Weekly Letter: Jan. 5, 2025 Bulletin

Dear friends in Christ,

    This weekend 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 3rd 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 – we almost nailed it exactly this year! Next Sunday, Jan. 12, 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 the day after, 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. 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 continues to be the top attended of all our services. We estimate that we had in the neighborhood of 2,500 people combined in the church and Parish Hall. 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. 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 assure you that 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 p.m. (with about 100 people overflowing into the Parish Hall) and 8:30 p.m. masses, and of course, Midnight Mass was stunningly beautiful. I hope you enjoyed our recessional hymn at approximately 1:20 a.m., the famous “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah.” It wasn’t much of a “Silent Night” with a nasty wind and rain storm blowing in at that same time (it sounded like reindeer on the roof!), but it was glorious nonetheless. On Christmas Day we were “comfortably full,” as I like to say, for both of our morning masses.

    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 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.

     And speaking of Stewardship, next Saturday, Jan. 11 will be our annual Stewardship Saturday for our many ministry leaders. All parish ministries, groups, and organizations have been invited to send representatives, and I would ask that those in charge of the various ministries make sure you have confirmed your representation for our gathering from 8:30 a.m – 12 noon in the Parish Hall. It’s a key way for all our ministries to come together with a singular focus in the new year to grow our outreach to the entire CtR community. We want to united in our mission to be intentional disciples and see that all of our ministries, groups, and volunteer organizations are working to grow their respective membership in the way of being good stewards. For additional information, ministry leaders should contact Megan Dillingham, our Director of Development and Stewardship, in the parish office this week.

    Remember our upcoming discernment for new members of the Parish Pastoral Council on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.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 previous bulletins, but those wishing to participate are encouraged to contact me this week for more details.

Peace,
Fr. Sean