bay section of Boston along Commonwealth Avenue and Beacon Street was the residential section of the Yankee aristocracy. The maids ( Irish working out girls ) and coachmen who served these residents had long requested a church of their own. When Archbishop Williams granted their request and carved the parish from the territory of the Cathedral, they built a magnificent church out of their meager earnings. The church was dedicated on April 22, Its architecture is Romanesque, XII Century Norman. The main altar, notable for its massive simplicity, was carved from a single block of white Carrara marble. The painting in the center reredos is a reproduction of da Vinci s The Last Supper, and the dome above is an array of 24K gold rosettes. For the sixtieth anniversary celebration in 1954, a massive renovation project was undertaken. During this renovation, a statue of Pope Saint Pius X (canonized that same year) was imported from Italy and placed on the right side of the sanctuary. Above the statue are paintings from Pius life. On the left side is a statue of Saint Patrick, principal patron of the Archdiocese of Boston, and above it are three scenes from his life. Fourteen circular and sixteen square panels adorn the nave and arches of the church. The square panels are decorated with the symbols of Our Lady taken from the Litany of Loreto and the circular ones with symbols taken from the lives of the apostles. The great window of the Assumption framed by the two oak cases of the organ was installed in 1954 (the Marian Year) in spaces originally designed for windows but not until then used. The original organ of 24 stops was built in 1902 by the Hutchings-Votey Organ Company, Opus 1465, and was rebuilt in 1954 with 32 stops. In 1998, Timothy Smith and Theodore Gilbert began a massive reconstruction of the organ. The current Smith & Gilbert Organ of 4 manuals, 54 ranks, and 3,084 pipes was dedicated on the Feast of Saint Cecilia, November 22, Today we are experiencing something of an awakening within these old walls. Our numbers are increasing by 350 new households eah year, and we continue to grow in our commitment to issues of peace, justice, and service to our neighbors, both near and far. We ve been right here on Belvidere Street, in the same building for 125 years, but that does not mean that life here is stale, stagnant, or even predictable. We are proud to be entrusted with the legacy of Saint Cecilia Parish, where everything is the same, yet always changing; where we honor tradition while embracing the future; where God s love makes all things new.

3 P WR Parishes/People Organized to Welcome Refugees WHAT? In 2010, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops launched the Parishes/People Organized to Welcome Refugees (POWR) program to intensify volunteer involvement in resettlement at the parish level to create a welcoming environment for incoming refugee families. WHO? Any faith-based or community group interested in helping us resettle refugee families. WHY? Catholic Charities has a historic commitment to resettling refugees. Through our years of experience, we ve learned that refugees are more likely to thrive when supported by communities. HOW? Call or Grace Gaskill - grace_gaskill@ccab.org or to learn more about opportunities to support refugee families.lping to create a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people. THE GOAL OF THE POWR PROGRAM is to strengthen the ability of local churches to recruit and utilize volunteers to mentor and provide other needed supports to newly arrived refugees. The program relies on volunteer-led efforts to meet a range of resettlement needs such as housing, transportation, English language learning, acculturation, etc. The POWR Program looks different for every parish it engages, but some common opportunities include: Creating a core POWR team of 2-3 church members interested in helping refugees. Collecting household, toiletry, and monetary donations to provide the newly-arrived refugee family. Securing housing and setting up the apartment. Welcoming the family at the airport. Helping with resettlement tasks such as taking clients to sign up for benefits, go to doctor s appointments, and register children for school. Organizing special refugee events and outreach activities to help to promote integration into new community. Helping the family practice their English. RESILIENT FUTURE CITIZENS SURVIVORS Building a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people.

4 OUR COMMUNITY NEWS MINISTERS OF THE LITURGY Saturday, January 12 5:00 p.m. Rev. Peter Grover, OMV, celebrant Tom Nicolini, lector Sunday, January 13 8:00 a.m. Rev. Peter Gyves, SJ, celebrant Bob Mann, lector Sunday, January 13 9:30 a.m. Rev. John Unni, celebrant Grace Santoro, Moira Macdonald, and Karen Vachon, lectors Sunday, January 13 11:15 a.m. Rev. John Unni, celebrant Ben DeWinter, Karen McMenamy, and Cathy Anderson, lectors SPECIAL INTENTIONS Saturday, January 12 5:00 p.m. Anita Colonna and Renzo Longo, 1st Anniversary Saturday, January 12 5:00 p.m. Gerald Maloney, Memorial Sunday, January 13 9:30 a.m. Christine Chowdhury, Memorial Sunday, January 13 11:15 p.m. Willard Evers, Anniversary Sunday, January 13 11:15 p.m. Peter Wood Webster, Memorial Sunday, January 13 6:00 p.m. Torin Reddick, Memorial Sunday, January 13 6:00 p.m. Juan Ruiz, Memorial Sunday, January 13 6:00 p.m. Rev. John Unni, celebrant Natasha Pierre and Laura Melle, lectors TODAY'S READINGS Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7 Luke 3:15-16, NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS Isaiah 62:1-5 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 John 2:1-11 This week at Saint Cecilia Sunday, January 13 VIRTUS TRAINING After the 11:15 Mass (p.6) Sunday, January 13 Sunday's after 6 Parish Hall (p.7) Wednesday, January 16 Palliative Care Presentation 6:30 in Parish Hall (p.6) 4

5 Prayers & Occasions Our Sick Please pray for all our sick and for those who are in need of our prayer, especially Mary Pickering, Caeden Boyce, Nicholson Nicolas, Margo Bromfield, Matt Strazzula, Marie Deignan, Brother Bob Donovan, Stephanie Brown, Alice Kane, Michael Connolly, John Thompson and Maureen Corcoran. Welcome to Saint Cecilia Parish We are pleased to welcome the following new members of our parish who have recently registered: Charbal Yousef of Burlington, Brianne Rok and Kevin McCarthy of Boston, Mary Kate Lynch of Cambridge, the Sousa-Vanasse Family of Wellesley, Courtney Leous and Keegan Ashley of Boston, Scott Condron of Boston, Tim Condron of Boston, Ryan Egan of Randolph, Richard Lobkowicz and Phoebe Maglathlin of Boston, Sarah Naoshy of Boston, Charles Walsh of Brookline, and Hadley Hustead of Cambridge. If you have not previously registered with the parish, there are forms in the narthex for this purpose or you can register online at www. stceciliaboston.org. The Baptism of the Lord Today's feast concludes the Christmas season and tomorrow is Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time. We will have seven Sundays in winter Ordinary Time before we begin the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, March 6. In commemoration of today's feast, instead of the customary Penitential Act at the beginning of Mass, the blessing and sprinkling of water will take place as a reminder of baptism. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins on Friday, January 18 and ends on Friday, January 25, and this year's theme is, "Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue..." inspired by Deuteronomy 16: Since 1908, this week has been dedicated to prayer for Christian unity. This is a time for the worldwide Christian community to pray in communion with the prayer of Jesus "that they all may be one" (John 17:21). For All Who Have Been Baptized On today's feast, we pray in a special way for all who have been baptized in our parish, particularly those during this last year, that they may faithfully fulfill their baptismal promises and live as disciples of Jesus: Shay Doar, Eleanor Loh, Henry Pearce, Cecily Robertson, Josh de Leon, Oliver Kirk, Sofia Greco, Grady Oh, Sarra Xenia Hajjaj, Robert Kathmann, John Matthew Maximilian Morris, Franziska Magdalena Schöppe, Harleen Singh, Charlotte Parshley, Theodore Kull, Isaac Wong, Maya Devine, Harrison Ouellette, Josephine Hindle, Estelle Strickland, James Hagan, Zoe Sullivan, John Michael Capizzi,, Walter Hartney, Liam Holland, Michael Motley, Kelsey Gabel, Olivia Hurtado, Cameron Bartinoski, Niamh Pinto, Michael Curran, Edward Odre, Hailey Chinicci, Gabriel Studdard, Adriana Cox, Adella Pasek, Eleanor McDonald, William Sawin, Henry Selbovitz, Griffin Krzmarzick, Henry Leon, Benjamin Fairchild, Sienna Mascia, Benjamin Meskell, Gage Woolkalis, Cameron Boland, Cora Delvaux, Anderson Gomez, Owen Gomez, Charlotte Mitchell, Jack Gelzinis, Norah Thurston, Benjamin Malloy, Sabrina Chikosh, Paul Hennessey-Crowell, Neill McGinty, Alexander Dudich, Jack Jones, Kevin Jones, Evelyn Ostberg, Patrick Vultaggio, Avery McCombs, Joseph Callahan, Sara Ierace, Neha Thomas, Emeline Stefater, Adam Chen, Sienna Wu, Liam Atchinson, Sophia Audi, Ronan Afzali, Natalie Bates, Grace Merrill, Jack Aamoth, Emily Brouillard, Anna Uva, Liam O Connor, Lincoln Widger, Sloane Andrewes, Cormac Miller, Vincent DiCarlo, Carter Cribbs, and Leo Rusk IV For Students and Teachers Pray for students and teachers as they begin a new semester that they may grow in wisdom, knowledge, and grace in their pursuit of truth. For Those Who Lack Housing Pray for our sisters and brothers who are homeless and that all who suffer from the cold may find warmth, shelter, and assistance. 5

6 Virtus training Today! All catechists, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, greeters, Open Doors ministers, and CARES ministers who have not yet attended a VIRTUS "Protecting God's Children" training session are urged to attend today in classroom 5. Included will be two thirty-minute videos, questions and answers, an overview on mandated reporting, and info on how to file a 51A report. This session will follow the 11:15 Mass (approx. 12:30-2:00) and is open to all. We are seeking our next Director of Music We are starting the search for our permanent Director of Music at Saint Cecilia. The Director of Music is responsible for nurturing the prayer life of the community through music, particularly in coordinating music for liturgical celebrations, and fostering the growth of our music ministry. Through utilizing a variety of musical styles, the Director of Music helps the parish broaden its understanding of and appreciation for the role music can play in deepening our relationship to God. Should you or anyone you know be interested please send resumes to Mary Kaye at mkaye@ stceciliaboston.org. Spiritual Palliative Care January 16 Parish Hall 6:30-8:30 p.m. Please join the Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning team in a discussion led by our fellow parishioner and chaplain, Matt Jacobson. Matt will explore the spiritual and emotional needs that may come up for those living with serious illness. Together we will consider various compassionate responses to suffering. There will be plenty of opportunity for shared reflection if you would like to attend. All are welcome. We are also planning to repeat some of our sessions in 2019/2020. The winter/spring calendar will include: February 5 (Overview of Palliative Care); April 23 (Workshop on Making and Communicating Your Serious Illness Care Choices); and May 21 (Topic TBD). If you re interested in participating in any of these sessions, please complete the sign-up sheets after Mass or contact Amy Russo at aerusso2015@gmail.com. Construction Corner Update Updates, tidbits, and explainations for all things related to our renovation. Wise Construcion has been awarded the CM contract! With 30 years of experience we feel very confident in entrusting this project to t h em. Yo u ca n l ea rn mo re ab o u t th em at Bloom Architects have advanced the design phase by putting forth their initial thoughts on the design finishes, continuing to work with vendors. Check out the updated progress wall in the Parish Hall for new renderings! Wisdom and Mature Spirituality Group January 20 10:00 a.m. Meet in the Parish Hall The Wisdom and Mature Spirituality Group is currently reading the book, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr. At our meeting in January, we will discuss Chapter 9, which is about the spiritual gifts of aging. Rohr tells us, In the second half of life, we can give our energy to making even the painful parts and the formally excluded parts belong to the now unified field - especially people who are different and those who have never had a chance. If you have forgiven yourself for being imperfect and falling, you can now do it for just about everybody else. If you are in the second half of life and are interested in spiritual growth, please join us as we start the new year. We meet in the Parish Hall at 10:00 a.m. and always welcome new members. 6

7 Powr Program Info Session January 22 7:00 p.m. Parish Hall Please join us for a presentation by Grace Gaskill from Catholic Charities on the People Organized to Welcome Refugees (POWR) program. The POWR program was started in 2010 with the goal of recruiting parishes and volunteers to help refugees adjust to transitioning to the US. Please find more information on page 3. If you are interested in attending this presentation, please sign up by January 20. For more information or to register please Anthony Ishak at anthonymishak@gmail.com/ SAVE THE DATE Cabaret Night On Saturday evening, March 2, the Saint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry will be hosting the 4th Annual Cabaret Night, featuring the renowned Bobby Wetherbee. He is an icon in the cabaret world and in 2016 received the Provincetown CabaretFest "Lifetime Achievement Award." This fun-filled night is open to the entire parish community and friends both near and far. Circle March 2 on your calendar and watch the bulletin for further details! HUNGER & HOMELESSNESS MINISTRY: DRIVERS NEEDED Each weekend parishioners have the opportunity to pick up donated meat, dairy products, and produce from four local supermarkets and deliver it to either Catholic Charities' Haitian Multi-Service Center in Dorchester or the Pine Street Inn in the South End. This vital ministry takes place at 7:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday morning and on Sundays can be completed in time to attend the 9:30 parish Mass. We need drivers for all the Saturdays and Sundays in January and February. Please Mark.Lippolt@ gmail.com if you can help out. A REMINDER TO PARENTS While at Saint Cecilia, children should never go to the restrooms alone. We are happy that you feel so safe here, but please remember that we are in an urban building that is wide open and has multiple entrances. For the safety of our children, please do not allow them to wander around unsupervised and please do not ever allow them to go to the restroom unaccompanied by a parent. Marriage Ministry Upcoming events Register now for Pre Cana at Saint Cecilia on 1/26 and 2/2 Registration is now open for our first session, which will be held on two consecutive Saturdays on 1/26 and 2/ For more information or to register stc.marriage@ gmail.com. A Save the Date: Couples Mixer February 2 5:00 p.m. Parish Hall We are hosting a mixer for all couples in the Parish Hall. Please join us as we celebrate with our engaged couples who just completed their Pre Cana! Refreshments will be provided. Please register here or by ing stc.marriage@ gmail.com. Christmas Cards for Saint Cecilia Cares At the beginning of the Christmas season the Saint Cecilia CARES ministry team gives sets of holiday cards to all participants. While many stores are having 50% off sales, please consider picking up a box of cards for us to use next year. Given that many of those the CARES team visits are experiencing poverty or have mobility issues, these cards are greatly appreciated. There will be a bin in the narthex for this purpose. Young Neighbors in Action Info Sessions If you re curious about what YNIA is all about, come to one of our upcoming info sessions to find out more! You have two options: Wednesday January 30th, 7 PM in Classroom 5 or Sunday, February 3rd after the 11:15 AM Mass in Classroom 4. In the meantime, please don t hesitate to get in touch with John Glynn with any questions. Just a reminder: sign-up deadline is February 25! Sundays After 6: Tonight Happy New Year! Our first post-6 p.m. Mass gathering is TONIGHT! The theme is New Year, Who Dis? with eats and treats to keep you on your resolution wagon. Join in for friendship, community, and snackage. 7

8 Adult Faith Formation Events FAITH FORMATION EVENTS AT SAINT CECILIA OFTEN APPEAR ON PAGES 4-7 SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINIS- TRY ONLINE COURSES For further details or to register for these events, please check the STM Online: Crossroads website: html Creed: What We Believe January 23 - February 26, Week Online Course Registration Required $50.00 Sacraments in Catholic Life January 23 - February 26, Week Online Course Registration Required $50.00 At The Heart Of Parenting January 30 - March 6, Week Online Course Registration Required $50.00 Online Book Club: Prayer - Our Deepest Longing (Ronald Rolheiser, O.M.I.) January 30 - March 6, Week Online Course Registration Required $50.00 SAINT SUSANNA PARISH DEDHAM For further details on these presentations, please check their website: Voices from the Border and a Call for Justice Presenters: Sunny Robinson, Jeanne Gallo and Sr. Linda Bessom, SND Monday, January 14, :00-9:00 p.m. Saint Susanna Parish Hall Free Will Offering Women of the Bible Presenter: Professor Mary Joan Leith Monday, January 21, :00-9:00 p.m. Saint Susanna Parish Hall Free Will Offering Social and Racial Justice Ministry Upcoming events Sunday, January 13, :00-2:30pm JOIN IN A PRAYER VIGIL TO COMMEMORATE Na onal Human Trafficking Awareness Day WHERE? Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse Outside [and Inside] Motherhouse 637 Cambridge Street Brighton, MA We will gather in our Motherhouse Chapel. Warm beverages and refreshments served after the vigil. This event is sponsored by Anti-Trafficking Coalition [ATC] of the Boston Unit of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious [LCWR] is committed to raising awareness and inspiring action that will stop the demand for human trafficking in our neighborhoods and our world. Developing an Ecological Rule of Life Fridays - January 25; February 1; February 8; February 15 7:00-8:30 p.m. Room 110 Simboli Hall, Boston College, STM, 9 Lake Street Brighton Suggested $10 Donation per session Ready to deepen your commitment to care for the planet in the new year? Join us for this 5 week series to craft an Ecological Rule of Life in order to strengthen our commitment to an ecological way of life through discernment, intention setting, and community support. We will explore spiritual practices to support ecological conversion and engage in concrete actions to support climate justice. We will use the Laudato Si Pledge to frame our commitment to pray, live simply, and advocate for creation. Registration is required by ing jennifer@catholicclimatemovement.global. 8

9 Rainbow Ministry Upcoming Events LGBTQ Catholics Unite Monthly Meeting Sunday, January 27 1 :00 Classroom 1 The Saint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry will host this month's meeting with the topic on LGBTQ Discipleship. We will explore the discipleships of Catholic theologians like Henry Nouwen, James Allison, and John McNeill. LGBTQ Catholics Unite will provide an opportunity for us to gather and discuss openly relevant topics, scripture, and current events. LGBTQ Catholics need a forum in which to share faith experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. Our hope is that people will feel supported, heard, and spiritually nourished. All are welcome! OUR HOMELESS NEIGHBORS Our friends at two local agencies that serve those experiencing homelessness report that they have an urgent need for winter clothing for the patients they see every day. Boston Health Care for the Homeless There will be a bin in the narthex if you would like to donate new or gently used boots. There is a need for men s and women s boots all sizes but especially men s sizes 9 to 13. Men's and women's coats (if used, freshly dry-cleaned) can also be donated in the narthex. South End Community Health Center This non-profit agency celebrating its 50th year of serving the South End in 2019 is in need of children's coats, hats, and gloves. If it is your preference to send a check (no more than $50, please) to enable us to purchase the items above, please make a check payable to Saint Cecilia Parish, write Boston Health Care or "South End Community Health) in the memo line and mail to: Mark Lippolt Saint Cecilia Parish 18 Belvidere Street Boston, MA "Today, the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, let us ponder the day of our Baptism. All of us were baptized, let us give thanks for this gift. I ask you a question: which of you knows the date of your Baptism? Surely not everyone. Therefore, I encourage you to find out the date, by asking, for example, your parents, your grandparents, your godparents, or going to the parish. It is very important to know it, because it is a date to be celebrated: it is the date of our rebirth as Children of God. For this reason, homework for this week: go and find out the date of your Baptism. Celebrating that day means and reaffirms our adherence to Jesus, with the commitment to live as Christians, members of the Church and of a new humanity, in which all are brothers and sisters." Jewish, Christian & Muslim Perspectives Tuesday, January 15 6:15 8:00 p.m. Marriott Courtyard Boston Downtown, 275 Tremont St. The major religious traditions find it imperative to work for social justice. Learn each religion s perspective on social justice from prominent Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious leaders and deepen your awareness of our shared religious and social heritage. Registration is free: Pope Francis' Angelus Address Feast of the Baptism of the Lord,

10 WHEN WERE YOU BAPTIZED? Each year, on the last Sunday of the Christmas season, the Church celebrates the Baptism of Jesus. This feast of the Baptism of the Lord is meant not only to remember and celebrate Jesus' baptism, but also to awaken us to our own baptism. On the day we were baptized, we became part of a great family, our family of faith, the Church. And every day since, God has been breathing into us the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of love and joy and peace, the same Spirit that lives in Jesus and makes us children of God. And every day since, the Father has been looking upon each of us fondly and speaking words like those that he spoke at the baptism of Jesus: "You are my beloved son, my beloved daughter, in you I am well pleased!" And God says this even when we do things that aren't so pleasing. God never stops loving us, never stops calling us beloved sons and daughters. Do you know when YOU were baptized? Have you ever even wondered about it? If you are like most people, the answers to those questions are "I don't know" and "No." Over the years, we have collectively downsized our understanding of baptism, in particular, our own baptism. Like all sacraments, there is a proper ritual for baptism involving specific words, symbols, and actions. But make no mistake, baptism is no mere formality. Baptism is the means in which we become the daughters and sons of God. This should stop us in our tracks through baptism we become People of God. Baptism is also the great equalizer as it is administered to all gender, ethnicity, age, and socioeconomic status are of no consequence. Everyone is baptized in the very same manner and all of the baptized are equal members of God's family of faith. Unfortunately, distinctions and classifications have been established within the Church which have unintentionally diminished our appreciation of what baptism makes us to be and calls us to do. The parish Adult Faith Formation Commission thinks it would be wonderful if our parish community committed to deepening our understanding and appreciation of our own baptism. One way to do a little "baptism consciousnessraising" would be to celebrate the anniversary of our baptisms, much the same way we mark our birthday each year. To that end we are inviting everyone in the parish to investigate when they were baptized. If you know where you were baptized, it's as easy as calling that parish and asking them for either a copy of your baptismal certificate or simply for the date. If you don't know the name of the church, you can also contact the diocese in which you were baptized and they should be able to help. This might seem silly or irrelevant, but in fact it is a first, small step at beginning to reflect on the significance of baptism in our lives. When we remember and celebrate our baptism, we remember our future! Baptism sends us into the world, to live as God's sons and daughters, even as we live among our family, friends, and colleagues. Lest you think that the Adult Faith Formation Commission is getting carried away about this, we are in very good company. In his 2015 book, Walking with Jesus: A Way Forward for the Church, Pope Francis says, "The danger of not knowing [the date of our baptism] is that we can lose awareness of what the Lord has done in us, the memory of the gift we have received. Let us, then, ask the Lord, from our hearts to experience ever more, in everyday life, this grace that we have received in baptism. And do not forget your homework today: find out the date of your baptism. As I know my birthday, I should know my baptism day, because it is a feast day." If you forward your baptismal information (just the month and day) to Leah Bennett at lbennett@stceciliaboston.org, we will include the names and days of baptismal anniversaries in the bulletin each week so the entire parish family can pray for and celebrate with you. And, Pope Francis will be very pleased! 10

11 POPE FRANCIS REMINDS US TO IMITATE THE MAGI, WHO PUT JESUS AT THE CENTER By GERARD O CONNELL Our God makes himself known for everyone but in a most surprising way, Pope Francis said in his homily at Mass in St. Peter s Basilica on the feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 6. He recalled that today s Gospel speaks of a hum of activity around the palace of King Herod once Jesus appears as a king but the Magi do not find the child who is born to be King in the royal palace of Jerusalem, but in a humble abode in Bethlehem. Addressing a congregation of some 7000 people including the ambassadors from some 180 countries accredited to the Holy See whom he will personally greet tomorrow he explained that the word epiphany indicates the manifestations of God and recalled that today s feast commemorates how God makes himself known to all the nations that are represented by the Magi who visited Jesus. He is a God who has come for everyone, he said; indeed, every nation, language and people is welcomed and loved by him. Unlike the magnates of our day, God does not need the spotlights of the world to make himself known. Pope Francis said. It is always very tempting to confuse God s light with the lights of the world and many times we have pursued the seductive lights of power and celebrity, convinced that we are rendering good service to the Gospel! But by doing so, he said, have we turned the spotlight on the wrong place, because God was not there. His kindly light shines forth in humble love. Then, in words that re-echoed his talk to the cardinals before the conclave of March 2013, and also reverberated in his message to the Chilean bishops in May 2018 and in his letter to the American bishops some days ago, Francis in his homily remarked, How many times, too, have we, as a church, attempted to shine with our own light! Yet we are not the sun of humanity. We are the moon that, despite its shadows, reflects the true light, which is the Lord. He is the light of the world. Him, not us. He told the thousands gathered in St. Peter s Basilica, the light of God shines on those who receive it. He recalled that in the first reading at Mass today, the prophet Isaiah, tells us that that light does not prevent the darkness and the thick clouds from covering the earth, but shines forth on those prepared to accept it: And so, the prophet addresses a challenging summons to everyone: Arise, shine. Francis said, We need to arise, to get up from our sedentary lives and prepare for a journey. Otherwise, we stand still, like the scribes that Herod consulted; they knew very well where 11

12 the Messiah was born, but they did not move. He told them, we also need to shine, to be clothed in God who is light, but to do so we must first put aside our pretentious robes. Otherwise, we will be like Herod, who preferred the earthly lights of success and power to the divine light. He reminded them that the Magi, instead, fulfil the prophecy. They arise and shine and are clothed in light. They alone see the star in the heavens: not the scribes, nor Herod, nor any of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Pope Francis said, in order to find Jesus, we also need to take a different route, to follow a different path, his path, the path of humble love. And we have to persevere. He recalled that today s Gospel tells us that the Magi, after encountering Jesus, left by a different road from that of Herod. An alternative route than that of the world, like the road taken by those who surround Jesus at Christmas: Mary and Joseph, the shepherds. For, he said, only those who leave behind their worldly attachments and undertake a journey find the mystery of God. He said the same holds true for us today: It is not enough to know where Jesus was born, as the scribes did, if we do not go there. It is not enough to know that Jesus was born, like Herod, if we do not encounter him. When his place becomes our place, when his time becomes our time, when his person becomes our life, then the prophecies come to fulfillment in us. Then Jesus is born within us. He becomes the living God for me. Next, he said, frankincense, which symbolizes a relationship with the Lord, prayer, which like incense rises up to God. Just as incense must burn in order to yield its fragrance, so too, in prayer, we need to burn a little of our time, to spend it with the Lord. Not just in words, but also by our actions. As for myrrh, he said, it is the ointment that would be lovingly used to wrap the body of Jesus taken down from the cross. He explained that the Lord is pleased when we care for bodies racked by suffering, the flesh of the vulnerable, of those left behind, of those who can only receive without being able to give anything material in return. Later, at the Angelus, Pope Francis extended his fraternal greetings to those Oriental Catholic and Orthodox churches that, following the Julian calendar, celebrate Christmas Day tomorrow, Jan.7. He also made a heartfelt and pressing appeal to European leaders to show concrete solidarity to the 49 migrants, stranded in the Mediterranean Sea aboard two NGO boats. They are seeking to land at a safe port, but are finding all ports closed to them. ~ Gerard O Connell is America s Vatican correspondent. Today, he told his global audience at the solemn sung Latin Mass, we are asked to imitate the Magi. They do not debate; they set out. They do not stop to look, but enter the house of Jesus. They do not put themselves at the center, but bow down before the One who is the center. They do not remain glued to their plans, but are prepared to take other routes. Indeed, their actions reveal a close contact with the Lord, a radical openness to him, a total engagement with him... Indeed, the Magi go to the Lord not to receive, but to give. Pope Francis suggested that believers should ask themselves this question today: at Christmas did we bring gifts to Jesus for his party, or did we only exchange gifts among ourselves? He told them, if we went to the Lord empty-handed, today we can remedy that because the Gospel, in some sense, gives us a little gift list : gold, frankincense and myrrh. He explained the significance of these three gifts for the everyday life of believers. He said, Gold, the most precious of metals, reminds us God has to be granted first place; he has to be worshiped. But to do that, we need to remove ourselves from the first place and to recognize our neediness, the fact that we are not self-sufficient. 12

13 r e w s n a e call th S! R E H T O E TO SERV HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: JOIN US WHAT IS YNIA? on the Saint Cecilia summer service-learning trip to WASHINGTON, D.C, July 13 21! All spring we ll have opportunities for community service, building our community, and exploring our faith in preparation for the trip. And while you ll net dozens of service hours, the real reward is in how your life will be impacted in amazing ways through serving others! Young Neighbors in Action is a national Catholic organization that hosts service programs all through the US. The mission of YNIA is to empower young people to encounter Christ through serving others, engage in meaningful work that feeds, clothes, and provides resources to the most vulnerable, and grow in their faith. Saint Cecilia has been sending students to YNIA for years! GET ON BOARD! HOW TO SIGN UP: Contact John Glynn, The deadline to sign up is FEBRUARY 25 but sign-ups are first-come, first-served, so don t wait until then! A deposit of $50 is due at sign-up. Fundraising will happen throughout the spring to make sure the trip is affordable for everyone, regardless of financial situation. In January, there will be info sessions you can attend to find out more details stay tuned! tl;dr: Director of College & Youth Ministry, to register for the trip or with any questions! You can him at jglynn@stceciliaboston.org, drop by his office off the parish hall, or find him at the 6 PM Mass on any given Sunday. For more info on YNIA s national program, check out youngneighbors.org WHAT: Young Neighbors in Action Service Trip WHERE: Washington, DC WHEN: July 13 21, 2019 WHO: Rising Sophomores to graduating Seniors HOW MANY? 25 spots Register by February 25

14 PARISH RESOURCES Parish Office & Mailing Address 18 Belvidere Street, Boston, MA Hours Monday Friday, 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Phone Fax Website Parish Staff Rev. John J. Unni, Pastor Mary Kaye, Pastoral Director of Operations, Colleen Melaugh, Finance Director, Mark Donohoe, Pastoral Associate, Scott J. MacDonald, Director of Faith Formation and Parish Visibility, John Glynn, Director of College and Youth Ministry, Jeanne Bruno, Chaplain, Pastoral Associate, Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach, Timothy Zimmerman, Director of Music and Organist, Lisa Pickering, Events and Facilities Manager, Leah Bennett, Communications and Operations Coordinator, Assisting Clergy Rev. Peter Grover, OMV Rev. Peter Gyves, SJ Rev. James Shaughnessy, SJ Schedule for Liturgy Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday 8:00 a.m. Lord s Day Sat 5:00 p.m.; Sun 8:00, 9:30, 11:15, and 6:00 p.m. Holy Days 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Reconciliation The sacrament of reconciliation is available by appointment. Please call the Parish Office. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the communal process through which non-baptized men and women become members of the Catholic Church. It is also suitable for those baptized in different faith traditions who are interested in becoming Catholic, or, for those who were baptized Catholic, but have yet to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and confirmation. Baptism for Infants Infant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. For more information, please contact Mark Donohoe in the Parish Office. Faith Formation for Children To register your child for our Faith Formation Program, please contact Scott MacDonald in the Parish Office. Marriage Couples who wish to prepare for marriage should contact Mark Donohoe in the Parish Office at least six months in advance. Care of the Sick To arrange for the Sacrament of the Sick, for Holy Communion to be brought to those unable to attend the Sunday celebration, or for Viaticum for the Dying (Holy Communion for those in danger of death), please contact the Parish Office. It is always possible to anoint the sick during regularly scheduled liturgies. Order of Christian Funerals The parish is prepared to celebrate the Vigil (wake) in the church. Please contact the Parish Office for more information. Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Team The CAP Team is responsible for training all parish staff and volunteers in mandated reporting laws and the Protecting God s Children program (VIRTUS). They also provide consultation and support to anyone in the parish who has concerns about reporting child abuse and neglect. Please contact Lois Flaherty (loisflaherty@gmail.com), Maria Roche (maria.roche15@gmail.com), Letitia Howland (l_howland@hotmail. com), or Erin Young (erin.t.young@gmail.com) if you have any questions or concerns. The Archdiocese of Boston has in place a vigorous program to protect children from harm and to educate its ministers and faithful about the nature of abuse, with a goal of increasing knowledge, creating a safe environment for children, and recognizing and reporting potentially dangerous situations. The full text of the policy is also available in the narthex and Parish Office, as well as on our website. For Those with Celiac Disease If you have celiac disease, please let us know. We have a supply of lowgluten altar bread available for those who cannot tolerate gluten. Hearing Assistance in Church The church is equipped with an FM listening device. Small receivers are available for anyone who may have trouble hearing the sound system. Simply request a receiver from any one of our greeters before Mass. Access for the Disabled Both the church and Parish Pastoral Center are accessible by elevator. Parking There is reduced rate parking for $11.00 at the Hynes Auditorium Garage located on Dalton Street on Sundays until 3:00 p.m. and every evening after 4:00 p.m. Please be sure to ask one of our greeters for a parking validation ticket before leaving the church. There is also reduced rate parking on Sundays only at the Prudential Center South Garage (enter at Huntington Avenue or Dalton Street); up to 4 hours: $14.00, up to 5 hours: $ Joining Our Community We re happy that you re with us! Our community offers a warm, spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics. We come from many neighborhoods in and around Boston but also have parishioners from as far afield as Marlborough, Newburyport, and Stow. Please introduce yourself to a staff member, drop in for coffee on Sunday, or fill out a new parishioner form in the narthex.. No matter what your background, please know that you are always welcome at Saint Cecilia. 14