Bulletin for Jan. 6

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. Fortunately for us, this year the calendar falls just right and we celebrate Epiphany on its true day. Next Sunday will be the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and that will conclude our liturgical season of Christmas.

In other news, 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 post-Christmas but before 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 appreciation.

Many of you often say to me, "Father, you must be tired with so many Masses." Truth be told, both Fr. Ralph and I have the easy part. We just show up and say Mass! There are so many others who do double- and triple-duty at multiple Mass­es. They make our job very easy and we are grateful to all who are so dedicated to their parish. It's inspiring, really, and I hope you will join me in thanking them (and consider joining them next year to help lighten the load - if they can do it, you can do it). 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. Thank you one and all.

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 in the neighborhood of 2,700 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, Extraordinary Min­isters of Holy Communion, ushers, and greeters, as well as the Art and Environment team and the facilities staff. 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.

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 1:15 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. Every year our choir knocks it out of the park. 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 cliche. 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 new 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.

I received a nice note from Martha Burnes at Cypress As­sistance Ministries (CAM) thanking us for all of your donations to the Christmas Gift Card program. She and her team, and most importantly, their clients, were so appreciative for the out­pouring of support. Thank you very much. The requests for as­sistance at CAM has been constant this year and the kindness and generosity of so many from CtR helped make Christmas a little brighter for so many. My sincere thanks to all who brought in a gift card or two. God bless you!

Special congrats to CAM as well for finally getting the dirt moving on their new permanent building on Cypress N. Hous­ton, just a few miles from their current rented location. You'll recall we celebrated the ground-breaking in the summer, but then they encountered delays with their contractor (we know that feeling). The project is now cleared and on its way. Can't wait to see them in their new expanded home to serve more and more people.

Lastly remember that next Saturday, Jan. 12 we'll have our discernment for new members for the Parish Pastoral Council at 8:30 a.m. in Room 111 of the Parish Office Building. 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 previous bulletin, but those wishing to partici­pate are encouraged to contact me this week for more details.

Peace,
Fr. Sean