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January: Month of the Christmas Season The first twelve days of January fall during the liturgical season known as Christmas which is represented by the liturgical color white (and gold) — the color of light, a symbol of joy, purity and innocence (absolute or restored). The remaining days of January are the beginning of liturgical season known as Tempus per Annum or Ordinary Time (formerly Time After Epiphany), which is represented by the liturgical color green. Green is a symbol of hope, as it is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. The liturgical color green is worn during prayer of Offices and Masses of Ordinary Time. Focus of the LiturgyThe Gospels for the Sundays in January during the Christmas season follow the annual readings from St. Matthew, St. Luke, and St. John. The remaining Sunday Gospels in Ordinary Time are taken from St. Luke following the Lectionary for Year C, and the Weekday readings follow Year I. January 5 The Epiphany of the Lord Matthew 2:1-12: We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. January 12 Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Luke 3:15-16, 21-22: When Jesus had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened. January 19th Second Sunday in Ordinary Time John 2:1-11: Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee. January 26th Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21: Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled. Highlights of the MonthIn the first part of January we continue to rejoice and celebrate Christ's coming at Bethlehem and in our hearts. We have the wonderful feasts of Mary, Mother of God, where we honor Mary's highest title, and then we follow the Magi to the crib as they bring their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh on Epiphany. Finally we reach the culmination of this season with the Baptism of Our Lord by St. John the Baptist. With a touch of sadness we take down our decorations and enter into the liturgical period known as Ordinary Time where we will devote ourselves to the mystery of Christ in its entirety. This is a time of growth and an opportunity to allow the dignity of Sunday to shine forth prolonging the joy of Easter and Pentecost. Besides those previously mentioned the month's saint days include: Mary Mother of God (January 1), Holy Name of Jesus (January 3), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (January 4), St. Andre Bessette (January 6), St. Raymond of Penafort (January 7), St. Anthony, Abbot (January 17), Sts. Fabian and Sebastian (January 20), St. Agnes (January 21), St. Francis de Sales (January 24), Conversion of St. Paul (January 25), St. Angela Merici (January 27), St. Thomas Aquinas (January 28) St. John Bosco (January 31) The Memorials of St. John Neumann (January 5) and Sts. Timothy and Titus (January 26) are superseded by the Sunday liturgy. The Winter Seasons The opening days of January may be cold and nature bleak, but the domestic church still glows warm with the peace and joy of Christmas. We dedicate the New Year to Mary on the January 1st Solemnity honoring her as Mother of God; and on January 8, the Solemnity of Epiphany, we rejoice with her, as her Son is adored by the three Wise Men. Herald John, who ushered in the Advent season, is present once again to close Christmastide on the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (The First Luminous Mystery), and to open the Season of Ordinary Time. He points to Jesus, the Lamb of God who unites time and eternity in the Eucharistic Sacrifice, and even January’s diminishing darkness seems to echo St. John’s prayer: “He must increase and I must decrease.” In this liturgical season the Church eagerly follows Our Lord as he gathers his apostles and announces his mission. At Cana’s wedding feast (The Second Luminous Mystery) he performs his first public miracle at the request of his Mother, and his disciples saw his glory and believed in him. We, his present-day disciples pray for a like faith as we contemplate the eternal wedding feast of the Lamb and the unique role of the Blessed Mother in the plan of salvation. May we wholeheartedly obey her words of counsel: “Do whatever he tells you.” |
Saints & Observances
January 1: Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation) January 2: Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianen, Bishops & Doctors of the Church January 3: The Most Holy Name of Jesus (First Friday) January 4: St Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious (First Saturday) January 5: The Epiphany of the Lord January 6: St. Andre Bessette, Religious January 7: St. Raymond of Penyafort, Priest January 12: The Baptism of the Lord January 13: St. Hilary, Bishop & Doctor of the Church January 17: St. Anthony, Abbot January 19: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C January 20: St. Fabian, Pope & Martyr; St. Sebastian, Martyr (MLK Day) January 21: St. Agnes, Virgin & Martyr January 22: Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children January 23: St. Vincent, Deacon & Martyr; St. Marianne Cope, Virgin January 24: St. Francis de Sales, Bishop & Doctor of the Church January 25: The Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle January 26: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C January 27: St. Angela Merici, Virgin January 28: St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest & Doctor of the Church January 31: St. John Bosco, Priest 
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Dedicate a Mass in “Memory” or in “Honor” of a loved one.
Dedication of Masses are limited to two weekend and two Wednesday evening Masses per intention for a particular member. Daily Masses are also available. If you would like to dedicate a Mass in “Memory” or in “Honor” of a loved one, please call the Church Office 425-1590. Whatever moves you to become part of this Mass is what you can donate.
Dedication of Masses are limited to two weekend and two Wednesday evening Masses per intention for a particular member. Daily Masses are also available. If you would like to dedicate a Mass in “Memory” or in “Honor” of a loved one, please call the Church Office 425-1590. Whatever moves you to become part of this Mass is what you can donate.
Altar FlowersWould you like to purchase flowers for the Altar in Memory or in Honor of a loved one for a weekend? The Flower Sign-up Board is located in the Kitchen airlock. Cost: $50.00
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Sanctuary LightIf you wish to have the Sanctuary Lamp burning in memory or honor of a loved one, to honor a special occasion, or a special intention, make arrangements with the Parish Office, 425-1590.
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The Prayer for Vocations
Heavenly Father, Bless your church with an abundance of holy and zealous priests, deacons, brothers and sisters. Give those you have called to the married state and those you have chosen to live as single persons in the world, the special graces that their lives require. Help those who have embraced the consecrated life to live up to their promises. Form us all in the likeness of your Son so that in Him, with Him and through Him we may love you more deeply and serve you more faithfully, always and everywhere. With Mary we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Heavenly Father, Bless your church with an abundance of holy and zealous priests, deacons, brothers and sisters. Give those you have called to the married state and those you have chosen to live as single persons in the world, the special graces that their lives require. Help those who have embraced the consecrated life to live up to their promises. Form us all in the likeness of your Son so that in Him, with Him and through Him we may love you more deeply and serve you more faithfully, always and everywhere. With Mary we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.