The Baptism of the Lord

News and Notes:

Christmas Season Thanks... Many thanks to  all who made this Christmas Season so beautiful in both parishes:  those who decorated the churches, all the ministers of our liturgies, especially the musicians and singers and everyone else who contributed to our celebration of the Lord’s Nativity in any way!  Fr. Tony and I also wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude for all your cards and gifts during this season of grace.  We are blessed to serve at St. Maria’s and Our Lady’s as your parish priests. 

The Year of the Eucharist... Cardinal Sean O’Malley has proclaimed a yearlong spiritual initiative entitled “The Year of the Eucharist.”  It will formally begin on Holy Thursday, April 9, 2020, and conclude on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ on June 6, 2021.  The purpose of this initiative is to give people a better understanding of the consecrated bread and wine we receive in Holy Communion as the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.  Donna Delahanty, our Director of Parish Ministries, will serve as our Coordinator of the Year of the Eucharist in our parishes.

Day of Prayer for the Unborn... An important reminder: January 22 is the 47^th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision Roe vs. Wade that legalized abortion in our country.  The Bishops of the United States have asked that on that day Catholics observe a “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” 

Here is a prayer we can all offer on that day:
God our Creator, we give thanks to you, who alone have the power to impart the gift of life as you form each of us in our mother’s womb; grant, we pray, that we, whom you have made stewards of creation, may remain faithful to this sacred trust and constant in safeguarding the dignity of every human life.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Blessings to all of you in the week ahead!