My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This Sunday marks the last day of Christmas with the celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This Feast Day commemorates the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan river by John the Baptist. If you can go visit the Holy Land, what is believed to be the place where Jesus was baptized is in the country Jordan. Unfortunately, the river Jordan has over the years shifted and the river does not flow past the site where Jesus was baptized.
The Baptism of the Lord marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and confirms His identity as the Son of God. We believe Jesus started his ministry at the age of thirty and that his ministry lasted three years. Tomorrow, we begin Ordinary Time. Ordinary Time does not mean ordinary but comes from the ordinal numerals by which weeks are counted – counting in the days of the Lord. There are 34 weeks in Ordinary Time, and the last Sunday of Ordinary Time is on the Solemnity of Christ the King. The Liturgical color for Ordinary Time is green which symbolizes life and growth.
We began a new season of Alpha last Wednesday. If you did not manage to join us, you are welcome to join us next Wednesday at 5:30pm at Mary Our Queen Church. There is always a seat for you on the table. An Alpha is a program that offers a safe space to question life, faith and meaning. Everyone is welcome. You are invited no matter your background of beliefs. An Alpha session includes food, a short video on a faith-related topic and conversation in small groups where you are free to share as much or as little as you like. There is no charge to attend and babysitting will be provided.
This Sunday – January 11, we will have a Welcoming Luncheon for all our new Parishioners at St John Vianney after the 10:30 am Mass in the Social Hall. Next Sunday we will have a Welcoming Luncheon for all our new Parishioners at Mary Our Queen after the 11am Mass. If you are new in our Family of Parishes and would like to know more information on how to get involved and the programs that are offered, please join us.
Other programs offered at our Family of Parishes are Financial Peace University that begins on January 8th and Well-Read Mom. Please see the bulletin or visit our website for more information.
Also please keep January 30th and 31st Free for St John Vianney Winter Rub. On January 30th there will be our Cascino Night with a People’s Choice Competition BBQ Wings and on January 31st there will be our KCBS Master Series BBQ Competition. We will be offering at the Event a Beef Brisket or Pulled Pork Meal. Your participation will help the St John Vianney Outreach program where we assist those in need of assistance during difficult times. As always, the need is always greater each year. Thank you for your generosity.
On a personal note, I just been given the go ahead to begin physical therapy by my doctor who did my surgery. Hopefully I will be back on my feet soon and be able to drive. Thank you for your prayers.
Blessings for the week,
Fr Marc
