FROM FATHER STEVE

                This is our first Sunday during Ordinary Time. “Ordinary time” is hardly much of a title. It can seem lackluster after the joy of the Christmas Season. But the word, properly understood, can help us to grasp the intention of this period of our liturgical year. This is the time when the church “orders” us—that is, orients us—to our mission. Ordinary Time helps us to organize our thoughts and intentions and common commitments toward the work Christ gives us.

            Giving Witness. On this Second Sunday in Ordinary Time we hear that the people of Israel were called to be a “light to the nations” (Is. 49). And in today’s Gospel (John 1), John the Baptist gives testimony to Jesus. That’s our call as well, to be a light; to offer testimony to Jesus. How would you characterize the strength of your witness to Jesus now? How visible is it?

            Some very visible witness to Jesus will take place this week in Washington, D.C., as Catholics and others participate in the annual Pilgrimage for Life to protest the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion and to pray for life. Bill Grimsley and four high school students from our parish (Amanda Millican, Ami Sutherlin, Kate Williams and Daniel Williams) will be among the participants. Our bishops have also declared January 22—the day of the Supreme Court decision—as a Day of Penance and Prayer.

            The pastoral leaders in the Terre Haute Deanery are currently providing input to the development of a planning process which will lead to the creation of a Pastoral Plan for the Deanery. All of this originally began as the Catholic Education Study. However, the pastoral leaders wanted to broaden the scope of ministries to include: Catholic schools, religious education programs, adult faith formation, youth ministry, campus ministry, worship and music, services to the poor, bereavement, and other ministries). They have also asked that the number of parishes be evaluated as well as the use of buildings. We’ll keep you posted! It’s a big project.

            Don’t forget to return your used palms so that we can prepare the ashes for Ash Wednesday—which is coming February 6^th!    

            A Thought: Mother Teresa of Calcutta often spoke about one of the central characteristics of her community (the Missionaries of Charity), namely, the “Gospel on five fingers”—as she liked to say, “You-did-it-to-me” (Mt. 25:40)—one word for each finger. That would be a good characteristic for all of us.

                                                            Father Steve

Knights of Columbus

Meetings are on the 2^nd & 4^th THURSDAYs of every month at 7:00 p.m.  Meetings are held in one of the downstairs classrooms of the Parish Center.

Dates to remember:

January  24   7:00 p.m.    February 14  7:00 p.m.

February 28  7:00 p.m.

If you are interest in becoming a Knight of Columbus or just have questions, please feel free to fill out an intention card located in back of church near the baptismal font or call Andrew Miller at 765.795.6484.