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.