Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
HAPPY FEAST DAY!
Based on what I hear from some pastors, January is a slower month for the parish.  Because of this and also the cold and snow, a number of them use January for vacation time.  But I think we are blessed that this is not the case for us. We are blessed to celebrate the Christmas Season into the new year and celebrate Epiphany with the blessing of chalk and blessing of homes.  This gears us up to prepare for our Feast Day, January 25.  Regrettably, I know of parishes that do next to nothing for their patronal feast.  I find this hard to understand.  When a parish is founded its name is important just like when a child is named by his /her parents. And we celebrate birthdays and baptism days for that matter, so it makes sense for a parish to really spice it up on its name day.  What an opportunity for God’s graces to pour out even more if we take advantage.  I hope everyone makes a special effort of giving extra thanks to God for our parish and then to take part in the festivities!  This whole weekend has times for adoration and Eucharistic Devotion, extra confession times, special prayers, free prayer cards in the narthex, and even a potluck meal on Sunday after the 11am Mass where we can be with each other share the Light of Christ.  This weekend is like a mini-Triduum, three days to give glory to God.  May He continue to bless us as we follow our patron, St. Paul.
 
Parish Hall Meeting
Having celebrated this weekend leads us into Monday night’s Parish Hall Meeting in the Parish Activity Center from 6:00pm-7:30pm.  I, along with the pastoral council, will facilitate this meeting where all parishioners are invited to pray, reflect, and share.  We will use a small group format allowing for conversation about our parish mission and how we can grow together as a community.  In the bulletin is an insert with the format and questions for reflection.  I invite everyone to take a look beforehand and come prepared.  This will be helpful for the Parish Pastoral Council as we discern how to better fulfill our mission especially as we prepare to start celebrating our 100th Anniversary in September.  Thank you to the members of the council for their service.
 
Candlemas Day
February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day.  It is on this day traditionally the Church blesses candles.  In the past we have celebrated with a procession as part of the Mass.  This year due to the feast falling on a Saturday, we will not be having the procession.  However we will still offer the blessing of candles after the 4:30pm Mass.  Please bring any candles you would like blessed to that Mass. 
As I wrote above, January is really a big month and for us as St. Paul parishioners we emphasize the light of Christ, so how fitting that Candlemas day rounds out this time of joy.  Further it prepares us because next month Lent begins and further times to glory in the Lord who saves us.
 
By The Way
January 27 at 6pm at St. Vincent / Mary High School will be a Priest vs. Seminarian Basketball Game in which yours truly will be playing.  Stop on by and support vocations to the priesthood and enjoy a fun game!
 
God bless you and Happy Feast Weekend!
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr