We will celebrate the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple (or the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or Candlemas) on Saturday, February 2 with Matins at 9:30AM and Mass at 10:00, followed by a pot-luck brunch. This feast day is rich in historical and liturgical material. From the Biblical story, we have the canticle, Nunc dimittis, the song of the aged Simeon when he saw the child being brought in by Mary and Joseph for a blessing. We sing this canticle at every Vespers (or Compline) service. The numerous references to Christ as “light” on this feast day led to the practice of blessing the candles to be used throughout the year on this day.
At the annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, January 20, Sharon Green and Pieter Dykhorst were elected as new Parish Council members. They will replace Dave Caldwell and Jimmy Lang, who have served their terms faithfully (Dave as president) and will now rotate off the Council. Our Food for the Hungry collection netted 82 pounds of canned goods to be given to Martha’s Table for the needy in our area. Thanks for your contributions to this annual collection.
Epiphany house blessings will continue through this month, March 2 being the last day of Epiphany. Please speak with Fr. Nicholas or Fr. Raphael if you haven’t yet scheduled the blessing of your home.
View the full February newsletter here.