Greetings in Christ, all!
I’m very excited to let you know that in two weeks, we’ll be celebrating The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord. Traditionally, we call this celebration “Candlemas”. We usually don’t get to do this one on a Sunday, so I’m geeked and hope you are too.
Here’s some info on it:
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas)
February 1 & 2 at All Weekend Masses
Forty days after the Nativity of the Lord, we celebrate when Jesus was presented in the Temple by Mary and Joseph. Luke’s Gospel highlights the role of Simeon and Anna, two righteous Jews who recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Simeon’s prayer concerning the special role of Jesus stated that Jesus is “a light for revelation to the Gentiles.” This phrase eventually originated the custom of blessing candles on this day. Thus February 2 is also known as Candlemas Day. This day is indeed a rich feast to be savored.
We invite you to bring your candle(s) to all weekend Masses on February 1st and 2nd to be blessed, along with the candles we use for Mass. During Mass, you will have the opportunity to raise your candle(s) to be blessed. May your blessed candles symbolize Christ’s role as the light of the world.
So, Mass that weekend will have some really neat elements to it that you may not have experienced before. Please make sure and be ready for some extra beauty and bring any candles to Mass that you would like blessed.
The other exciting event is Catholic Schools Week. This great diocesan-wide event will start next Sunday with an Open House at our school on Sunday, January 25th, from 11 am until noon. Come by and see the amazing school you make possible. Invite friends and family who you think might be interested. I think you’ll really enjoy it.
So, lots of good things going on these next couple of weeks; it’s a great chance to experience the light of Christ in the darkness of this time of year.
Jesus bless you all.
Thanks for letting me be your priest.
Fjk