Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Eucharistic Devotions
Every year our Eucharistic Devotions coincide with celebrating our parish Patronal Feast. What a busy but grace-filled time, and quite fitting since as a parish we strive to keep our Eucharistic Lord at the center of all we do. This year will be a little different since the Bishop will be here for the Feast Day.  We will have Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesday, January 21 like normal.  Also on Friday January 24 immediately following the 8:30am Mass Adoration will continue throughout the day until 5pm. Then there will be the regularly scheduled 5:30 Mass, but immediately following will be Solemn Eucharistic Benediction.  Then on Saturday January 25, Adoration will begin at 9am and continue until 4pm.  There will be 4:30 Vigil Mass like normal but it will conclude with Benediction.  Remember we need to have people in the church praying during every hour of adoration.  There are sign up sheets in the Narthex for you to commit some time.  If one wants to call the rectory to sign up, that is fine too.  Of course it is not necessary to sign up if you want to stop in for a brief visit, but I encourage people to commit some time and prayer - you’ll be glad you did!
 
Bishop Perez Coming to St. Paul’s for our Feast Day!
We welcome our Bishop, Nelson Perez, who will celebrate the 4:30 Vigil Mass on Saturday January 25.  Please join in this joyous occasion for Mass, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and Solemn Benediction.  Following the Liturgy will be a reception in the PAC to meet the Bishop, enjoy fellowship, and continue celebrating our 100th feast day! 
 
Church Lighting Situation
If you were one of the people at the 10pm Christmas Eve Mass, you had an adventure or at least a story to tell people.  The fire alarm went off due to burning circuit board in one of our lighting breaker boxes.  The fire department checked it out and thankfully we were able to continue with Mass.  But certain breakers have to remain off until it is fixed.  Even before this happened a number of bulbs were burned out.  We are currently exploring options for lighting in the church including switching to LED’s.  So I ask for your patience. Once we are clear on our options, I will be bringing it to pastoral and finance councils to move forward. We want to take the time for the proper diligence and make sure it is done right.
 
Faith Formation Returns!
Sunday mornings from 9:30-10-40, join us for growing in faith.  Simply “going to Mass” is not enough for us to live a fully Catholic life.  We must grow in knowledge of the faith in order to proclaim it boldly.  Please see the bulletin for the upcoming schedule of topics.  This is not a series where one must attend every week to gain benefit. It is designed specifically knowing that not everyone can come every week.  There are a range of topics, but there is a common approach to the different topics.  This theme is twofold: 1) Knowing the Tradition, meaning our Catholic heritage that passes on to us the truth of the faith, and 2) Apologetics, meaning how we defend our faith against those who challenge our beliefs.  Please join us for any or all our discussions. 
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr