Dear Friends,
We celebrate this weekend, the feast of the Epiphany of our Lord. This commemorates the arrival of the Magi from the East to pay homage to the newborn King. The word means manifestation and so this feast celebrates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the whole world. Jesus is Savior of the whole world. So, in the visit of the Magi, we see that they lead the way for the gentiles to worship the one true God.
Although I was unable to participate in the Christmas Masses due to illness, I did watch the livestream of the 4 PM Vigil Mass. Despite some technical glitches, the Mass was very beautiful and moving.
Thank you to all who helped to make the Church look so beautiful and festive, to our deacons, to all our ambassadors, lectors, extraordinary Eucharistic ministers, cantors and musicians, altar servers, sacristans, our youth group, staff. A special thank you to Father Graebe and Monsignor Murray who celebrated all our Christmas Masses. Thank you to all who came and worshipped the King of Kings.
We are still happily enjoying all the wonderful greetings, cards, prayers and Mass remembrances, gifts, food, fruit, cookies, cakes, and candy that so many of you have showered upon our priests, deacons, and parish staff in the joy of Christmas. I know I speak for all of us when I write how profoundly grateful and appreciative we are, for your kindness and goodness. God bless you!!
We are one week into 2023. The Christmas season officially concludes liturgically tomorrow, the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord and we return to Ordinary time until Ash Wednesday. Of course, Ordinary time is more than ordinary and may these days and weeks be inspired by the travel of the Magi and their worship of the Christ Child.
Each day Jesus accompanies us on our journey through this world. Each day is an opportunity for us to offer praise and worship to Him whose Passion, Death, and Resurrection has won us access to the Mercy of our Father God. Let us hold fast to Jesus in faith, hope, and love for He alone truly is, “the way and the truth and the life.” Every grace and blessing to you and your loved ones in this new year!
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
