Lamb of God and Shepherd

John the Baptist, in the Gospel this weekend (translation for children) refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God" ... what does that mean to you and your children?

Maybe this link will help you in your reflection and conversation!

A prayer for a sick person

It's definitely winter, and colds and flu may have already hit your house. If so, I hope you all feel better soon. But you can also pray for the sick person, whether they are in your house or far away, with annoying sniffles or enduring something far more serious.

Here's an example, a "Prayer for Those Who Are Sick" from Sadlier's "We Believe and Pray":

Lord Jesus,
who went about doing good and healing all,
     we ask you to bless your friends who are sick.

Dear Jesus,
when you were on earth,
     you touched and healed so many people.
You bring comfort to the sick.
Please bring your healing love to (name) who is sick.
Amen.

Happy New Year!

On this Sunday at Mass, we celebrate the Epiphany (everybody ready: "Ooooo... star of wonder, star....").

Usually, we as Catholics begin the new year at mass for the Holy Day of "Mary, Mother of God", but since it falls on a Saturday this year, the obligation is 'abrogated' (lifted). When we call Mary the 'Mother of God', we are really making a statement about our belief in Jesus' divinity. That is, we aren't saying that God didn't exist before Mary gave birth to Jesus, but that the baby she had was fully human AND fully divine.

The children and teens in the Catechumenate do NOT meet this Sunday, January 2, but will resume meeting on January 9, with dismissal at the 9:30 mass as usual.