Bulletin for Jan. 8, 2017

Dear friends in Christ,

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany. Just as the wise men from the East long ago journeyed to see the newborn child Jesus, we too are called to do Him homage as well. Where do we see God manifested in our world today? How do others see Christ manifested in us? Let us pray that we will see Him in all people and all places in this coming year.

Christians first celebrated the Epiphany (or “the manifestation”) in northern Africa sometime during the third century. This means our Church first celebrated the “Day of the Three Kings” even before we observed Christmas itself. In many parts of the world, Epiphany is celebrated on Jan. 6, traditionally following the 12th night of Christmas of Jan. 5, but in the United States it now is celebrated on the first Sunday after Jan. 1, regardless of the day. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, normally celebrated on a Sunday, this year will be tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 9 (due to Christmas day being on a Sunday) and that will conclude our liturgical season of Christmas.

Perhaps you have noticed our wise men from our nativity scene on the altar. They have been on the left side of the altar since Christmas, but today, having followed the star, they have completed their journey to the right side and are now in proper position to give honor to the child Jesus. (I’ve been sneaking into the church late at night to see them on the move!) It made my day when a visitor on Christmas day thanked us for not having the wise men already at the manger. She was happy that they were still far off, standing ready to seek the light to follow him. I was happy she noticed. It’s the little things that say so much!

Speaking of the little things that mean so much, allow me to echo what I wrote last week in the bulletin about my thanks for all who assisted with the Christmas liturgies. I again repeat my thanks, but truth be told because of publishing deadlines that message was actually written before Christmas had even taken place. I am writing this message in the new year, and having reflected on those beautiful liturgies and the selfless gift of time and talent of so many people I am even more filled with awe and gratitude. It’s impossible to state how many people gave so generously of themselves to help us celebrate the birth of the Lord with such beauty and grace. It was a joyous sight to behold.

We had terrific crowds this year, which is no real surprise. Our 4 p.m. Christmas Eve liturgy, coupled with our extra Mass in the Parish Hall, continues to be the top attended of all our services. We estimate that we had more than 3,000 people combined at those two services alone. To serve that many people really takes some logistical coordination. My sincere thanks to all our sacristans, acolytes, Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion, ushers, and greeters, as well as the Art & Environment team and the facilities staff. And that was just the first of seven liturgies. That selfless gift of service was repeated at each and every Mass. It takes so much energy to prepare, execute and then repeat beautiful liturgies time and time again over a very short time span. I’m convinced we priests and deacons have the easy part. It’s all the people working and volunteering behind the scenes who really make it happen. They have my deepest gratitude.

We had a wonderfully full church at the 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Masses, and of course, Midnight Mass was stunningly beautiful. I hope you enjoyed our recessional hymn at approximately 1:30 a.m., the famous “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah.” I know it was late (or early depending on your view), but it truly rivaled the angels singing on high. What a celebration!

It’s so moving to see so many people working together to serve so many people – and, of course, by extension serving our Lord. It truly embodies what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves. The Church is the Body of Christ. We say that so often that it can run the risk of becoming a cliché. But at CtR that is lived out each and every Sunday. I pray that more and more of our parishioners will want to take up that call of Stewardship in this coming year. In great and small ways alike it all works together to help us praise and glorify God which is what our hearts were made for. I continue to lift up in my prayers all who helped serve our Christmas liturgies. Thank you again one and all.

One other addition to my note of last week. I said we had donated gift cards to Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM) in excess of $10,000 through our Christmas Gift Card program. Again, due to bulletin deadlines, that was an estimate on my part. Turns out the actual number was nearly $17,000! Thank you very much. Through your generosity the good folks at CAM (many of who are members of CtR) were able to provide assistance to more than 350 families and nearly 1,000 children, easily surpassing their total from last year. The demand has been great this year and the kindness and generosity of so many from CtR helped make Christmas a little more bright for so many. My sincere thanks to all who brought in a gift card. God bless you!

A few other reminders: Next Saturday, Jan. 14 we’ll have our discernment for new members for the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) at 8:30 a.m. in Room 111 of the Parish Office. The PPC is the advisory board that gives guidance and counsel to me as pastor on the mission and direction of our community. I’ve written about it in the previous bulletin, but those wishing to participate are encouraged to contact me this week for more details.

We thank the Knights of Columbus for again sponsoring the 2017 parish calendars. We distributed them at Mass last weekend, but we may (emphasis on  may) have a few extra copies in the office if you missed picking up one. And if you missed getting a copy of the book we gave at Christmas, “Resisting Happiness” by Matthew Kelly, we’ll have extra copies in the office. Deacon Jack Alexander is leading the classes for those who are returning to the faith and those will begin this week at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9 in Room 301. And for those whose New Year’s resolution was to go “deeper” in your faith – an excellent resolution for us all! – we will begin the very informative Catholic series “ Symbolon” this week, with two options on either Tuesday morning or Thursday evening. I highly recommend it. See elsewhere in the bulletin and our website for more information on this excellent program.

Peace,
Fr. Sean