January 6-7, 2018 The Epiphany of the Lord

Saint Patrick’s

115 Maple Avenue, Victor NY 14564 (585) 924-7111 • www.stpatricksvictor.org

Authentic faith, Welcoming and Engaging

+ + + Be holier today than yesterday. The only and truly sad thing in life is not to become a saint. + + +

Catholic Church

Think of Sacraments. Think of Divine Life.

Sacrament of Baptism. The sacrament through which God makes us His sons and daughters in Jesus Christ. To prepare for re-ception, call Anthony Klosterman @ 924-2800.

Sacrament of the Eucharist. The sacrament through which God feeds us with His Word and the Body and Blood of His Son, Jesus.

Weekend Masses: Saturday at 4:30 PM, Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30 AM, and 5:00 PM

Weekday Masses: Monday - Wednesday, Friday at 8:30 AM, Thursday Communion Service at 8:30 AM

For First Holy Communion, call Jamie Cassata @ 924-2800 for more info.

Holy Communion may be brought to the sick, the home-bound, and those in nursing homes and in hospitals. Call the Parish Office @ 924-7111 for more info.

Sacrament of Confirmation. The sacrament through which God by the gift of the Holy Spirit strengthens us to give faith-ful witness to our Catholic Faith. To prepare for reception, call Anthony Klosterman @ 924-2800.

Children, older than 7 y/o, and adults who needs to be baptized, receive Communion and/or be Confirmed, call Deacon John @ 924-7111.

Sacrament of Reconciliation. The sacrament through which God’s mercy and love, justice and truth heals the wound of sin. Generally offered an hour before each Mass. Please give the priest fifteen minutes before Mass to prepare for Mass. Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The sacrament through which Jesus continues to heal the sick among us. Anointing is offered at each Mass on the first weekend of the month. Or call Fr. Edison @ 924-7111 to schedule an anoint-ing. Sacrament of Marriage. The sacrament through which God calls a man and woman to become visible signs of His Love. Call Fr. Edison or Deacon John @ 924-7111 for more info. Sacrament of Holy Orders. The sacrament through which the mission Jesus entrusted to the apostles is continued in the Church. To learn more about vocations to the ordained min-istry, please call Fr. Edison or Deacon John @ 924-7111.

Never miss an opportunity to celebrate a sacrament.

Inside this Bulletin

Traveling Chalice and Paten p.2 Prayer Intentions p.2 Annual Baptism Brunch p.2 Last Call: Weekend Retreat for Men p.3 Diocesan Mass for Life p.3 2018 Holy Land Pilgrimage p.3 Modern Media p.4 Family Promise of Ontario County & Amazon p.4 Save the Dates for Following Christ p.4 Upcoming Second Collections p.4

Why do we exist as a parish? In order to love God with all that we are, to love our neighbor as ourselves, to make more and better disciples, and to learn and teach how to keep Jesus’ commandments.

Our Mission is based on Matthew 22: 34-40, 28:16-20.

Family Prayer on the Feast of the Epiphany

Consider using this prayer at home during a meal time. Cele-brate the faith at home. Father: Christ has appeared among us.

All: Come, let us adore Him. Mother: The precious gifts which the Magi brought to the Lord this day are threefold, and they are signs of divine mysteries. By gold the pow-er of the King is signified, by frankincense His great priesthood, by myrrh the burial of the Lord. All: The Magi worshipped the Author of our salvation in the crib, and of their treasures they brought to Him gifts of mystic nature. Youngest Child: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. All: As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world with-out end. Amen. Father: Let us pray. O God, by the leading of a star you did manifest your only begotten Son to the Gentiles on this day; mercifully grant that we who know you by faith, may be brought to contemplate the beauty of your majesty. Through the same Jesus Christ your Son. All: Amen.

HOLY MASSES FOR THE WEEK

Page 2 Get informed. Get involved. January 6-7, 2018

Saturday, January 6, 2017 - Saint Andre’ Bessette

4:30pm - Erma Davis by David and Mary Lentine

Sunday, January 7, 2017 - The Epiphany of the Lord Is 60:1-6, Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6, Mt 2:1-12 (20)

8:30am - Bud Peglow by Kevin and Brenda Lyng

10:30am - Helen and Joseph Leo by the Jacobs Family

5pm - Anthony Frosino by Footprints support group

Monday, January 8, 2017 - The Baptism of the Lord

10:00am - Communion Service

Tuesday, January 9, 2017

8:30am - Communion Service

Wednesday, January 10, 2017

8:30am - Communion Service

Thursday, January 11, 2017

8:30am - Communion Service

Friday, January 12, 2017

8:30am - Communion Service

Saturday, January 13, 2017 - Saint Hilary

4:30pm - Jean Abernethy by the Fosters

Sunday, January 14, 2017 - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19, 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20, Jn 1:35-42 (65)

8:30am - Morris DeYoung by Eleanor Barry

10:30am - Charles Keefe by Patrick & Elizabeth DeRosa

5pm - Anthony Frosino by John & Darlene Butler

Liturgy & Sacramental Life

because God matters

Traveling Chalice and Paten - Hosting Families With a set of chalice and paten are the Vo-cation Prayer and detailed instructions about this vocation program. All four sets of chalic-es and patens must be returned by Saturday morning, at the Parish Office porch.

Week of January 7-13

Set for Weekend Masses (Sign-up at Welcome Table)

YOU

Set for Faith Formation (Sign-up at the Parish Center)

YOU

Set for Parish Ministries (Sign-up at Welcome Table)

Bridgette Klein

Set for Youth and RCIA (Sign-up with Anthony Klosterman)

YOU

Prayer Intentions Please include any of these intentions at your daily 3 PM prayer:

For children baptized the past year,

For the grant application for our cap-ital project for 2018-2020,

For our children preparing for First Penance and First Reconciliation,

That we may make our CMA goal this year,

For growing support to the Sunday afternoon Mass,

And for the intentions in our prayer jars.

Let us be known by our praying for each other.

Liturgical Ministers for the Weekend of January 13/14

Ministry Saturday 4:30 PM Sunday 8:30 AM Sunday 10:30 AM Sunday 5:00 PM

Sacristan Patty Hart Mary Sabin Helen Barnes Dee Ainsworth

Altar Servers (3) Gianluca Mammano,

Dillon Klee, Katie Klee Ben Gensiejewski, Andrew Dempsey

Michael Dumas, Jane Marino,

Maggie McCormack Leo DiNovo, Simon Kowal

Lector One Christine DiNovo Thom Rafferty George Heissenberger Dee Ainsworth

Lector Two Pat DiNovo Carol Commisso Peggi Heissenberger Ellie Hamilton

Holy Body (3) Tom Denniger, Patty Hart,

Kevin Klee Mark Geiser, Perri Geiser,

Diane Gernert Liz Gartland, Ted Gartland,

Ena Gill Christine DiNovo,

Pat DiNovo, Joan McMahon

Precious Blood (2) Deacon John,

Suzanne McCaffrey Thomas Gormel,

Julie Knapp Marjorie Jacobs, Chris Merante

Sante DiCarlo, David Moore

Head Usher/Greeter David Mammano Mark Weigert John O’Brien John Butler

Ushers / Greeters (3) Jerre Ryan, Pat Bolger,

Mike Manikowski Bob Kolb, Mark Shea,

Dan Weigert Dave O’Hare, Adline Nwugwo,

Charles Nwugwo Norm Ainsworth, Sante DiCarlo,

Anthony Klosterman

Note: If unable to serve, please find a substitute. Take the time to sign-in in the Sacristy before Mass. Thank you.

Gift others with an intention for the Holy Mass. Call the Parish Office at 924-7111. Mass intentions support our parish.

Annual Baptism Brunch, January 14, Noon All are invited to attend a special brunch celebrating all those who experienced their rebirth into God's family in the last year. Families of those baptized in 2017 receive brunch at no cost. Cake and refreshments will available to everyone! Thank you, Knights of Columbus, for offering the brunch.

Page 3 Connect the dots of faith. January 6-7, 2018

PARISH EVENTS THIS WEEK

Anointing of the Sick after all Masses

Sunday, January 7

Morning - Coffee Hours - Parish Center

11:45am - Faith Formation

Noon - Sacrament Parent Meeting - Parish Center

Monday, January 8

10am - Senior Exercise - Alcove

4:30pm - Faith Formation

4:45pm - Sacrament Parent Meeting - PC

5:45pm - Children’s Choir - Music Room

Tuesday, January 9

6:30pm - Faith Formation

6:45pm - Sacrament Parent Meeting - PC

Wednesday, January 10

9am - Core Team Visitation - Living Room/Library

10am - Senior Exercise - Alcove

7pm - PPC - Living Room/Library

Saturday, January 13

4:30pm - Mass for Life & Reception

Sunday, January 14

8:30am - Knights of Columbus Breakfast -Parish Center

10:30am - Children’s Liturgy of the Word

11:45am - Baptism Party - Parish Center

5pm - GLOW - Parish Center

Membership & Parish Life

because community life matters

Weekend Retreat for Men Last call for St Patrick’s Men’s Retreat at Notre Dame Retreat House, Canandaigua, NY from Janu-ary 26th to 28th 2018. Contact Bill Clifford, 742-2358, billbarbclif-

ford@aol.com or John Becker, 924-0568, jabeck-er58@aol.com for more information or to reserve a place. It’s an opportunity you should not miss. We must receive your reservation by January 18, 2018.

...by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. - Philippians 4:6

Louise Therrien, Don Rimlinger, Robert Erwin, Carol Estes, Virginia Stavale, Kelly Wilting, Virginia Palen, Loretta Carey, Ranne, Felix & Dawn Christopher, Antonio Siciliano, Nancy Stavale, Becky & John Crowley, Jose-

phine Hitzfield, Jerry Murphy, Eugene Serptenelli, Ruth Gor-ski, Michelle Dennehy, Robert Manzari, Dorothy Ocon, Kathryn Walker, Jim & Kathy Heilmann, Virginia Beal, Cora Crowley, Ken & Debbie Flerx & Family, Beth Ann Hinog, Mary Louise Mervis, Karen Ford, Christine Palmer, Ann Ros-si, Claudia Miller, Judy Hanlon, Alma Suarev, Suzanne Cum-mings, Ken Weigert, Hillary McGovern, Gail Merklinger, Lois Zuck, Patty Schmitt, Amber Wicks, Madeline Dankner, Mathew Przepiora, Jason Campbell, Michael Dragoon, Ben-nett Hudson, Olivia Marsh, Wes Moore, Bill & Marlene Goodermote, John & Dee Grub, Jaqui Matteson, Bob Prze-piora, Gary Ernst, Bud Sherman, Loretta Acquilano, Debbie Demarse, Phyllis Smith, Bill LaMountain, Marty Becker, Mar-io Carruba, Michael Prairie, Dick Walkley, Rosa Cordaro, De-wann Beatson, Cora Sweet, Maria Kluber, Lori Fisher, Ber-nice Lonecke, Judy Domanski, Dominic DiMarco

Praying Together as a Parish Set your watch or smart phone to remind you to pray during this hour of grace, daily. Wher-ever we are, we can pray together and for one another. We pray at least one “Hail, Mary” for our parish family.

Prayer Jars Thank you for supporting this initia-

tive by leaving an intention in the jar and taking another’s intention from the jar.

May this simple form of communal prayer build our family of faith, knowing that there is someone in our parish who is praying for you. Find the jars by the Al-cove and by the votive candles in church.

Diocesan Mass for Life All are invited to join Bishop Salva-to r e Mat ano a t the D ioce -san Mass for Life on Saturday, January 13 at 4:30 PM, here at Saint Patrick’s Church. Light reception to follow. Come to

this Mass to support the dignity of human life from the mo-ment of conception to natural death, in preparation for the national March for Life in Washington, DC.

Join the marchers from our diocese. For more infor-mation, please call Joan Muto at 924-2501.

Life is a gift from God. Be the voice of the voiceless.

2018 Holy Land Pilgrimage “See and experience the Holy Land, and never ever read and hear the Sacred Scriptures in the same way again.” This coming November, from the 5th to the 16th, Father Edison will be leading his fifth pilgrimage to the Holy

Land. Learn more about the packed itinerary: four days in the Galilee area and five days in the Jerusalem area, covering well-known NT sites and several OT sites. Call Zenny Asis at (585) 288-7000 to learn more about the sacred pilgrimage.

Ongoing Faith Formation

because growth in faith matters

Avail Yourself of Our Parish Subscription

Visit Formed.org and create your free personal or house-hold account using your personal username and password. To do this, please use the Parish Code: 3KRJJK (capitalized). Once you have created your personal account, you will have access to all resources - movies, e-books, program series, talks, etc.

Featured Free Resource

Modern Media. Originally written for teenagers, this study on modern media has been modified and revamped to start a discussion for adults about our increasingly media-savvy world. Smartphones, social networks, apps, data

plans, texting, Wi-Fi, tablets, headphones… these things are not necessarily good or bad, but they are incredibly powerful. Using modern media can either hinder our ability to discern God’s voice in the silence of the heart, or it can be a tool for learning and evangelization. This study looks at modern me-dia from a Christian perspective, dives into the unprecedented influence it has on our lives, and gives us some practical tools to live vibrant Christian lives in a media-saturated culture.

Grow in faith and reason!

Page 4 Grow in faith, hope and love everyday. January 6-7, 2018

Second Collections at Mass

January 13, at the Mass for Life. This collection will help with the cost of buses for the March for Life.

February 18, Black, Native American & Hispanic: funds are distributed as grants to dioceses throughout the Unit-ed States, supporting and strengthening evangelization programs which otherwise would cease.

Please take and use second collection envelopes found at Church entrances.

Stewardship

because generosity matters

To liturgical ministers who assisted at the Christmas Masses and other Holy Day Masses. Thank you for being generous with your time.

To Diane Gernert and Ena Gill for coordinating the liturgies during the Christmas season.

To Ted Shawe for his invaluable lighting and sound skills!

To our Parish Baptism Preparation Team and Ev DeVelder for their support to our families during imme-diate preparation and follow-up.

To parishioners who are responding to the need for new liturgical ministers. Interested parishioner, please sign-up on the sheet in the Sacristy.

Parish Stewards: Needed. Funeral Team. To help at funeral liturgies, usually week-

day mornings, at 10 AM.

Ushers, 8:30 AM Mass. Continued on page 5.

Helping Our Homeless Brothers & Sisters Churches and congregations in the Ontario County, including us, seek to make a difference in the lives of the homeless in our neighborhood.

As we roll out plans for our participation in this worthy endeavor, please take the time to learn more about Family Promise of Ontario County. You may visit their website or take informational materials found in the Alcove.

Shopping on Amazon? Make Family Promise of Ontar-io County the recipient of .5% of your eligible purchases. Go to smile.amazon.com. In ‘search for a charitable organization’ box, type ‘Family Promise of Ontario County, Inc’ located in Victor, NY. Start shopping. It is that easy. Please remember to start all your online shopping on smile.amazon.com, and track your contributions.

We appreciate your generosity!

Social Ministry & Outreach

because service matters

Save the Dates! For Following Christ

Thursdays, 6:45 - 8:30 PM April 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 26 (Retreat),

31 and June 7

For Sharing Christ Thursdays, 6:45 - 8:30 PM July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9

and 18 (Retreat)

Parishioners who have completed the first of the three series, Discovering Christ, are invited to Following Christ. “Graduates” of the Christ Life Pro-

gram are invited to help as member of the Core Team. If any question or to volunteer, please call Jim Budd at

742-3095.

Parent Meetings for First Reconciliation and First Communion

Sunday, January 7th at Noon

Monday, January 8th at 4:45 PM

Tuesday, January 9th at 6:45 PM Question? Please call Jamie Cassata at 924-2800.

Pray for our parents and their children who are preparing to celebrate these sacraments.

Gift of Time Weekend Mass Attendance December 23-24: 4:30: 195,

6:30: 57, 9:00: 188 Total: 440 (2016 Census: 856)

Dec 24-25: 4:00: 1148, 7:00: 330, 11:00: 214, 10:00: 251

Total: 1943

Gift of Treasure December 23-24: upcoming

(2017-18 budget: $8,038) December 24-25: upcoming (2017-18 budget: $23,000)

Building Fund Campaign As of December 1: $197,416

(Goal: $220,000) Number of donors: 308 To contribute, please write a check to Saint Patrick’s Church, and on the memo line, Building Fund.

Our Parish Ministries: Serving God and Neighbor Call. Ask. Discern. Serve.

Adult Faith Formation Group Altar Linen Altar Servers Assisi Ministry Baptism Preparation Team Bereavement Support Group Bible Study Buildings and Grounds Committee Catechists & Aides Cemetery Board Children’s Liturgy of the Word Church Cleaners Coffee Hour Team Communion Ministers (EMHC) Community Dinner Cub Scouts Faith Formation Advisory Board Finance Council First Responders at Masses Funeral Brunch Team Funeral Preparation Team Girl Scouts Giving Garden Knights of Columbus Lectors Liturgical Environment Liturgy Committee Men’s Group Parish Bakers Parish Christ Life Team Parish Gardens Parish Life Committee Parish Magazine Parish Office Volunteers Pastoral Council Prayer Shawl Ministry Preschool RCIA Team Marriage Preparation Team Money Counters Music Ministry (choirs, cantors, etc.) Sacristans Social Ministry Committee Stewardship Committee Ushers & Greeters Visitation Ministry Welcome Team Women’s Group Youth Ministry

Sam & Tina Condo / 678-4472 Sue Stehling / 924-3409

Pat Bolger / 924-9351 Marcie Hamilton / 924-1528

Judy & James Miller / 924-8158 Lori Cunliffe / 355-3622

Anne Leitner / 742-3417 Joan Oliphant / 742-3452

Jamie Cassata / 924-2800 Kim Reese / 924-7111 Lynn Foley / 259-3823

Mister Clean / 924-7111 Needs Coordinator

Ron Platten / 317-8512 Jean Acquilano / 645-7998

Jim Hood / 944-9054 Jamie Cassata / 924-2800

Bob Muto / 924-2501 Kim Reese / 924-7111

Meg CHaides / 924-4659 Judy Martin / 657-8245

Joyce Richards / 406-0347 Needs New Coordinator

Wayne Brotsch / 924-3855 Duane Pancoast / 924-8104

Diane Gernert / 398-7833 Judy Klein / 924-7022

Ray Barrett / 857-6122 Lynn Kovaleski / 742-1044

Jim Budd / 742-3095 Becky Fountain / 281-8004 Sam Samoriski / 802-6755 Chris Merante / 697-4232

Ev DeVelder / 924-2903 Todd Fleming / 749-6493 Mary Eberl / 742-2949 &

Mary Sabin / 924-7724 Kristen Leschhorn / 924-2800

Deacon John Payne / 924-7111 Deacon John Payne / 924-7111

Marge Gawronski / 398-7802 June Frosino / 924-7111

Ena Gill / 733-6650 Joan Muto / 924-2501

Dave O’Hare / 924-5816 Sante DiCarlo / 742-3118

Anne Leitner / 742-3417 Needs Coordinator

Judy Klein / 924-7022 Anthony Klosterman / 924-2800

2017-18 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) Parish Goal: $110,870

As of January 2, we have raised $ 85,707 (77.30%). With 290 households participating.

What is the Annual CMA for? The annual CMA raises funds to support the Catholic Charities,

the Diocesan Operations & Support Services, the Ministries of the Pope Francis and Bishop Matano, the formation of Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Leaders and Vocations, the Diocesan-wide Services to Parishes and In-stitutions, and the Education of Our Youth through Catholic Schools, and Youth programs.

How can I give?

Donations may be made in cash, check or credit by using the CMA envelopes found on the Welcome Tables. As your financial responsi-bilities allow you, consider tithing 2% towards the annual CMA campaign.

Or, to donate online, please visit www.dor.org. Click ‘donate’ on the CMA informational slide found on the middle of the homepage.

Page 5 Pray and live your faith everyday. January 6-7, 2018

Continued from page 4.

Coordinator of the Giving Garden. Thank you, Joe, for the many years of service! To learn more, please call Joe at 764-2712 .

Liturgical Ministry. Sign-up sheet is in the Sacristy.

sacristans, altar servers, lectors, Communion ministers (including those who could bring Communion to the home-bound) and ushers/greeters.

Parish Techies. To help operate livestreaming of weekend Masses. Call Fr. Edison at 924-7111.

Magazine Marketing. To help invite local businesses to place an ad on our parish magazine. E-mail David at da-vid@davidmammano.com.

Prayer Leaders at the Ontario County Health Facility. Kay Riccio and Dick Abraham faithfully pray the rosary with residents of the Ontario County Health Facility on the third Thursday of the month. They carpool from church at 9:45 AM. Also, the Holy Mass is celebrated with the residents on the last Tuesday of the month, at 2:30 PM.

To Evangelize is the reason why we, the Church, exist.

Evangelization in three simple steps: Step One: Befriend Jesus.

Step Two: Befriend others. Step Three: Bring your friends to Jesus.

Parish Office & Preschool Information

Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4 PM (lunch time: 12:30 PM - 1 PM) Friday: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Parish Office Phone: (585) 924-7111 Parish Office Fax: (585) 742-3296

Faith Formation & Preschool: (585) 924-2800

Stay Connected Parish Website: www.stpatricksvictor.org

Follow regular updates through our website. Parish Facebook Pages: St. Patrick’s Church /

Saint Patrick’s Victor Youth Ministry Friend us on Facebook and receive timely updates.

Parish Youtube Channel: St Patricks of Victor NY

Subscribe and watch uploaded videos. Parish Magazine: St. Patrick’s

Take a copy from the Welcome Tables.

Our Parish Staff Father Edison Tayag, Pastor fr.edison.tayag@dor.org

Deacon John Payne, Deacon john.payne@dor.org Jamie Cassata jamie.cassata@dor.org Coordinator of Faith Formation and Preschool Laura Gleeson laura.gleeson@dor.org

Coordinator of Parish Visitation Team

Anthony Klosterman anthony.klosterman@dor.org

Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Kristen Leschhorn kristen.leschhorn@dor.org Preschool/Faith Formation Secretary and Bookkeeper Maureen O’Connor maureen.oconnor@dor.org Multi-Parish Finance Director Rich O’Donnell richard.odonnell@dor.org

Parish Bookkeeping Kim Reese kim.reese@dor.org Parish Secretary & Hospitality June Weltzer Frosino june.frosino@dor.org

Director of Music Ministry Wayne Sweet wayne.sweet@dor.org Building Maintenance John Butler jmbutler35@gmail.com

Cemetery Caretaker Benny Malijan Housekeeping

Let there be light…

Following the example of the Magi (Reflection on Matthew 2:1-12)

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, a celebration of the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, as represented by the Magi. Ironically, the Magi weren’t even Jewish, yet they were looking for the Messiah… they were looking for this newly born king of the Jews. We learn through this feast that Christ came for us all… not just for the Chosen. We also use the word epiphany to mean a moment of sudden revelation or insight. What kind of epiphany of faith can we have today, in order to gain a greater insight into our relationship with Christ?

“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Her-od, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’" These great men were simply following a star… how crazy is that? Yet, don’t we all follow stars in our lives? We call them careers and friends and families and com-munities. Where do they lead us? Do they lead us to Christ? When we choose to follow our stars, what are our criteria and motivations? Are we just seeking money and material gain, or are these stars leading us to eternal life? The Magi were seek-ing the newborn king of the Jews. The magi put their life on hold while they pursued him, risking their comforts and their treasure... and potentially their very lives.

“King Herod sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.’" We listen to authority everyday… our country’s leaders, our teachers and bosses, our spouses, and friends. Where are they leading us, and do we question their motivations? We try to satisfy them, especially if they are the stars that we are following. If their motivations are destruc-tive, we may say, “I didn’t do anything wrong, they did it.” But in not doing anything, by not speaking out, aren’t we doing something wrong by omission?

“…and on entering the house they saw the child...” When people en-ter our homes, do they find Christ? The Feast of the Epipha-ny is the traditional day to bless our homes. Blessing your home in January is appropriate as the Latin word janua means portal or doorway. We at St. Patrick’s, have provided a little kit containing some chalk and a written ritual for you to fol-low to help you bless your home. It is a powerful witness of our ability as baptized people to bless those who enter and live in our homes… we are saying Christ is present here.

“They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” So, what was their motivation? As it turns out, they weren’t look-ing to get anything… okay, maybe they wanted to satisfy their curiosity; maybe they wanted to be able to say, “Guess who I met?” But they were also carrying gifts… they were there to give this child precious gifts. This begs the question, what giftedness do we bring to Christ? What gifts do we bring to the altar each week? Our faith relationship demands that we don’t arrive empty-handed.

“And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they de-parted for their country by another way.” Finally, when we realize that we are going the wrong way, or that we are being told to do something wrong, are we willing to change direction… to sacrifice what we have gained… maybe to even seek reconcili-ation? Restarting our lives can be very difficult, but taking the road less traveled is often the best way to go. Christ took the road to Calvary for us. We are asked to carry our cross in re-turn.

The lessons of the feast of the Epiphany may be for us to begin the new year with another resolution… to think about the stars that we follow… do they lead us to Christ, and to eternal life? If not, we need to change direction, and follow another star. - Deacon John