Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Time after Epiphany / Ordinary Time
You will notice that while the Christmas season is technically over, some of our Christmas Decorations have remained.  The manger scene is there but Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are gone that we reflect on how they had to flee Herod and go to Egypt.  The wise men are returning home, but by a different route.  Celebrating these events of Jesus’ life can help us realize the importance of the Incarnation in our lives. Having encountered the Lord, we are made new to live a new way. This means it could bring persecution like Herod hunting after the infant Christ. Yet we take courage, for in the Lord’s Providence all will be brought to Good.

ChristmasTide
Historically the Christmas Season could last up to 40 days, always ending on February 2.  Since at St. Paul’s we celebrate our patronal Feast day on January 25, it makes sense to allow the Christmas festive spirit to remain; preparing us for our Feast Day.  In fact, this year we are going to have a St. Paul Novena celebration (See below) continuing the holy feasting that will then make way for the season on Lent beginning in late February. 

Feast Day, Parish Novena, and Eucharistic Devotions - January 25- February 2
Our parish patronal feast day is January 25, the Conversion of St. Paul.  This year we are celebrating over a period of nine days with our parish novena.  Next week’s bulletin will include the novena prayers for everyone to pray on their own, and folks can follow on our website or facebook page.  We will offer other public opportunities for prayer as well.  Here is the schedule:

January 25 @ 6:30pm - Holy Hour (w/ opportunity for confession) with Solemn Benediction
January 27 @ 6:45pm - Paul, Apostle of Christ Movie Night w/ Pizza and snacks
January 28/29 - Adoration and Benediction after Masses
January 30 @ 6:30 - Faith Formation on The Eucharist
January 31 @ 6:30 - Faith Formation on St. Paul
February 2 @ 11:30am - Blessing of Candles/Procession with Mass
February 2 @ 6:30pm - Candlelight Adoration with Solemn Benediction

More details to follow, but mark your calendars!

Spiritual Resolutions?
Did you make any spiritual resolutions for this year? How are you doing? Hopefully we are all being renewed by more and deeper prayer, penance, and service.  Perseverance is key!  Even if we have faltered already, take courage relying on God’s grace to renew the commitment.  May St. Paul’s missionary heart inspire us to persevere!

Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr