Saint Cecilia. Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. 8 January Adoration of the Magi Andrea Mantegna (c. 1497)

Transcription

1 Saint Cecilia P A R I S H Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord 8 January 2012 Adoration of the Magi Andrea Mantegna (c. 1497)

2 Notice the Similarities? In his essay, "Cauchetier's Christmas Card: Adoration of the Magi," American cinematographer John Bailey writes, "Images of the Magi first appeared in Christian art in the fourth century as catacomb paintings and on sarcophagi reliefs. They were at first represented in Eastern dress: distant visitors come to give tribute to the new king of the West. The visit of the Three Kings quickly became a central motif in Christian iconography, foretelling the triumph of this new religion. [Here] is this much-loved, oft-reproduced sculpture from Autun, of the Sleeping Magi. Such an intensely horizontal image is rare in Romanesque iconography and its lateral line is even more focused by the wing and pointed hand of the angel. The sweeping incisions defining the blanket also contribute to the strong left to right movement. Whether the angel is waking the sleeping kings to tell them to follow the star above them to the stable or to warn them on their return home not to report back to King Herod has long been debated by scholars. Any guesses?" The Magi look charmingly cozy in their communal bed; it was common practice for travelers to share beds in the Middle Ages. (Leaving one's crown on in bed was probably not quite so common.) The top photograph shows the origin of the other two works of art. 12th-century French Romanesque sculptor, Gislebertus, carved the top image out of stone for one of the four major capitals at Autun Cathedral in Burgundy. Above is a cut paper design by Benedictine Brother Martin Erspamer, a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, Indiana who is inspired by stone carvings in Romanesque churches in France and Spain, that, in turn, borrow from Byzantine iconography. On the right is a painting by the Chinese artist, He Qi, who has committed himself to the creation of modern Chinese Christian art since Dr. He Qi was the first among Mainland Chinese to earn Ph.D. in religious art after the Cultural Revolution.

3 our community news Ministers of the Liturgy Saturday 5:00 p.m. Rev. Peter Grover, OMV, presider Fred Bachofner, lector Sunday 8:00 a.m. Rev. George Winchester, SJ, presider Louvere Walker, lector Sunday 9:30 a.m. Rev. Thomas Gariepy, CSC, presider Mary Kane, Rosaria Salerno, & Tom Nicolini, lectors Sunday 11:15 a.m. Rev. James Shaughnessy, SJ, presider Peter Meade & Rosanne Meade, lectors Sunday 6:00 p.m. Rev. Peter Grover, OMV, presider Caitlin Keeton & Christopher Cunningham, lectors today s readings Isaiah 60:1 6 Ephesians 3:2 3a, 5 6 Matthew 2:1 12 next sunday s readings I Samuel 3:3b 10, 19 I Corinthians 6:13c 15a, John 1:35 42 Special intention Sunday, January 8 11:15 a.m. Billy Ryan, Memorial the Epiphany of the Lord The Epiphany of the Lord is one of the great solemnities of the liturgical year. Traditionally celebrated on January 6, the twelfth day of Christmas, it is so important that in many countries, including the United States, it is transferred to the nearest Sunday. On Christmas day we celebrate the Word becoming flesh; on Epiphany we celebrate the news getting out the revelation of this amazing happening to the world. Epiphany comes to us from the East as its Greek name indicates. The word means "manifestation," "showing forth," or "revelation." In the Eastern Churches, this day is a triple celebration of the revealing of Christ to the Magi, to people gathered at the Jordan when Jesus was baptized by John, and to the wedding guests at Cana. While the Church in the West emphasizes the visit of the Magi to the infant Christ today, with the Baptism of the Lord commemorated tomorrow, a hint of the ancient origins of Epiphany survives in one of today's antiphons for Evening Prayer: "Three mysteries mark this holy day: today the star leads the Magi to the infant Christ; today water is changed into wine for the wedding feast; today Christ wills to be baptized by John in the river Jordan to bring us salvation." 3

4 Prayers & Occasions Our Sick Please pray for all our sick and for those who are in need of our prayer, especially Josephine Parker, John Saulenas, K. Champoux, Patricia Hoggard, Jennifer Serpico, Christine St. Pierre, Jessica Coviello, Harold Williamson, Jessica Rivieccio, Earl Chilcote, Ellen Nora Toombs, Colonel Robert C. Tashjian, Roseanne Borgioli, Rosemary Messina, Kim Murray, Heather LoRe, Rudy Kikel, Herbert Simmons, Peggy Furey, Janice Mascia, Winnie Dyer, Jane Cox, Pamela D Ambra, Sue Lucas, Suki Coughlin, Roberta Keenan, Bridget Spence, Annette Kulas, Sam Gowan, Rhea Richard, Pil-Yun Son, Mary Yanez, Larry Buckley, M. Frances Driscoll, Father Harry Giroux, Ed Langlais, Bob McLaughlin, Steven Whitkens, Diana Slaton, Leo Garcia, Jean Marino, Joe Ford, Danny Cotter, Natalia Chilcote, Amy Sweetland, Jim Keyes, Michael Zawikowski, Cheryl Proctor, Patricia Macdonald, Elvera Dowsky, Frank Ackley, Fred Haslee, Lorraine Haslee, Robert Menson, Paul Flaherty, William Louttit, Lucie Kelly, Bro. Adam Zielonka, O.C.S.O., Amy Duarte, Karen & Rick, Phyllis Porras, Jim Linderman, Mark Amerault, Sr. Nuala Cotter, R.A., Kristen DeFranco Martinez, Michele Crowley Tippens, Sara Lima Santos, Joseph Driscoll, Pete Huttlinger, Anthony Simboli, Lisa Caputo, Edward Gill, Darlene McLendon, Jeanne Tibbs, Debbie Pace, Peter Schwahn, Deidre Sullivan, Roosevelt Brown, Mary O Donnell, Ginny L Abbe, Steve Chamberlain, Matt Penchuk, Carrie Penchuk, Christy Cosgrove, Jacques Romberger, John Scaife, Maureen Sullivan, Alyce Haley, Joe Capizzi, David Walsh, Joe Huenke, Kaylin Marcotte, Avito Pacifici, Charlotte Egan, James Noone, Keith Plaster, Frederick Flather, David & Paula Fillion, Fred Maglero, Sarah Sweeney, Jeanne Boger, Susan Shea, Bill Croke, Ettore Bergamaschi, Ryan Delaney, Anita Cipriani, and Cecile Finnerty. National Migration Week In the United States, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord marks the beginning of National Migration Week. The Magi were on the move, pilgrims following a star; and in the face of Herod's fury, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus would become refugees, fleeing into Egypt. Christians everywhere are called to extend a helping hand to those who are suffering, alone, and on the verge of despair. This year's theme for National Migration Week is "Welcoming Christ in the Migrant." Just as on the road to Emmaus, Christ's disciples met him in the guise of a stranger, this year's theme helps remind us that Christ makes himself present to each of us in the lonesome traveler, the newcomer, and the migrant. We are called to open our hearts and provide hospitality to those in need. It is our duty to create a space of welcome and acceptance to the migrant who finds himself or herself far away from home and in a vulnerable situation. Pray for the members of God's family who come to our land to escape oppression, poverty, persecution, violence, and war. Pray that the Lord will soften our hearts and help us to welcome and respect people who are different. Graduation Congratulations to Claudine Kos on being awarded a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Simmons College. And good luck with the job search! Baptism At this morning's nine thirty liturgy, we celebrate baptism for Maeve Jane, daughter of Brad and Jodi Prosek. The Christian community welcomes you with great joy, Maeve! 4

5 EPIPHANy door blessing 20 + c + m + b + 12 It is an Epiphany custom to inscribe with chalk the initials of the Magi, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, along with the numerals of the new year, over the main doorway of your house or apartment. Traditionally, the letters and numbers are inscribed in this format: 20 + C + M + B In addition to the letters being the initials of the traditional names of the three Magi, they also abbreviate the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat, or May Christ bless the house. At Saint Cecilia, we pray that we will be a welcoming presence for all who pass through our doors; we pray that we will welcome everyone without judgment or prejudice. You are invited to take home a piece of blessed chalk with you today and say a prayer of blessing at your door. This is one option: Loving God, We pray through the intercession of the Magi, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, that you help us create a home of peace and love. Give to those who pass through the doorways of this house, an awareness of your presence within their hearts. Bless our comings and our goings. Watch over us and over all our guests; when we leave, bless our journeys and bring us safely home. We ask this through Jesus, your Son and our Lord. Amen. the next pine street women's inn dinner is tomorrow Tomorrow evening, the Zick, Dillon-Martin and Fischer-Bean families in the Faith Formation Program will cook and serve dinner for close to 100 homeless women at the Pine Street Women s Inn. These three Faith Formation families will provide the hot entrée, accompanied by potatoes, rice or pasta, a hot vegetable and salad. The Saint Cecilia Food Group will collect donations of fresh fruit, desserts or, if preferred, cash donations, from parishioners today between the morning Masses. Please look for the Faith Formation/ Pine Street Women s Inn poster and donation baskets in the Narthex. If there are any Faith Formation families who would like to help cook/serve a meal at Pine Street s Women s Inn and have yet to sign up, please contact E. Jane Smith via e mail at ejsmith@rcn.com. There are many ways you can contribute to this program. Happy New Year! 5

6 koinonia events Koinonia, Saint Cecilia's ministry to parishioners in their twenties and thirties meets every first and third Wednesday for trivia at Clerys (113 Dartmouth Street). To keep informed about Koinonia events, please join our e mail list by e mailing Kevin Daly at stcecilia.koinonia@gmail.com. 42nd annual martin luther king, jr. memorial breakfast MONDAY, JANUARY 16 8:00 BOSTON CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTER 415 SUMMER STREET The 42nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held on Monday, January 16 at eight o'clock. This event features delicious food, live music and a diverse gathering of over 1,000 people, including business, civic and religious leaders from across Massachusetts. We need to reserve tables for this breakfast. Tickets are $40 each. If you would like to join us and sit at one of the Saint Cecilia tables, pleaes call or e mail Scott MacDonald at smacdonald@stceciliaboston.org by this afternoon. If you've attended this breakfast in the past, you know what a moving and hope filled way this is to commemorate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. prison and After committee meeting today The Prison and After Committee will meet this afternoon in the Parish Pastoral Center from twelve-thirty to two o'clock. The committee welcomes new members as they continue to examine the issues and needs of men and women in our neighborhood who have recently been released from prison. Currently the committee is working to develop a spiritually based support group. For additional information, please contact Peg Newman at peg_newman@msn.com. thank you, Chuck! Many thanks to our friends at Whole Foods Market Symphony Store and to Chuck Olivieri, Saint Cecilia parishioner, choir member, and Whole Foods Marketing Team Leader. Their generosity has enabled us to give donated day-old baked goods to our non-profit partners at the Pine Street Inn and Catholic Charities weekly for two years now. Bread is not something that can be purchased from the Greater Boston Food Bank so the Whole Foods donation represents one of the few sources that Catholic Charities has for providing their clients with this staple. Thanks, Chuck! 6

7 The Three Kings Christmas Poem Three Kings came riding from far away, Melchior and Caspar and Balthasar; Three Wise Men out of the East were they, And they travelled by night and they slept by day, For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star. The star was so beautiful, large and clear, That all the other stars of the sky Became a white mist in the atmosphere, And by this they knew that the coming was near Of the Prince foretold in the prophecy. Three caskets they bore on their saddle-bows, Three caskets of gold with golden keys; Their robes were of crimson silk with rows Of bells and pomegranates and furbelows, Their turbans like blossoming almond-trees. And so the Three Kings rode into the West, Through the dusk of the night, over hill and dell, And sometimes they nodded with beard on breast, And sometimes talked, as they paused to rest, With the people they met at some wayside well. "Of the child that is born," said Balthasar, "Good people, I pray you, tell us the news; For we in the East have seen his star, And have ridden fast, and have ridden far, To find and worship the King of the Jews." And the people answered, "You ask in vain; We know of no King but Herod the Great!" They thought the Wise Men were men insane, As they spurred their horses across the plain, Like riders in haste, who cannot wait. And when they came to Jerusalem, Herod the Great, who had heard this thing, Sent for the Wise Men and questioned them; And said, "Go down unto Bethlehem, And bring me tidings of this new king." So they rode away; and the star stood still, The only one in the grey of morn; Yes, it stopped it stood still of its own free will, Right over Bethlehem on the hill, The city of David, where Christ was born. And the Three Kings rode through the gate and the guard, Through the silent street, till their horses turned And neighed as they entered the great inn-yard; But the windows were closed, and the doors were barred, And only a light in the stable burned. And cradled there in the scented hay, In the air made sweet by the breath of kine, The little child in the manger lay, The child, that would be king one day Of a kingdom not human, but divine. His mother Mary of Nazareth Sat watching beside his place of rest, Watching the even flow of his breath, For the joy of life and the terror of death Were mingled together in her breast. They laid their offerings at his feet: The gold was their tribute to a King, The frankincense, with its odor sweet, Was for the Priest, the Paraclete, The myrrh for the body's burying. And the mother wondered and bowed her head, And sat as still as a statue of stone, Her heart was troubled yet comforted, Remembering what the Angel had said Of an endless reign and of David's throne. Then the Kings rode out of the city gate, With a clatter of hoofs in proud array; But they went not back to Herod the Great, For they knew his malice and feared his hate, And returned to their homes by another way. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 7

8 the radical welcome of epiphany By CHRISTOPHER COCCA Following Advent and Christmastide, Epiphany is the liturgical season during which the Christian tradition has, in theory, stressed the religious inclusion that comes from God's manifestation in Christ and the revelation of that presence to humanity. The celebrative model in the West has traditionally been the visit of the Three Kings/Magi as a symbol of God's revelation to those outside, ethnically and religiously, the Abrahamic covenant of Judaism. Eastern churches focus on Christ's baptism in the Jordan as the location of his theophany: God the Father announces "This is my Son, in whom I am well-pleased" as Christ comes up from the waters of the Jordan. This announcement is neither for the Jewish faithful or righteous Gentile pilgrims only, but for and to the world. At Christmas, Christians use the natural liturgical (though, certainly, geo-centric) opportuni ties of bleak midwinter to celebrate the coming of God among us, with Advent having prepared us for the promised end of another yearly cycle. That the New Year should follow so closely after Christmas underscores the point: in the Common Era, the ancient human need for ritual renewal manifests itself in essential Christian ways, even as those needs are, like Christ, suprachristian and suprareligious. Standing squarely in the the tradition of the Hebrew scriptures, the early Jewish Christians saw in the life of Christ yet another outbreaking of the promises of God to those far off, to the other, the stranger, the foreigner, even the heathen. Nowhere is this more basically asserted than in Christ's geneology as offered by Matthew, where the extension of covenant to gentiles like Rahab and Ruth is explicit. The inclusion of these women by name also recalls Paul's claim that in Christ, "there is neither Greek nor Jew, slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one Christ." Most Christians believe some variation of this ancient narrative: God seeks to reconcile humankind to Godself and to reclaim all of 8

9 Greek nor Jew, slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one Christ." Most Christians believe some variation of this ancient narrative: God seeks to reconcile humankind to Godself and to reclaim all of creation for creation's good and for God's glory. This is the Christian doctrine of redemption at its most basic. Traditionally, Christians have believed this redemption, this making of all things new, is mystically and literally achieved through the death and resurrection of Christ, or, to paint orthodoxy in broader strokes, that it is achieved through Christ's very coming into history, through the rather unorthodox emigration of God from cosmos to poverty to death. The crux of Christianity, in any liturgical season, is the idea that a place at God's table is being prepared not only for all who would seek it, but for all whom God seeks. Rahab's service to the Hebrews in Jericho, Ruth's faithful dedication to her mother-in-law, and their inclusion by the gospel writer in Christ's lineage suggests that Christ's birth, while wholly unique, is not unlike the progressive extension of covenant found throughout the Hebrew Bible. Neither is it something for Jewish or Christian people only. The birth of Christ is, the traditions assert, the coming of God into history, God's putting on of flesh, vulnerability, rejection. The beginning of God's own march toward death and undoing it. on Earth, uninvited. The Gospel of John begins by describing the coming of the light that never goes out, "the true light that gives light to everyone." Matthew describes the alignment of genes that birthed God from the unlikely margins. In the person of Jesus and in the spiritual lives of those who seek to follow after him, the Christian story is a story of movement. From heaven to earth, eternity to time, from Bethlehem to Egypt to Nazareth to Jerusalem. From the east, bearing gifts, and from a manger bearing good tidings of great joy for all people. From self-satisfied, complacent Christianity toward a suprachristian spirit of radical welcome, inclusion, and grace. From fear to love. From judgement to journey. From "am I my brother's keeper?" to "love thy neighbor as thyself." From a narrow politics of self-preservation and jingo to a public ethic of justice, from crushing those on the margin to crushing everything in us that keeps us from loving as God does. From the awe of Christmas to what it must mean, Epiphany's radical welcome. It's not by accident that the church follows the celebration of God's coming to dwell among us with a season proclaiming the inclusion of all peoples in the good news of Christmas. Epiphany reminds us that this is, indeed, a good news that shall be to all people. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus greeted the visiting kings who came following stars. Holy Hosts conjured before shepherds. The Archangel Gabriel came to a peasant girl in the backwater parts of a backwater province of the most powerful empire 9

10 Christmas flowers Jesus Christ is the firstborn of the dead; to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen. (Rev. 1:5 6) Guerino & Olga Abruzzi Glen Accord Nina Ananiashuili Kay & Bill Bacon Paul Bangiola Karl & Daisey Benedict Norma & Parker Bennett Eleanor Bienkowski Christine Bonsor Deceased Members of the Carney, Crean, Egan, & Hall Families Brayden Anthony Carr Phil Casey Rita & Tom Cinnamond Philip J. Coady, Jr. John Coghlan Delia & Michael Conlon Mickey & Joe Contilli Richard Corcoran Francis Cotton Madeline Cotton Tony Cozzi Nona Croke Tommy Croke Leo Croke Sally Curtin Charles Curtin Hank Dane James Dillon Agnes Dillon Susan Dillon Deceased Members of the DiSanto Family Rosella Donlan George J. Doran, Sr. The Doran Family Barbara Doyle Arthur Dunnett Bea Elliott Paul Elliott Snookie Elliott William P. Elliott Robert P. Elliott Anthony Farinelli John Farinelli Arlene Finn Fenwick & Alma Fitzpatrick John Flaherty, Sr. The Franchi Family Rudy Garza Joseph Leo Herbey Gelinas Marie Alma Aldee Agdy Frechette Gelinas Marc Gelinas Lillian Gibbons Frank Gibbons Peg Goodhue John & Mary Greene James J. Griffin Lucy B. Griffin Mary Griffin Michell Griffin Lucy Ann Griffin Edward P. Griffey Patricia & Edward Hanley Mary Hanley Edward Hanley, III The Harig Family Sr. Claire Hayes, SDP Eugene Hoang George Holman Leah & Thomas Holton Drew Hurley Theresa Igwebuike Antoni Igras Dorothy Igras Edward Charles Joyce (living) George & Rita Kane Marianne Kane John Keenan Paul Kiley Nadia Kiley Viola A. Kinne M. Caroline Kinne Hedwig & Theodore Klick Sergei Kononenko Dot L Abbe Rene L Abbe Lauritz & Edith Larsen George & Margaret Lakschewitz Emilia Marie Landry Peter Lanzetti Bob & Vi Leighton Andris Liepa Moris Liepa Deceased Members of the Lewis Families Joseph A. Lippolt Delbert & Anne Love Jack & Aliee Lynel Barbara & John MacDonald John S. Machado Mary MacEvoy Peter, Paul & Ilda Maguire Frank & Mary Maloney The Mancini Family The Maslack Family Art McBain John McLaughlin 10

11 Mary & Jim Meade Martine Messara Joseph Michalski Huguette L. Michaud Bill Mitchell William J Mooney, Jr. Jeff Monroe Barbara Morgan Dorothy & Frank Mullin Elizabeth Murphy Deceased Members of the Murphy and Westover Families Frank Murphy My Beloved Nelda Marian & Irma Nicolini Grace Nisbet Bob & Martha Norman Robert Nugent Katie O Brien Patrick O Shea Eugenia Obreatsova Camille & Lester Olsen Marie Pappalardo Elizabeth W. Pino The Quarles Family Delia Radigan Lancelot & Priscilla Rees Ruth Reiss Deceased Members of the Rocchio Family Jose Rodriguez Aurelio Rollo Edgar & Josephine Roy Sergei Salikov Helen, Edward & Thomas Sekula James & Josie Silvestro John, Peter & Elizabeth Shatswell Susan Shaughnessy William & Anna Sheehan Vladimir Shklyarov Joan Parsons Smith James Aaron Snyder John Martin Snyder, Sr. Regina Phyllis Ackerman Snyder Louis & Helen Sorrentino Walter & May Soon Yee Earl Strickler Beth Ann Strickler Mary & Daniel Sullivan Adeline Swiderski Peter Swiderski Michael Swiderski The Thomas Family The Tibbs Family Nadine & John Troppy Ursula Umlauf The Veysey Family Anne Volk Elizabeth Volk Mary Kaye Waldron Margaret, Frank & John Waldron Elaine A. Wall Marie J. Walley Mario A. Walley Paul L. Ward Norman & Katherine Welch Horace & Marion Wilkie Gretchen Wilkie Schroder Louise (Didi) Williams Janet Williams Robert Yobaccio Charlotte York 11

12 Epiphany: Celebrating Moments of Truth By CATHLEEN FALSANI Aha! In the Christian calendar, today is the Feast of the Epiphany, or, as I like to think of it, the feast of Aha! It's the 12th Day of Christmas, the end of Christmastide, God's Big Reveal. Depending on what part of Christendom you hail from East or West, for instance the Feast of the Epiphany commemorates the three Persian Magis' visit to the newborn Jesus and/or the public baptism of the adult Jesus by John the Baptist. Both events mark the same thing, essentially: Jesus' introduction to the world as the Son of God, divine, the Savior, the Chosen One, in whom God said in a voice-over as a dove flew through the sky while John dunked Jesus in the Jordan River, according to Scripture God was well-pleased. An epiphany, in its strictly religious sense, is when the Divine reveals something to a person (or to humanity). In a more secular sense (if you believe in a distinction between the spiritual and the suppos edly secular), an epiphany is a sudden realization. Of the big picture. Of something hidden. Of the missing puzzle piece. Of clarity in the midst of chaos. Of the true meaning, a heart's desire, a calling, a lesson. Of the reason why. Epiphanies can be monumental or barely discernable. But they can change everything. Always a surprise, they creep up on us when we're not paying attention, appearing to be serendipitous but in fact divinely designed and deployed. When the poet William Wordsworth wrote about epiphany in his masterpiece "The Prelude," he describes them as sometimes arriving "by chance collisions and quaint accidents." They are as indelible as they are fleeting, mere glimpses of the eternal or transcendent. Wordsworth described them like a strobe of light that "gleams like the flashing of a shield." A few weeks back, on the first Sunday of Advent, our parish priest reminded us that in Advent we are asked to "keep awake," to be watchful, to be alert and look for signs of what 12

13 is coming next. All of that waiting and watching ends today, with an epiphany. As we begin a new year, many of us are wondering perhaps anxiously what will happen. Will I find real love? Will I have a job? Will we have a baby? Will I be healthy? Will I be happy? When? Keep your eyes peeled. An epiphany may be just around the next corner. On Monday, I checked in with Kathy, one of my closest friends, to compare our respective New Year's celebrations. Hers in New York City. Mine in snowy Ontario. Last year, Kathy went through a horrendous divorce. The kind Lifetime miniseries are made of. Awful, with a capital A. But she survived and is stronger, happier, healthier and surprised by a kind of joy she never could have anticipated. As she recounted this year's festivities, Kathy found herself looking back on last New Year's Eve. "I had gone to a friend's apartment for a very low-key night. [My ex] had my kids that week. I remember leaving their place right after midnight and walking the nine blocks down back to my empty apartment. As I watched all the drunk, puking 20-somethings all around me, I was overcome by a feeling that everything was going to be OK," she said. "That was the first time I had felt that since the whole breakup and divorce had started. I was so glad I was me, and my life was mine. I wanted to throw my hat in the air like Mary Tyler Moore and sing 'I'm going to make it after all,' " she said. "It was really cool to realize that moment was a whole year ago." And that was her epiphany. "I hope that we all can have those moments this year," she told me. Amen, sister. Some folks will argue that those kinds of epiphanies are emotional or intellectual, that they occur outside the realm of the religious or the spiritual. But I was taught that all truth no matter what about, who says it or where it comes from is God's truth. Realizing that you're happy in your own skin, where you're meant to be, glad to be shod of something (or someone) unhealthy, and everything is going to be OK (despite all sorts of evidence to the contrary), is a profound truth. A divine truth. So, on this Feast of the Epiphany, even if the Christian tradition is not yours, be on the lookout for what John Milton called "everyday epiphanies" for those flashes of clarity, insight, truth and light that can, the poet said, "change forever how we experience life and the world." When the "Aha!" comes, and it will, seize it and hold on tightly even after the glimmer is gone. 13

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 Richard J. Clark, Director of Music and Organist, Mark Donohoe, Pastoral Associate for Administration, Genevieve Fiorente, Office Administrative Assistant Scott J. MacDonald, Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development, Maureen Sullivan, Administrative Assistant to the Pastor, Rev. John J. Unni, Pastor, Assisting Clergy Rev. Thomas Gariepy, CSC Rev. Peter Grover, OMV Rev. James Shaughnessy, SJ Rev. George Winchester, SJ Schedule for Liturgy 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 By appointment at any time and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 8:00 during Lent. 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. For more information, please contact Scott MacDonald. Baptism for Infants Infant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. For more information, please contact Mark Donohoe. 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), Ginny DiSanto (gin250boston@gmail.com) or Peg Quilty (nursempeg@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 low-gluten 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 The church is accessible by elevator. Parking Reduced-rate parking (maximum of three hours) is available Sundays at the Prudential Center parking garage, LAZ Parking (53 Belvidere Street), and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay. Please bring your parking ticket to church for validation before returning to the garage. 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 gathering space. No matter what your background, please know that you are always welcome at Saint Cecilia. 14