The Epiphany of the Lord

The Roman Catholic Church of Saint Ignatius of Antioch The Epiphany of the Lord

Page 2 January 8, 2017 All Are Welcome This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany. This is one of the oldest feasts in the Church Calendar. Most probably, the Church celebrated the Epiphany even before it celebrated the Nativity, Christmas. There are really three epiphanies recognized by the Church: the manifestation of the Lord to the magi, the baptism of the Lord by John the Baptist, and the first public miracle in the Gospel of John, the changing of water into wine. The Eastern Catholic Churches and the Orthodox Churches celebrate all three Epiphanies together. The Western Catholic Church, the Roman Catholic Church, divides up these celebrations. Our focus today is on the magi. Who were these men, sometimes called kings? We don t know a whole lot about them. The main thing we know is that they were not Jewish. And this is significant. A few days after the birth of the Lord, gentiles, pagans, were summoned to follow a star to Israel where the One the ages waited for was born. They followed the star because they were good men honestly seeking God s will. It must have been quite a sight when they arrived in Israel. They were foreigners, but not just any foreigners. They held positions powerful enough for them to merit an audience with Herod. Herod was troubled by their visit, and with him all of Jerusalem. Who were these men, and what did they want from the king? They asked to give homage to the newborn king of the Jews. Was there a baby out there somewhere who would replace Herod? The chief priests and scribes could only tell Herod about an ancient prophecy that a ruler would come from Bethlehem. If these three magi, in their own time considered kings, could create such a stir in Jerusalem, imagine what it had to be like when they arrived in Bethlehem and went to the place, a house by now, where Mary, Joseph and Jesus were staying. Even more amazing, these rich pagans prostrated themselves before the child and gave Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Why would rich pagans be interested in the Jewish Messiah? That the gentiles could be part of God s plan for His people was beyond the consideration of the Jews. But the mystery, hidden for generations was now revealed: the gentiles were to be co-heirs with the Jews, members of the same body, co-partners in the promise of Jesus Christ, as Paul proclaims in today s second reading from Ephesians. Jesus Christ came for all people. None were to be excluded from the Grace of God that He would bring. We, Catholics, people whose very name means universal, must be careful that we recognize that all people are called to the Grace of God given by Jesus Christ. It is so easy for us to exclude people. In fact, we have been trained by our society to compartmentalize people into various groups. We are told that Jews behave this way, Italians that way, the Irish another way, and the French don t behave at all. We can easily decide who belongs in worshiping the Lord and who really shouldn t be there. We decide that whole groups of people, for example gay people, must be immoral and shouldn t enjoy the gifts of the Church. When asked about gays, Pope Francis said, Who am I to judge? He was making the humble statement that it was not up to him to say that a person was immoral just because he was gay. There are many moral gay people and many immoral people who are not gay. We don t have the right to exclude people from worshiping the One who is the Gift of Bethlehem. In a similar way, we don t have the right to exclude people from receiving the charity of the Church. There are some who feel that Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development should not be supporting organizations that care for needy people unless

The Epiphany of the Lord these organizations adhere to Church teachings on morality. So they would object to CRS helping an organization that wishes to build an eye clinic for children in Africa because that same organization might not follow Catholic moral teaching in other clinics it may run there or in other parts of the world. Similar objections are often raised regarding the poor people supported by CCHD. Better Than Thou Catholics would rather deny children, the poor, and the infirm the help they need then recognize the good that is being done by those who don t follow the totality of Catholic teaching throughout the world. I am sure they don t mean it, but in fact some Catholics are saying that the magi had no business receiving the Grace of God, because, after all, they were probably pagans. We cannot bring people the Good News of Jesus Christ if we exclude them from the charity of the Lord with which we have been entrusted. Jesus did not come for a select group of people. He came for all people. This is a truth of the Church and a great mystery to those who see themselves as the sole benefactors of God s Grace. We come to Church on Sunday to celebrate Mass. That word Mass means Sending. We come to Church to receive the gifts of God and are sent to bring these gifts to all of the people of the world. We are sent to bring the good news of the joy of the Gospel to those who have been marginalized by society. We are sent to heal those who are hurting, whether they believe in Christ or not. We are sent to aid those who are caring for the needy, whether they follow the totality of Catholic morality or not. People who are excluded will never find Christ. People who experience His presence in the charity of other Christians, will be attracted to worship the One who is the source of charity. Pope Francis reaffirmed that no one has ever been converted by an argument. People are converted by the presence of Christ they experience in sincere Christians. What are those magi doing bringing gifts to the King of the Jews? What are those gays doing seeking a Church that welcomes them into the Presence of God? What are those non-catholic organizations doing caring for the needy? They are all doing exactly what they should be doing: worshiping the One who came for all people. We often begin our Masses by singing, All Are Welcome. Do we mean this? Or are there some who are not as welcome as others, be that here at Mass or outside our doors looking to care for others? This Sunday, on the Solemnity of the Epiphany, we ask the Lord to free us from our prejudices. We ask Jesus to allow us to be what we call ourselves, Catholics, people of a universal Church. Yours in Christ, Msgr. Joseph A. Pellegrino, Pastor 715 E Orange Street Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689 Mass Schedule: Saturday.4:00 and 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Spanish Mass in Chapel (Fulfills Sunday Obligation) Sunday...7:30, 9:00, 11:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Life Teen Weekdays..7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Saturday.9:00 a.m. Schedule of Confessions: Saturday.3:00 3:45 p.m. and after the 6:30 p.m. Mass PARISH OFFICE 937-4050 Main Office ext. 201 Msgr. Joseph A. Pellegrino, Pastor ext. 209 Rev. Brian Fabiszewski, Parochial Vicar ext.207 Rev. Kevin Molloy, in Residence ext. 208 Deacon Samuel Moschetto ext. 210 Deacon John Edgerton ext. 222 Ron Appel, Parish Manager ext. 215 Katherine Creamer, Office Manager ext. 201 Lorna Moffitt, Parish Mgr. Assistant ext. 203 Eldean Jenkins, Facilities Manager ext. 201 Anne Harman, Music Director ext. 206 FAITH FORMATION Rev. Brian Fabiszewski, - Director ext. 207 Fran Morin, Pre-K 8th Grade ext. 220 Joshua Strope, Evangelization ext. 224 Laura Margarella, Caritas ext. 221 YOUTH MINISTRY Bart Kovacic, Life Teen ext. 246 High School Ministry Jen McIlveen, Edge ext. 210 Middle School Ministry EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Sharon Stokely, Director ext. 225 GUARDIAN ANGELS SCHOOL Mrs. Mary Stalzer, Principal 799-6724 UPPER PINELLAS PREGNANCY CENTER Mary Caesar 937-4304 PARISH OFFICE FAX 727-943-0676 OFFICE EMAIL kcreamer@ignatius.net PARISH WEBSITE www.st.ignatius.net SPANISH PHONE LINE 727-934-4163 Miraculous Medal Devotion: Before 9 a.m. Mass each Wednesday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays after 9 a.m. Mass until 10:15 a.m. First Friday of the Month 9:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Baptism: Please call the Parish Office Marriage: Please call the Parish Office at least 6 months in advance. Holy Orders: Please call Rev. Carl Melchior at 345-3338

Page 4 Faith Formation & Youth This Sunday, January 8th 10:00 a.m. Faith Formation Classes 10:00 a.m. 1st Communion Parent meeting in the hall 4:00 p.m. Confirmation Classes 6:00 p.m. Life Teen Mass followed by Life Teen Wednesday, January 11th 6:30 p.m. Edge/Faith Formation classes Join in on Monday mornings for Crafts and Rosary Making. All are welcome. 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon in the hall. Divorce Support Group Sadly, too many Catholic families are touched by divorce. The Catholic's Divorce Survival Guide is a 12 week program which provides information, support and guidance from a Catholic perspective to people who are considering, actually going through or have gone through the divorce process. An information session will be held this Monday, January 9th at 7 p.m. in room 2 of the Life Center, for ANYONE who would like information on this program regardless of their faith or divorce status. Series will begin Monday, Jan 23rd. The cost for the program is $25. For questions and to register contact Christine at 727-519-3360 or at stigcatechism@gmail.com. EVENTS THIS WEEK Sunday Donuts The Scouts will be offering Donuts and Coffee after the Sunday Masses in the hall. The Bloodmobile will be here THIS Sunday, January 8th from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Please Share A Pint! Autism Support Group A diagnosis of autism for a family member becomes a walk in faith, a journey supported by the Lord. This new group meets every second Tuesday of each month, at 7 p.m. in classroom 2. If you are unable to attend the meeting, join us from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Contact Mike Laverty for this month s Go To Meeting link. Care will be provided in classroom 6 for anyone who wishes to bring their child. Contact Mike Laverty at 992-5111 or email at either mlaverty1@yahoo.com or drmjl2015@gmail.com Brothers in Christ All men of the parish are invited. Our group meets every Wednesday at 6:00 a.m. in the hall. Coffee & Donuts are served. For more information contact Jim Edmiston: 727-642-9555 Welcome Inactive Catholics Do you know someone who would like to know more about the Catholic faith? Do you want to become Catholic? Join our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Sessions. Monday evenings at 7 p.m. in the hall. For information contact Joshua at ext. 224 We welcome any Catholics who have been inactive in the practice of their Faith, for any reason, to our open-end meetings. Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in classroom 6. Plenty of opportunities for discussions. If you know someone you think might be interested in coming, just invite them.

EVENTS THIS WEEK Page 5 Divine Word Continues Deacon John s Divine Word ( Lectio Divina ) Bible Sessions on St. John s Gospel will resume on Wednesday Mornings at 10 a.m. in rooms 2-3 in the Life Center. New enrollees are welcome to Come and See We continue our journey as St. John portrays our Divine Lord in His final journey to Jerusalem where He will die and rise from the dead. Lectio Divina is how we learn to pray the Word of God. No registration forms. Coffee and snacks served at 9:45 a.m. Caritas Corner Flowers distributed this week at Florida Hospital North Pinellas by Caritas Volunteers were donated by Phyllis & family, in loving memory of Arleen Quinn. Commemorate a special occasion or a loved one by donating flowers distributed at Florida Hospital North. Call the Caritas Office for more information. Lord, grant eternal rest to the souls of our dearly departed, especially for PHYLLIS THOMPSON, DIANA GONZALEZ, AURORA RODRIGUEZ, LINDA PETRZELKA, MICHAEL CASTELLO, BILL SANDUSKY, JOSEPH CARBONE, CHARLES COMBLO, DONALD SCHAEFFER, RICHARD PLOTNIAK, IOTTO STEMWEDE, PATRICK WHITEHEAD and for all those we hold in our hearts who have died, may they rest in the arms of God. WORD IN ACTION BIBLE STUDY Adventures in Acts The Spread of the Kingdom Video Presented by Jeff Cavins Facilitated by: Deacon Sam Moschetto Interested in how our Church developed from the earliest days of the Apostles? The Acts of the Apostles is a book of the Bible that tells the story of how the power and authority given to Peter and the Apostles and the coming of the Holy Spirit guided the early church through the persecutions and trauma of those days. It shows how Christ s Kingdom on earth is empowered to carry out Christ s work in the world. This two-part program uses powerful video presentations in combination with a student work book to impart the various insights to the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those early Christians. Our first semester begins on January 12th and ends on March 30th. Classes are Thursday mornings beginning at 10:20 a.m. and repeated evenings at 7 p.m. in classroom 2. Register early so your student materials arrive on time for the first class. The student guide contains explanations of the scriptures with questions and answers to the study materials. Cost is $30 for the student guide book will be required. The guide book covers the entire two semesters. Please sign and return the registration form below. WIA Registration Form Name: Date: Telephone Number: Student Materials: $30.00 Note: Please make checks payable to St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish. Forms may be left at the Office. Edge Middle School Youth Ministry meets in the hall this Friday, January 14th at 7 p.m.

Page 6 Sunday, January 15th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Full Breakfast of Pancakes, Eggs, and more. Coffee/Juice/Milk $6 Adults/$4 Children/ $20 Family of 5 or Enjoy a Lite Breakfast of a Donut w/ Coffee/ Juice/ Milk for $2. Come support the Knights of Columbus fundraiser and have Breakfast! Catechism for Adults! Join in a series of discussions, to explore the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 6:45 p.m. in classroom 7. Jump in Anytime! Catechisms available. Contribution requested. For more information email Christine at stigcatechism@gmail.com or call 727-519-3360. Women s Council Our next meeting will be Thursday, January 19th starting with the Recitation of the Rosary at 11:30 a.m. Potluck lunch will begin at noon, followed by a general business meeting. Please drop off food in the kitchen before the rosary. C-D: Meat, E-M: Pasta/Potatoes/Rice, N-R Salad, S-T Vegetables U-Z-A-B: Desserts Jim Edmiston will discuss The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama. Knights of Columbus The next meeting of our Knights of Columbus will be Thursday, January 19th at 7 p.m. in the hall. JANUARY EVENTS Fr. Kevin s Class Begins... Welcome Fr. Kevin back and join in his series on Jesus and His Jewish Influences. Jesus actions and teachings were the product of the traditions, cultures, and historical developments of ancient Jewish beliefs. Early Judaism and Jesus are two subjects so inextricably linked that one cannot arrive at a true understanding of Jesus without understanding the time in which He lived. Classes begin Thursday, January 19th and meet every Thursday at 7 p.m. in the hall. Mother s Morning Out Our Early Childhood Center provides Mother s Morning Out on Wednesdays & Thursdays from 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. in classroom 8 of the Life Center. $10 per visit or 6 for $50 for ages 1 and walking to age 36 months. Questions? Contact the Early Childhood Center at 937-5427. Come Join Us! Theology on Tap Welcome All Young Adults Ages 21-39 Our next meeting is November Got 10th questions? at 6:30 p.m. Our next meeting is January Questions? 19th Contact at 6:30 p.m. NorthPinellasTOT@gmail.com NorthPinellasTOT@gmail.com NorthPinel- NEW PLACE: We will meet at Sea Dog near Countryside Mall in Clearwater.

JANUARY EVENTS Page 7 Roe Vs. Wade Mass Word on Fire Join us as we examine six figures from the Bible who changed in response to God s Call. The vast majority of abortions are done after the fetal heart has begun beating. Roe vs Wade is the worst decision of the 20th century. The Supreme Court voted to make abortion legal for any reason! Unfortunately, according to Life Site News, there have been more than 58,586,256 abortions in America since the Roe vs Wade decision in 1973. Please join us on Saturday, January 21st at the 9 a.m. Mass and pray that mother/fathers-to-be realize that the baby they are carrying deserves to live life to the fullest. Bishop Robert Barron s DVD explores conversion. By exploring these six stories, we will come to a deeper understanding of conversion in our own lives, how to discern God s call to us, how to overcome the obstacles we face in answering the call and the fruit of joy in saying yes to God. Sr. Lila Dempsey, O.S.C. will facilitate these classes on Monday s, beginning January 23rd at 9:45 a.m. in classrooms 2 & 3. Please bring your bible. No registration required. Florida Hospital Presents: 5th Annual Men s Only Morning Game of Life: Stay in it to Win it! Saturday, January 28th 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. in our hall. Visit with numerous physicians, health care professionals and community wellness representatives. FREE Health Screenings include: PSA s. Prostate, Blood Pressure, Balance, DMX-Digital Motion X-Ray, BMI, Foot and Ankle, Hearing PVD, Skin, Vision and Glaucoma, Shoulder and Hand Pain. Fasting preferred for the Lipid Profile, which includes Cholesterol, Tri-Glycerides (HDL, LDL) and Glucose. Valuable health and educational information and resources will be available, including Physician Referral Service and scheduling appointments. Plus a talk on the latest treatments on a variety of men issues from Board Certified Urologist Paul Arnold, MD FACS. Open to Men of All Ages! Space is limited and reservations required so call 727-943-3600 today! Hosted by The Knights of Columbus St. Ignatius Council #7621, St. Luke Council #12196 & St. Vincent De Paul Council # 6476

PARISH NEWS Page 8 QR Scan for our website Don t Miss an Event! Download myparishapp The Arc Tampa Bay Find us on Facebook Formerly UPARC, located in Clearwater, Tarpon Springs & Safety Harbor, is seeking volunteers Monday through Friday to assist in their day programs and classrooms. The Arc s mission is to support & empower people with intellectual & developmental disabilities. Contact Deborah Simeone, Volunteer Coordinator at 727-799-3330 ext. 7632. St. Ignatius will send you a donation statement for your contributions to the Church for the year 2016 if requested. Please fill out this form and place it in the collection basket, drop off at the Parish Office or email your request to kcreamer@ignatius.net. Thank You. Name: Address: City: Zip Envelope # Knights of Columbus December Raffle winners: 1st Prize - Dolores Carotenuto 2nd Prize - Rene Rodriguez 3rd Prize - Bill Snyder SCHOOL NEWS Guardian Angels Catholic School is now accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year. Interested parents may pick up applications for enrollment in the parish office during regular office hours. The completed application packet must be returned to Guardian Angels for processing. We invite you to come and see your parish school! If you wish to schedule a tour of the school contact Mary Stalzer at mstalzer@gacsfl.com. Visit our school and see why providing a Catholic education at Guardian Angels is the best choice for your child. Early Childhood Center Ages 2-5 & Free VPK Call 937-5427 Pick up applications in the parish office and/or schedule a tour. Stop by the school and see what makes our Early Childhood Center outstanding!

DATE MASS INTENTIONS EVENTS Saturday, January 7 Sunday, January 8 Numbers 6:22-27 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:16-21 Monday, January 9 Baptism of the Lord Isaiah 42:1-7 Matthew 3:13-17 Tuesday, January 10 Hebrews 2:5-12 Mark 1:21-28 4:00 p.m. Special Intentions of the St. Ignatius Women s Council 6:30 p.m. + Edward D Ettore 7:00 p.m. (Spanish Mass in the Chapel) Para familias de habla espanol en nuestra parroquia 7:30 a.m. + Shirley Papen 9:00 a.m.. For the People of Our Parish 11:30 a.m. + Richard Kirby 6:00 p.m. + Frank Orlick 7:30 a.m. + Ivan Busanich 9:00 a.m. + Chad Dickey 7:30 a.m. + Susanna San Miguel 9:00 a.m. + Sr. Ann Fraas 10:30 a.m. + Muriel Betts 5:30 p.m. Parish Chapel & Hall Reserved BLOODMOBILE 8 a.m. 1 p.m. 9:00 a.m. Donuts in the hall 10:00 a.m. Faith Formation classes 10:00 a.m. 1 Communion Parent Meeting hall 4:00 p.m. Confirmation Classes 6:00 p.m. Life Night hall & all rooms 9:30 a.m. Craft & Rosary Makers in the hall 6:00 p.m. Girl Scout 1233 Meeting c12 6:30 p.m. Boy Scout Leader Meeting c7,8 6:30 p.m.. Cub Scout Leader Meeting c9,10 7:00 p.m. Divorce Support Group c2,3,4 7:00 p.m. RICA in Chapel and hall 7:00 p.m. Autism Support Group c2&6 7:00 p.m. Knights of Columbus 1st degree in the hall Wednesday, January 11 Hebrews 2:14-18 Mark 1:29-39 Thursday, January 12 Hebrews 3:7-14 Mark 1:40-45 Friday, January 13 St. Hillary Hebrews 4:1-11 Mark 2:1-12 Saturday, January 14 Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 2:13-17 Saturday, January 14 7:30 a.m. For Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life 9:00 a.m. + Nick Morin 7:30 a.m. + Cecilia Pandolfo 9:00 a.m. + James Mulligan 7:30 a.m. + John Mattesich 9:00 a.m. + Carlos de la Espriella 9:00 a.m. + Jim McGovern 4:00 p.m. + Patrick Cain 6:30 p.m. + Frank Bar 7:00 p.m. (Spanish Mass in the Chapel) Para familias de habla espanol en nuestra parroquia 6:00 a.m. Brothers in Christ in hall 9:30 a.m. Mothers Morning Out c 8 9:45 a.m. Divine Word c2,3 6:30 p.m. Edge/Faith Formation Classes 6:45 p.m. Close to Heart Evangelization Off. 7:00 p.m. Inactive Catholic c6 9:30 a.m. Mothers Morning Out c 8 10:20 a.m. Word in Action c2,3 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal - Church 7:00 p.m. Word in Action c2,3 6:30 p.m. Girl Scout Troop 1142 c7 6:30 p.m. Boy Scouts in rooms c2,3,4 7:00 p.m. Cub Scouts c8-12 7:00 p.m. Girl Scout Troop 1124 c6 7:00 p.m. Edge in the hall 10:00 a.m. 1st Communion s class 1st Penance in the Church 10:00 a.m. Polish School c7-12 10:00 a.m. Divine Mercy c4 5:30 p.m. Parish Chapel & Hall Reserved Sunday, January 15 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 49:3-6 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 John 1:29-34 7:30 a.m. + Gloria Bradley 9:00 a.m.. For the People of Our Parish 11:30 a.m. + Deceased Members of the Gorman & Walsh Families 6:00 p.m. + Ludwik & Jadwiga Wirtel 8:00 a.m. Sunday Breakfast in the hall 10:00 a.m. Faith Formation classes 6:00 p.m. Life Night hall & all rooms