The Star: A lot of people have commented how much they have enjoyed the animated movie, “The Star.” It’s about a donkey, Bo, who goes on an adventure of his dreams. On his journey he teams up with other animals and finds himself in the midst of the Christmas story with Mary, Joseph and the child Jesus. This weekend we celebrate Epiphany. We hear the story of the magi who follow the star to see the newborn King. Pope Francis commented that these three Kings “personify all those who believe, those who long for God, who yearn for their home, their heavenly homeland.”
Water: This Monday, January 8, is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Why did Jesus need to be baptized? Pope Benedict XVI gave us one of the reasons—to be in complete solidarity with us. He said, “Jesus truly immersed himself in our human condition, lived it to the end, in all things save sin, and was able to understand our weakness and frailty. For this reason He was moved to compassion, he chose to “suffer with” men and women, to become apenitent with us. This is God’s work which Jesus wanted to carry out: the divine mission to heal those who are wounded and give medicine to the sick, to take upon himself the sin of the world.”
Winterfest: This Wednesday I have a Flint Powers Board Meeting. Speaking of Powers they are having their Winterfest gathering at their high school on Saturday evening, January 27. I went last year and it was a lot of fun. Hoping many alumni and others can attend.
55: The 55 and Over Club is always welcoming anyone 50 and over to their gatherings on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and fellowship in the Fr. Bush Parish Center. It’s a great way to meet other parishioners. They also go on a lot of special day trips. Hope you can attend.
Building Committee: Our Building Committee is meeting this Thursday. We are currently going into the details of the renovation of the Church. For example, we know where the new baptismal font will be (at the entrance of the Church), but need to determine what our new baptismal font will look like and how big should it be?
Befrienders: I am really excited about a new ministry that our parish is offering led by Linda Waggoner and Linda Blondin called Befrienders. It’s a lay ministry that embodies the caring presence of God by taking the time to meet with people who need someone to talk with, someone who simply needs a caring presence. I am grateful for this ministry. Training of Befrienders will begin in March. Please watch the bulletin for more details.
Unbound: Another program that we are really excited about is UNBOUND. This ministry is a gentle, simple, yet powerful model of prayer ministry to help people overcome whatever blocks them from blessing. This could be sin patterns one can’t break, anger or sadness they can’t shake, the inability to know the love of God and others, and reactions and responses that get them nowhere. It’s really about freedom: freedom to be who we really are, freedom to live the life we were meant to love, and the freedom to know love and freedom to give love. Watch future bulletins for training course dates.
ALPHA: Please don’t forget to sign up for ALPHA. It begins on January 10 with a “Come and See” dinner, DVD and discussion. Someone who attended the last ALPHA said, “it was the most positive, informative, and spiritual experience I have ever had. It changed my life.” Anyone can attend, but it’s especially for those who have been away from the Church. Please invite someone you know.
Free Throw Contest: The Knights are sponsoring a free throw shooting contest for children ages 9 – 14 (even younger can participate) on Sunday, January 21st, at 12:00 p.m. in our gym. Free pizza for all participants. Hope you can attend.
Welcome Back: We welcome back Fr. Dan from his warm and sunny Mexico trip. I really hadn’t noticed the difference when he was gone☺.
Stay warm….with love and prayers,
Msgr. Jerry
Scripture on the Epiphany: “They (the magi) were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage.”