HOLY TRINITY PARISH Hudson and Germantown, New York 429 E. Allen St. P. O. Box 323 Hudson, NY 12534 January 13, 2019 PHONE: (518) 828-1334 WEBSITE: www.holytrinityhudson.org E-MAIL: holytrinityhudson@gmail.com VERY REV. ANTHONY BARRATT, E.V. Pastor DEACON RICHARD WASHBURN Deacon REV. WINSTON BATH Pastor Emeritus
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS AND OUR BAPTISM 2019 Today we keep the great feast of the Baptism of Jesus. It marks the end of our season of Christmas in the church calendar and the beginning, once again, of Ordinary Time. In the Gospel, we hear how Jesus asks to be baptized by Saint John the Baptist and after this, he begins His three years of public ministry that we will hear about in our Gospel readings each Sunday. Perhaps, like John, we might be puzzled by Jesus request. After all, Jesus is the Son of God and is one like us in all things but sin. Surely Jesus does not need to be baptized? This is certainly true, but as Bishop Robert Barron puts it: Jesus stood shoulder to shoulder with sinners in the muddy waters of the Jordan, not because he was a sinner in need of salvation, but because he wanted to bring the divine love even to the darkest and most painful corners of human experience. Jesus baptism is therefore a great sign of God s wonderful love and mercy. Today s feast is also rather like an annual reminder of the great sacrament of baptism that we have received and so, at Mass this weekend we will renew our baptismal promises and we will be sprinkled with holy water. (We use holy water to put us in mind of the waters of our own baptism.) Most of us do not remember our own baptism or the promises made for us when we were baptized because, of course, we were just a little baby when it happened; although perhaps we have had the joy of being present at a baptism recently. It is good to remember all the wonderful gifts that the sacrament of baptism brings to those who receive it: new life and a washing clean of all sin, adoption as sons or daughters of God through Jesus Christ, the light of Christ to guide us, entrance into the community of the Church to name but a few. Once again, we might say that these are all great gifts that come from God s love and mercy for us. So too with us when we were baptized. The very first thing that happens in the Rite of Baptism is that the parents are asked: what name do you give your child? This is a very significant and symbolic moment. Giving a name gives an identity to a person and also a purpose. When the person being baptized is named it means that God will know them by that name and call them by that name for the rest of their lives. We received that naming and purpose when we were baptized let us live up to that name by which God knows us and calls us! Incidentally, this living up to our Baptism is very much at the heart of our Re-igniting Our Faith Campaign. The Campaign reminds us that we are called to be people of faith and that this faith can be like a living flame. We received that flame of faith when we were baptized, but now we must make sure that this fire of faith does not diminish or even go out. We want to be sure that the church buildings that we love so much and the faith community to which we belong will all still be here for generations to come. One final thought. We have the custom of blessing ourselves with holy water as we enter or leave the church: we do this almost instinctively or automatically. On this feast day of the Baptism of the Lord, it is good to remember why we do this. It is actually a ritual reminder of our baptism and of the promises of that sacrament that we try to follow and to live, not just when we gather in the church, but when we leave to go about our lives. So, as we bless ourselves with holy water, why not also say a short prayer or make a promise, that we will live up to our name and our calling that we received when we were baptized. And perhaps, we can also pray that just as we have received so many gifts of mercy, we will also be merciful to others. Fr. Anthony Going back to our Gospel reading for today, there is one other important gift that we receive in the sacrament of baptism and it very much ties in with our parish and school focus on evangelization: that is of living as true disciples of Jesus Christ and sharing our faith with others. In the Gospel, a voice is heard from heaven and God designates Jesus as His beloved Son. In a way, Jesus receives a call from God and a mission and after this event at the Jordan River Jesus begins his ministry.
THE WEEK AHEAD Wednesday, January 16 The Gathering 7:30 p.m. - St. Mary s THURSDAY, January 17 Our Lady of Grace Prayer Group 6:30 p.m. - St. Mary s Church Bible Study - 7:00 p.m. - St. Mary s Academy Personal Care Products Drive On Sunday, January 20, 2019, Catholic Charities will be conducting a drive for personal hygiene items. Some possible suggestions are: shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine products, toilet paper, dish soap and laundry detergent. Re-igniting Our Faith We need to keep our Church fresh, vibrant and welcoming. Our campaign therefore gives thanks for the past, celebrates the present and provides for the future. Now is the time for us to seize the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to our baptismal vows and be active witnesses for Jesus in our own day to open hearts to the truths of His Gospel. Let us go forth and together build for the future. Let us Re-ignite our Faith! For more information please refer to: stewardship@re-ignitingourfaith.org Please leave your donations in the vestibules of the church. HEAP The State s Home Energy Assistance Program helps low income folks pay for heating costs during the winter. Peter Meyer and Susan Troy, of our parish, have offered to assist those who qualify with necessary forms. Devotional Prayers Greg Pepoon will be leading devotional prayers at 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and at 8:00 a.m. on Sundays. He will be leading the devotion using the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Chaplet of the Holy Face. The following Eucharistic Moment has been shared by the perpetual Adoration Committee to promote Eucharistic adoration: Sunday, January 13 "My sweetest Joy is to be in the presence of Jesus in the holy Sacrament. I beg that when obliged to withdraw in body, I may leave my heart before the holy Sacrament. How I would miss Our Lord if He were to be away from me by His presence in the Blessed Sacrament!" St. Katharine Drexel Income Tax Statements Parishioners who wish to have statements with respect to their 2018 contributions to Holy Trinity Parish may call St. Mary s Rectory at 518 828-1334. We will gladly provide documentation that will allow you to get appropriate credit on your Income Taxes.
Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Service Join thousands of Catholics nationwide in the annual pro-life novena, 9 Days for Life, Monday, January 14 - Tuesday, January 22. Pray for the respect of all human life with daily intentions, brief reflections, and more. Download a free mobile app, or sign up to receive the novena through daily emails or text message. (A printable version is also available online.) Sign up at www.9daysforlife.com Help! Help! Help! After the 9:00 Mass, January 13, we will be putting away the statues and other parts of our Christmas decorations. Because the assistance of a great number of people in previous years, we were able to get things put away in short order. Help us continue the tradition. Mike Van Allen and other members of our parish team will be giving directions to keep things organized. Once again the faith communities of the Hudson area are invited to participate in the annual service to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The service will take place Sunday evening, January 20 th, at the Shiloh Baptist Church, 14 Warren St., 6:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Parish has always had good representation at this service. Please help us maintain the tradition. (If you would like to bring some snacks or finger food for the gathering after the Service, your gift would be welcome and appreciated.) The Presentation of the Lord Saturday February 2nd On Saturday, February 2nd during the evening Masses (4:00 pm, Hudson and 5:30 pm, Germantown) will be celebrating the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. As part of the traditions surrounding this feast (which recalls the revelation of Christ as the light of the world) candles which are used in the liturgical celebrations are blessed for use throughout the coming year. We encourage parishioners to bring candles (which will be used for prayer in your homes) to Mass on this evening to have them blessed. A table will be set up a table at the front of the church for candles which you would like to have blessed. You may place the candles there before Mass begins, and pick them up after Mass has concluded. Adopt a Poinsettia After the 9:00 Mass, January 13, our beautiful poinsettias will be available to adopt. We have over a hundred poinsettias that are still in great shape. Adopt one of these plants and take it home. If you are not at the Sunday 9:00 Mass, stop by during the week. The plants will be free for the taking in the vestibule. Sacrificial Giving HUDSON Regular Offertory Last Weekend (Jan. 6)... $ 6,262.00 Utilities.. 546.00 Seminarian Support 373.00 Solemnity of Mary 82.00 GERMANTOWN Regular Offertory Last Weekend (Jan. 6)...... $ 1,369.00 Utilities 120.00 Solemnity of Mary 70.00
Our Parish Resource Personnel WELCOME We are always happy to welcome people into our parish community. Visitors or those who are new to our parish are cordially invited to make their presence known by introducing themselves to the priest or deacon after Mass. Our parish staff is always willing to be of service to you: OUR STAFF Very Rev. Anthony Barratt, E.V., Pastor Rev. Winston Bath, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Mr. Richard H.A. Washburn, Deacon Mrs. Arlene Liepshutz, Business & Finance Administrator of Religious Ed., Germantown Mrs. Elsie Turoci, Office Manager Mrs. Maura Nedwell, Administrator of Religious Ed., Hudson Mr. Michael W. Van Allen, Liturgical Coordinator/Sacristan Mrs. Rita Koeppel, Director of Music, Hudson Mrs. Linda Meicht, Pastoral Care Mr. Orville Maxwell, Maintenance If you wish to speak with any of our staff, please call them at St. Mary s Rectory : (518) 828-1334.
Holy Trinity Parish Staff E-mail Directory Please use this directory to ensure that your correspondence will be directed to the appropriate parish staff person: Pastor: Very Rev. Anthony M. Barratt, E.V. pastor.holytrinityhudson@gmail.com Deacon: Mr. Richard H. A. Washburn deacon.holytrinityhudson@gmail.com Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Winston L. Bath pastor.ret.holytrinityhudson@gmail.com Bulletin Editor: Wonderful Volunteers! bulletin.holytrinityhudson@gmail.com Business & Finance: Mrs. Arlene Liepshutz finance.holytrinityhudson@gmail.com Initiation of Adults: Mr. Michael W. Van Allen sacristan.holytrinityhudson@gmail.com Liturgical Coordinator / Sacristan: Mr. Michael W. Van Allen sacristan.holytrinityhudson@gmail.com Maintenance: Mr. Orville Maxwell maintenance.holytrinityhudson@gmail.com Music Director (Hudson): Mrs. Rita Koeppel music.holytrinityhudson@gmail.com Office Manager: Mrs. Elsie Turoci secretary.holytrinityhudson@gmail.com Pastoral Care: Mrs. Linda Meicht pastoralcare.holytrinityhudson@gmail.com Religious Education (Hudson): Mrs. Maura Nedwell rel.edu.holytrinityhudson@gmail.com Religious Education (Germantown): Mrs. Arlene Liepshutz finance.holytrinityhudson@gmai[.com
READINGS AND HYMNS (HUDSON) Reading: p.59 Opening Hymn: # 648 Closing: # 533 The sacraments are wonderful gifts from God to us. BAPTISM: Congratulations! If you would like to arrange preparations and a date for Baptism, please contact the Parish Office. RCIA: For those enquiring about the Catholic Faith or wishing to complete their sacraments: welcome! Please contact the Parish Office and we will be very glad to help you further. RECONCILIATION: Celebrated on Saturdays 2.30-3.45 pm in Hudson, before and after Masses in Germantown, or at anytime by appointment. (Note: it is best to call ahead first to check on the availability of a priest) ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Priests regularly visit the hospitals, nursing homes and the homebound. Please do contact the Parish Office if you or someone you know is in need of the anointing of sick. MARRIAGE: Congratulations! So that proper arrangements (paperwork, preparations etc.) can be made, please contact the Parish Office or Fr. Anthony at least six months before the desired date. VOCATIONS: If you are considering a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate or religious life, please contact Fr. Anthony to share thoughts and prayers further. Readings for the Week of January 13 Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11/Ps 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30 1]/Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7/Lk 3:15-16, 21-22 Monday: Heb 1:1-6/Ps 97:1 and 2b, 6 and 7c, 9 [cf. 7c] /Mk 1:14-20 Tuesday: Heb 2:5-12/Ps 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9 [cf. 7]/Mk 1:21-28 Wednesday Heb 2:14-18/Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9 [8a]/Mk 1:29-39 Thursday Heb 3:7-14/Ps 95:6-7c, 8-9, 10-11 [8]/Mk 1:40-45 Friday: Heb 4:1-5, 11/Ps 78:3 and 4bc, 6c-7, 8 [cf. 7b] /Mk 2:1-12 MASSES FOR THIS WEEK MONDAY: Weekday (Jan.14) 7:15 AM Patricia Karic - Curtis & Mary Elizabeth Vincent Jon Wilder - Family Mary Grand - Mr. & Mrs. Robert Donahue Mary Lewicki - Ray & Carol Ann Paul TUESDAY: Weekday (Jan. 15) 7:15 AM Mary Rosalie Grand - Cheryl Clow & Family Mary Grand - Dolly & Lee VanDeCarr Marilyn Donahue - Joanne Walker Anne Drew - Ray & Carol Ann Paul WEDNESDAY: Weekday (Jan. 16) 7:15 AM Virginia & Joseph Plasky - James & Charlene Plasky Michael Erickson - Elaine Erickson, Mom Marilyn Donahue - Janice Clow THURSDAY: St. Anthony, Abbot (Jan. 17) 7:15 AM Patricia Karic - Dee Marotta Kenneth Wilber - Jack & Mary Ann Nytransky Marilyn Donahue - Neddie Shallo FRIDAY: Weekday (Jan. 18) 7:15 AM Robert Jenks - Patricia Hart Mary Grand - Joanne Walker Theresa Lenahan & Deceased members of Lenahan Family - Kathy & Jim Curcio 9:00 AM Memorial for deceased relatives - Jane & Bill Martin (G TWN) 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SATURDAY VIGIL MASS: (Jan. 19) 4:00 PM Patricia Karic - Judith McDonald (HUD) Patricia Angela Drahushuk - Mr. & Mrs. Robert Donahue Robert Jenks - Christian Service Committee Rudolph Skoda - Skoda Sons & Daughters 5:30 PM (G TWN) Living & Deceased of the Parish SUNDAY MORNING MASS: (Jan. 20) 9:00 AM John & Mildred Roetina - James & Kelly Schermerhorn (HUD) Patricia Karic - Janice & Tom Brodowski John (Jack) Decker Jr. - Robert & Jane Conte John J. Buchal - Carolyn Chernick 11:00 AM For World Peace