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

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Merry Christmas! And Happy Feast of the Epiphany!
Don’t stop saying Merry Christmas for we are still in the Christmas season! Maybe even throw in a “Happy Epiphany” to people in the checkout line? Don’t be afraid to continue sharing the joy of the season as Christ the Savior is revealed to us. 

Epiphany Chalk
In the Ordinary Form calendar, the Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated this weekend.  After the Masses we will bless chalk for parishioners to take home and use for the Epiphany house blessing. This blessing can be done anytime, but is appropriate to do this week as we celebrate Epiphany and bring in the new year. 

Epiphany Blessings Continued! - Water, Salt and More!
If possible, I recommend coming back to Church on January 6 at 7pm for the Traditional blessing of Epiphany Water.  Last year we offered this and there was a great turn out! The traditional day of Epiphany is January 6 and associated with it is a particular water blessing which pulls out all the stops.  It takes about 30-40 minutes.
I will bless about 30 gallons of water for the church to use throughout the year, and from this supply people may take some home if they bring their own empty bottles. However, there is a limited amount, so if you plan on wanting more than a pint of Epiphany water, please bring your own water in large containers (the larger the better) which I will bless with the rest. Please make sure they have secure but easily removable lids. I need to be able to open the container to pour blessed salt into it as part of the blessing.  You are welcome to bring containers of salt as well (size does not matter with this).  If you would like other items blessed like oil, statues, images, and candles, please bring them.  Normally we bless candles on February 2, Candlemas Day, but I will be out of town that day.  What a great way to bring in the new calendar year - lots of blessings, prayers, and giving thanks to God!

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Pfr