Our Christmas celebration continues today by turning our attention toward the world that Jesus came to save. We are part of that world; we come,

Transcription

1 Our Christmas celebration continues today by turning our attention toward the world that Jesus came to save. We are part of that world; we come, modern-day magi, following the light, seeking the newborn King. While the rest of the world has already set Christmas aside and moved on to the next thing, we are here today, pondering this great good news. Let us come and adore alongside the original magi.

2 ST MARY MAGDALEN PARISH th St SE KENTWOOD, MICHIGAN PASTORAL COLUMN Divine Manifestation: The Epiphany takes its name from the Greek "epiphania," which denotes the visit of a God to earth. The first idea of the feast is the manifestation of Christ as the Son of God. The feast unites three events in the life of Christ when His divinity, as it were, shines through His humanity: the adoration of the Magi; the baptism of Christ in the Jordan; and the first miracle at the wedding feast of Cana Royal Kingship: A second important idea in Epiphany is the extension of Christ's kingship to the whole world. The revelation of Christ to the three kings at Bethlehem is a symbol of His revelation to the whole of the Gentile world. Your Light is Come: Closely linked to both these themes of divine manifestation and world kingship is a third idea running through the Epiphany feast: that of light. How much food for thought and reflection is contained in just these three ideas, and what a significance they have for our own time! Epiphany lifts our eyes from the family celebrations and demands that we should include in our vision "all the ends of the earth." It demands that, like the three wise men, we should have the courage to follow the light of the star we have seen, however hazardous the journey; that the light of our faith, like that of the wise men, should be so strong that we are able to see and recognize our Lord and Ruler in however unexpected a way He may present Himself to us; and that having recognized Him, we should bow down and adore Him, offering Him our total loyalty. Moreover, Epiphany demands that like these kings we should return to our own countries a different way, carrying to all those we meet the light of Christ. "For behold, darkness shall cover the earth," says the Epistle of the Epiphany Mass, "and a mist the people: but the Lord shall arise upon Thee, and His glory shall be seen upon Thee. And the Gentiles shall walk in Thy light..." These words may be applied to us, upon whom the light of Christ has indeed risen, and who have the responsibility to radiate that light in the darkness of our own world. It is clear how much the feast of Epiphany must mean to all who are engaged in the apostolate and are striving to extend the kingdom of Christ. Source: Catholic Online Readings for the week of Jan 6 through Jan.11, 2014: Monday: 1 Jn 3:22-4:6; Ps 2:7-8, 10-12a; Mt 4:12-17, Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10; Ps 72:1-4, 7-8; Mk 6:34-44 Wednesday: 1 Jn 4:11-18; Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13; Mk 6:45-52 Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19-5:4; Ps 72:1-2, 14, 15bc, 17; Lk 4:14-22a Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Lk 5:12-16 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-6a, 9b; Jn 3:22-30 MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, January 4, :00 p.m. Emily Stewart by the Levan Family Sunday, January 5, 2014 ~ The Epiphany of the Lord 9:00 a.m. Stanley & Clara Jankowski by Gorkowski Family 11:00 a.m Esther Brown by Grandchildren Tuesday, January 7, :00 a.m. - Intentions of the Parish Community Wednesday, January 8, :00 a.m. - Intentions of the Parish Community Thursday, January 9, :00 a.m. Intentions of the Parish Community Friday, January 10, :00 a.m. Intentions of the Parish Community Saturday, January 11, :00 p.m. Benson Rich by Margo Rich Sunday, January 12, 2014 ~ The Baptism of the Lord 9:00 a.m. Intentions of the Parish Community 11:00 a.m. For the intentions of Betty Morin by Michele Robinett Scripture Readings for: SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 ~ THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD Is 42:1-4, 6-7; Ps 29:1-4, 3, 9-10; Acts 10:34-38; Mt 3:13-17 Let us pray for one another with one mind and heart Neighborhood 0 Bob & Donna Huebner Barbara Kuhn Neighborhood 1 Norman Czerniak James Emelander Anne Beauchamp Neighborhood 4 Cecelia Bennetts Neighborhood 5 Geneva Ritsema Neighborhood 7 Tammy Hickey Neighborhood 8 Bartholomew Atkins Roger Wells Neighborhood 9 Ted Cipponeri Pauline Parent Neighborhood 10 Natalie Jorge Timothy Bergevin Neighborhood 11 Elsie Christensen to the Lord our God Neighborhood 12 Judy McCaffrey Neighborhood 15 Evelyn & John Kehoe Helen Ranta Leon Rutka, Jr. Emil Cantu Neighborhood 16 Jean Lindsey Genevieve Diehl Ann Syrba Neighborhood 20 Kevin & Kyle Friar Neighborhood 22 Don Rexford Neighborhood 23 Michelle Groh Neighborhood 26 Carol Aldrich Gary Maher Neighborhood 33 Carolyn Sheeran Jeremy Sheeran Others to remember: Baby Parker Grace Baby Brayson Madison Williams David Jones Chuc Nguyen Mary Drake Bill & Sally Louwers Daniel Ferguson Delores Klocke Judy Plants Allison Diehl Lyndsey Freiburger Joe Jakubowski James Nawrocki Robert Brown Becky Yonker Gertrude Swing Monica Swing Deanne Irelan Kathy Jo Fraher Bill Donohue Mildred Armstrong Kelly Sheeran Matt Hagen Prayers for the sick in our parish: If you are going to have surgery or need prayers and would like your name included in the list above, please give us a call here at the Parish Office. If your name or the name of a loved one is listed here and they have recovered or no longer need to be listed, please call us and let us know that as well. Thank You

3 JANUARY 5, 2014 YOUTH MINISTRY I wonder as I listen to today s Gospel telling of the Magi and their searching did they really have any idea who this child truly was? And when they entered the house and found the child with Mary his mother were they surprised by the simplicity of the home? Surely if it was a ruler they were seeking they would have had far different images of what they would find. And yet they prostrated themselves and did him homage what humility they must have had, despite their wealth and position what single heartedness to travel so far, not knowing what they would find, driven, all the same, to continue always seeking. It seems to me that a star is a rather inexact thing to follow, perhaps along the way they wondered if they would ever reach a definite destination; or perhaps, they wondered if their faith in the promptings of their heart to undertake the journey were wrong a miscalculation; and perhaps when they finally entered the house and found the child they had moments of questioning and even disappointment They were seeking a great king did the simplicity of the home bring doubt? This journey bears many similarities to our own search for God. After all, our journey is not always written in exact instructions, listening to the voice of God is sometimes very much like following a brilliant star but in our human experience we do not always know exactly where it is leading and many times we wonder if we will ever reach our destination or even a place of rest. Often, especially when the journey becomes difficult, we second guess the promptings of our heart and wish to turn back. Often, our God is found in unexpected places. Today, let us pray that we have the faith to continue our journey even in adversity, wisdom to know Jesus when we see him, and the humility and selflessness to respond as the magi did whole heartedly doing homage and giving generously of our gifts. Peace, joy, faith and love be yours in the new year! ---Mary Evett. THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD FAITH FORMATION Hello Everyone, As we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, I realized that I have become somewhat accustomed to listing the gifts that the Magi brought the infant Messiah without focusing on the strength of the symbols that they laid at his feet. When we hear of the gold, frankincense and myrrh, we realize that they were precious gifts of the time, but do we dwell on the significance of what they mean to us now? In reading, I found an enlightening expression of this significance. The gold was a gift befitting a king. It stands to remind us that Jesus is the king of kings and that he will reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Frankincense, (used in worship), reminds us that Jesus was a priest. His priesthood is eternal and that all who are baptized are done so as Priest, Prophet and King and are responsible for living his mission. And finally myrrh, used to embalm bodies is a telling sign that the Incarnate suffered, died and was buried in the ultimate sacrifice for our collective sin. What incredible gifts, once laid at the feet of an infant king, whose powerful, insightful and inspiring message will stand throughout time. We know that after their encounter with Jesus, due to a dream warning them to avoid Herod, the Magi used an alternate route to return to their homes. This is also incredibly symbolic. Doesn t it make us aware that each time we experience an encounter with God, whether we recognize it or not, either secures our footing on the path set before us, or alters it? The message lies in the gift as surely as the gift lies in the message. God s Blessings, Molly Wisdom Formation News January 8 th -Classes Resume January 8 th -Sacramental Prep Class for Room 8- Parents are invited January 15 th -Sacramental Prep Class for Room 9- Parents are invited Marriage Preparation Weekend- January 10 th & 11 th Engaged couples call the Parish Office for information to register and inquire about the weekend format.

4 CHRISTIAN SERVICE Want to chase away those winter blues. Cook up a pot of chili and enter it into our Annual Chili Cook-off. Not really good around the kitchen, but want to taste some real good chili. Come the chili cook-off on January 18 after the 5:00 Mass. For $1.00 you will help determine who this year s winner is. Heard that last (and the previous year) year s winner will be entering his chili again. Please contact Ruth in the office at or rbush@stmmagdalen.org if you would like to enter your chili. The Men s Group will be hosting another Euchre party on Saturday, February 8 th at 6:30. This is open to all parishioners, both men and women and you don t have to be a member of the Men s Group. The cost is $7.00 to help defray the cost of snacks and beverages. Come, join in the fun. St. Mary Magdalen Men s Group - Men of St. Mary Magdalen working together to foster spirituality, service, and social activities within the parish community, in accordance with the traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church. Open to all men of the parish. Meets every 4 th Tuesday of the month at 7:00. Contact Tom Moroney at or at mensgroup@stmmagdalen.org. Our next meeting is scheduled for January 28 th at 7:00 in Room 3 of the Family Center. Join the Rosary Group Tuesday, January 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Room 5 as they make rosaries to be sent overseas. Materials are provided. Front row: Mary Robert, Susan Krzykwa, Helen Nguyen. Back row: Ray Miller, Max Witgen, Diane Asplund, John Nguyen. Our next Blood Drive will be January 19. The Michigan Blood mobile bus will be parked at the south end of the parking lot at the 44 th St location. Sign up to give the gift of life. Plans are being made for the 2014 Wine and Cheese Party on February 1 st. Join your friends for an evening of fun sampling wines and a wide variety of appetizers, a pasta bar, and wonderful desserts. Tickets information will be available soon. The next Over 55 lunch will be January 16 at noon in the Family Center. Everyone over 55 is invited to come and enjoy several soups and the company of others. This year s Soup s On will be on Monday, January 27 at the B.O.B. beginning at 6:30 p.m. You ll be able to sample soups, bread and desserts from local restaurants while enjoying live entertainment. At the end of the night you will be able to select a bowl. Tickets are available check out their website at ccwestmi.org/soupsonforall. Pastoral Staff: Ruth Bush: Mary Evett Jenna Fowle Molly Wisdom FINANCIAL NEWS NOTE: Due to early bulletin submission the figures for Sunday collection are not available for this week. A Reminder: Before you travel, PLEASE arrange to have your Sunday contributions automatically deducted from your bank account by filling out the bright green sign-up forms, found in the back of the worship space. It s an easy, safe and environmentally efficient way to support the great work of the parish community while you re gone. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Parish Office. Catholic Services Appeal Assessment $ 84,505 Pledged to date $ 65,204 (77.1% of goal) Needed for Goal $ 19,301 No. of Responses 356 (out of 1073 households) F ROM ASHES TO LIVING STONES Total needed: $1,700,000 Total pledged: $1,569,625 Yet to go: $ 130,375 % total 92.3% PARISH STAFF Coordinator of Christian Services, x16 rbush@stmmagdalen.org Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry,x15 mevett@stmmagdalen.org Director of Music Ministry, x33 music@stmmagdalen.org Coordinator of Faith Formation, x12 mollyw@stmmagdalen.org Administrative Staff: Joe Hakeem Business Manager, jhakeem@stmmagdalen.org, x14 Nancy Baum Parish Secretary, nbaum@stmmagdalen.org, x10 Sharon Mascarenhas: Admin. Assistant, smascarenhas@stmmagdalen.org Maintenance Staff: Bobby Jackson Jr., Supervisor & Brenda Bush Pastoral Support Staff: Deacons Mike Dordan & Michael Wood Sacristans Wayne Ball, Joseph Nguyen Music Ministry Dave Doppel Nursery Pastoral Council: Bob Dodde Laurie Emelander Patricia Guzzo Pamela Kosten Kim Levesque Daniel Moomey Mark O Gorman Luisa Ortiz Tom Richer Tom Roos Ronald Stephan Matthew Sweers (Youth Rep) Finance Council: Matthew Bielecki Brent Hawkins Lynie Huynh Tom Nawrocki Becky Vetter Cathy Wells Stewardship: Mike Bush Monica Dean Chris Loerch Parish Registration: Contact the Parish Office for information, Sacrament of Marriage: Call the Parish Office at least 6 months in advance. Sacrament of Baptism: Please call the Parish Office to register for Baptism Prep.

5 PARISH NEWS New to the Parish? If you are new to the Parish or have been around a little while but never registered, please call the Parish Office and we can send you some paperwork; or, if you re able to visit us at the office during working hours, we d love to meet you, answer any questions you may have and inform you of the many ministries here at SMM. BISHOP DAVID J. WALKOWIAK ASKS US TO PRAY FOR OUR SEMINARIANS Dear God, bless your Church with love. Raise up dedicated and generous leaders to serve as priests, deacons, sisters, brothers, members of secular institutes, and lay ministers. Send your spirit to strengthen them to serve your people, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. We especially pray for: Michael J. Godwin University of St. Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary 1000 East Maple Ave. Mundelein, IL THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH Monday, January 6, :00 p.m.. 7:30 p.m. SSA , 44th St Tuesday, January 7, :00 p.m.. 8:00 p.m. Stewardship Council - Rectory 7:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Rosary Group - FC-5 Wednesday, January 8, :30 p.m. 5:15 p.m. Children s Choir - FC-1 5:15 p.m. 6:15 p.m. Supper - FC 6:15 p.m. 7:45 p.m. Faith Formation - FC 7:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m.-youth Ensemble -1800, 44th St. 8:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Men Of Emmaus - Rectory Thursday, January 9, :45 p.m. 4:45 p.m. - Core Team Mtg - FC 15 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.. Faith N Fun - FC 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Hand bell , 44th St 6:30 p.m. 8:15 p.m. Adult Choir , 44th St Friday, January 10, :00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Marriage Prep FC Saturday, January 11, :00 a.m. 4:45 p.m. Marriage Prep FC Check out our website by using the QR Code at the right on your Smart Phone!