SAINT WENCESLAUS CHURCH
JANUARY 6, 2008
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY
The dateline above marks a milestone: 2008.
Happy New Year. For those of us of a
certain age, these milestones seem to be
coming along too quickly. But, considering the
alternatives, we’ll take them.
Today’s feast of the Epiphany is one of the major
moments in the unfolding mystery of Christmas, the
moment when the newborn Savior is revealed to the
nations. These Magi from the East did not have it
easy. Others in the Christmas story had the benefit
of heavenly messengers telling them what was
happening. The angels were especially busy around
the time of the birth of Christ: proclaiming God’s
plan first to Zechariah, the father of John the
Baptist, then to Mary, later to Joseph. By the time
the child was born a whole choir of angels sang the
good news to the shepherds in the fields.
But the Magi, also called wise men or astrologers,
were on their own. They had no angels to prompt
them. They followed a star – this means they were
following the promptings of nature, without any
formal religion to guide them.
We all know people like this today, people honestly
seeking the path of wisdom and goodness, but left
to their own devices. The coming of Christ and his
manifestation to the Magi means that they too are
part of the plan. He came to save all people.
We who recognize and accept Jesus have a mission
to let his light shine on those who are still seeking
him. Too often religious people become an obstacle
rather than a witness to the Lord. Look at the
biblical scholars at the time of the Magi – they
didn’t know the tradition of where the messiah was
to be born. And King Herod was so threatened by
the coming of the Lord that he sought to murder any
and all persons who might challenge his reign.
The Magi are a sign of hope for all of us who have
searched for God and all who have come from afar
to find our place in the family of God. They
traveled in mystery and uncertainty. They left their
gifts at the feet of the Christ Child and returned
home far richer than they left. During this new year
of grace I pray that each of us will come to a deeper
experience of God’s love no matter where we’re
coming from.
–Fr. Peter
CHRISTMAS THANKS
The spirit of Christmas has been alive and well at
St. Wenceslaus through this special season.
Thanks to all who gave so generously of
themselves in the preparation and celebration of
the liturgical services of the season, our altar
servers and musicians, our lectors, ushers and
Eucharistic Ministers, those who cleaned and
decorated the church. Special blessings on those
who gathered, packed and distributed Christmas
baskets to the needy, those who prepared and
served our Breakfast with Santa, those who
brought gifts of food for our outreach ministry
and special treats for our friends at the
Franciscan Center. Finally Fr. Jordan, Fr.
Patrick and I extend our thanks for your many
cards and gifts at Christmas. May the Lord be
gracious in sharing his goodness with you as you
do with us.
-Fr. Peter
ANOINTING MASS NEXT SUNDAY
Next Sunday, January 13, the feast of the Baptism
of the Lord, we will offer the sacrament of the
Anointing of the Sick at both Masses. The
sacrament is recommended for those who suffer
under the burdens of sickness and old age. This
would be a good occasion to plan ahead to bring
family members and neighbors to church.
DECEMBER INCOME
Offertory income for the five Sundays of December
came to $10,487. Our budget for the month was
$10,960, leaving a shortfall of $473 for the month.
SAINT WENCESLAUS CHURCH
AFTERNOON AT THE RACES
Our first fund raiser
of the new year is
scheduled
for
Sunday, January 27.
An Afternoon at the
Races will be held
from 1:00 to 5:00 in the lyceum. Tickets are $10,
which includes a full dinner, soda and beer, and hot
dogs later in the afternoon, plus a 9 race card.
Today’s bulletin contains a form to purchase and
name your own horse for $3, with the winner
receiving $13.50. Please fill out and return this
form by January 20. Tickets for the event are
available in the church office and the back of the
church. Those on the subscription plan may pick up
their free tickets today or next Sunday.
SUBSCRIPTION PLAN
We are currently selling subscriptions to all the fund
raising events of the church in the year 2008. A
subscription is the most efficient and cost effective
way to take part in these events. At the monthly
price of $11 you can save $26 over the course of the
year while helping the church to make these events
successful. There is more information on the
subscription plan, as well as sign up sheets, in the
back of the church.
MLK JOB FAIR
The sixth annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Job Fair
will be held on Monday, January 21 at the St.
Frances Academy Community Center, 501 E. Chase
St. from 8:30 to 4:30. Morning classes include
resume writing, job interview skills, attitudes and
behaviors. Following lunch there will be
opportunities to speak with employers and submit
applications.
Volunteers are also needed for
teaching, tutoring, food service and child care. To
sign up please call Ralph Moore at 410-539-5794,
X30 or Anthony Agosti at 410-539-5794, X28.
CZECH HERITAGE GIFTS
The Czech Heritage Society of Greater Baltimore
has sent us a supply of gifts for distribution to the
members of the parish. These wooden plaques
include sketches of Jesus, Pope John Paul II and
Pope Benedict XVI. Our thanks to the Society for
thinking of us.
MASS INTENTIONS
Sun, Jan 6
8:30
11:15
8 am
Mon, Jan 7
Tues, Jan 8
Wed, Jan 9
Thur, Jan 10 7 am
Fri, Jan 11
Sat, Jan 12
Frank Heine
For the Parishioners
Frank & Sophie Herold
Bartlett & Marie Regan
Frances M (Brusak) Grimes
Mary Kuhn
Gift of Hope Convent
Eric Price
Mildred Huber
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
st
1 Reading
2nd Reading
Gospel
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Acts 10:34-38
Matthew 3:13-17
FRANCISCAN INSTALLATION
Following the official visit of Fr. Amando from
Rome and the election of the new
leadership
team
of
the
TOR
Franciscans, the new administration
will take office on Tuesday, January 8,
at St. Francis Friary in Loretto, PA.
Following the installation the new
leadership team will spend several days
in meetings. Fr. Peter is a member of
this team. Please keep the Franciscans in prayer
during this important time.
50TH REUNION
St. Wenceslaus School Class of 1958 is planning a
50th reunion sometime this year. Anyone with
information about the whereabouts of class
members is asked to contact Bea Soul at 410-8664183.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
The March Funeral Homes is offering a free eight
week program of support and healing for those who
have recently lost a loved one. The program is
presented on Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00,
beginning January 10 at Bon Secours Urban
Medical Institute, 2600 Liberty Heights Ave.
Registration
is
required.
Call
410-4350500.