On the weekend of January 20-21, we were blessed with a visit from Bishop JOHN, who is the bishop for the Western Rite parishes of our Archdiocese. His grace was here for the annual March for Life, where he gave the opening speech and invocation. He decided to remain with us for Saturday Vespers and the Sunday services and even helped to shovel the snow that fell on Friday! It is always an honor to have our bishop with us.
We begin the month of February with the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple (or the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or Candlemas). Vespers will be at 6:30PM and Mass at 7, followed by a pot-luck supper. Candles to be used throughout the year will be blessed at this service and, at the end, throats will be blessed anticipating the Feast of St. Blaise (February 3).
The Annual Parish Meeting, which was postponed due to the unexpected visit of Bishop JOHN on January 21, will be held on February 4. After a pot-luck brunch, we will hear reports on various aspects of parish life, a financial report from our treasurer, and we will have election of new members to the Parish Council.
Our collection of canned food for the Food For Hungry People project of the Archdiocese weighed in at 120 pounds! Thanks to all who donated and to the Caldwell family for delivering our collected food to the Manna Food Bank.
The season of Epiphany (and therefore, of house blessings) will continue through this month. On the last Sunday (February 25), we will also celebrate the Feast of St. Matthias, the Apostle elected to replace Judas among the Twelve.
Read the full February newsletter here.