The Epiphany of the Lord Today is the great feast of the Epiphany. In our world today, we hear this word used in common speech, hearing a person say, “I had an epiphany.” But what we celebrate today is the Epiphany, and this was not a “private insight” but a public fact that was shown to the whole world. And so, beginning with three kings from the East, was nothing less than the single most important thing human eyes have ever seen, the single most important event that ever happened, the source of all our hope, our joy and our salvation” it was God incarnate, the Savior, Jesus Christ. As you remember, the Incarnation had actually taken place nine months before Christmas, at the Annunciation, when Mary said “yes” to the Lord’s offer, through His angel, to be the Mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Remember, the epiphany is “showing” Christ to the world. From heaven’s point of view, as distinct from the point of newspapers, of daily news, the most important thing that has been happening in this world every day for more than two thousand years: that God in the person of Jesus Christ, has not only entered the world of space and time but also entered our souls and the lives of human beings of all races, cultures, times and places, and has saved us from sin and death and hell and prepared each of us for heaven. How do we participate in the Epiphany here and now? The answer: show and tell. Showing means showing Christ’s love in our hearts. Telling means telling those whom we encounter what we believe and why we live the way we live. As we leave Mass this weekend, let us show and tell others how the Lord’s love has transformed us!
May God be with you! Fr. Craig
READINGS FOR JANUARY 8, 2023
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
1st Reading—Isaiah 60: 1-6—Darkness covers the earth, and heavy clouds hang over the people. But the light has come, and the glory of the Lord shines bright.
Responsorial Psalm: — “Every nation on earth, will adore you Lord! Every nation on earth, will adore you Lord!”
2nd Reading—Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6— In Christ Jesus, Gentiles and Jews are co-heirs of the family fortune and co-sharers in the saving promise.
Gospel Acclamation—Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! “WE have seen his star, his star in the east, and have come to adore Christ the Lord.” Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Gospel—Matthew 2: 1-12—Magi from the east followed the star until it stopped still over the house. They entered, found the child with Mary, prostrated themselves, and did him homage.
FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY -- JANUARY 8, 2023 PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
1) Let us pray for the Universal and the Local Church: Shine upon the members of your Church, O Lord, and guide our Holy Father and bishops by your light. Bless those who are seeking you by becoming Catholic with us. We pray to the Lord…
2) Let us pray for our world: May all the nations walk by your light, O Lord. Bring peace to our world, our country, our cities and our homes. We pray to the Lord…
3) Let us pray for the sick and the suffering: Show forth your healing power to our friends – Beth Tracey Bob Lee Scott Hevel Marge Park Kevin Petrusha Cory Hof Allie Rose Fraser And for all those who have asked for our prayers. We pray to the Lord…
4) Let us remember the dead: May our beloved dead know the comfort of your loving touch, especially – (5:00 Mass) Patricia & Lou Peiffer (8:30 Mass) Don Hauser, Bob & Sondra Finos, Shari Westphal (10:30 Mass) Fr. Gerry Frawley, Emily Archer We pray to the Lord…
ANNOUNCEMENTS-JANUARY 8, 2023
1. Join us on Saturday, January 14 at 5pm for dinner and to learn more about Deacon Matthew. Make sure you call the parish office to RSVP by Monday, January 9 to Dine with the Deacon.Dinner includes Pasta with or without meat, salad, rolls, desserts and beverages. Your free will donation will support Deacon Matthew as he prepares to be ordained this May. All ages are welcome to attend.
Come and enjoy and evening of comedy with Christian comedian Shawn Reynolds on Sunday, November 22nd. Cost is $20 per person and doors open at 4:30 p.m. You can purchase your tickets at the parish office or through our website.
Teens, please come on Sunday, January 8th at 7 p.m. to Hardy Hall for Sundaes and Scripture.
Your 8 x 10 pictures are waiting for you in Hardy Hall, if you had your pictures taken on the make up day, they are not available here, you will have to go to the link that was sent to you.
Please feel free to take home one of the beautiful poinsettias.
(Saturday) Please join us after Mass for our monthly potluck dinner.
(Sunday) Please join us in Hardy Hall for coffee, donuts and fellowship!