By this week, you should have received information about the 2018 Diocesan Development Fund Annual Appeal. Once a year, our bishop invites each of us to make a commitment to support the work of our diocesan programs and ministries that enhance our church by helping all of God’s children build deeper and more meaningful relationships with Him. We are one by which we can all work together to care for the church by sharing the gifts God has granted us. Our parish goal is 100% participation. We welcome you to join us in joyfully supporting the DDF Annual Appeal. Please take time this week to reflect and pray about the blessings you are called to share with your Catholic family.
Destruction is a powerful force. When we hear of it, we often picture devastating events or moments. However, with the death of one thing, newness follows. Sometimes in our lives we feel that Christ is asking us to destroy parts of who we are to come closer to him. Why do we feel this way? The short answer is that we lack trust in him. We don't see how fulfilling his will gives us fullness of life. Deep down, we don't truly believe Jesus's words: "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10, RSV).
Can you imagine the miracles that will happen to all of us if we could have the mutual recognition of God’s presence in each of us? As Jesus cleansed the unclean, let us make this week a cleaning week for us as we deepen our spirituality in frequenting the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Though it can be easy for us to live our days as though Christ hasn't come, he has. And when he came, he fundamentally changed our world and redeemed it. His kingdom has come, and as Christians we are called to shake ourselves from the illusion of this world and to be witnesses to the presence of God that is all around us.
Our faith challenges us to: “expand our dedication in whatever pro-life activity to which we are drawn, because no child should die by abortion...” and “expand our hope that ultimately, this crusade for the sanctity of life is God’s activity, and if God is for us, who can be against us.”
One of the most compelling pro-life documentaries ever produced! 40 features inspiring stories and deeply personal interviews with many of the biggest names in the Pro-Life movement, such as: Lila Rose, the President of Live Action; Abby Johnson, Former Planned Parenthood Abortion Clinic Director and Founder of "And Then There Were None;" Rebecca Kiessling, Pro-life Speaker and Conceived in Rape; Jeanne Monahan, President of March for Life Education and Defense Fund; Dr. Day Gardner, President of the National Black Pro- Life Union; Ryan Bomberger, Founder of Radiance Foundation; Keith Mason, Co-founder of Personhood USA; Joe Scheidler, Founder of the Pro-Life Action League; David Bereit, National Director of 40 Days for Life, and many more!
"Come and see." This is the method of God. He doesn't just want to give us answers, but to live life with us. When the disciples follow Christ, the Gospel says that they "stayed with him." When we stay with God, we can begin to hear and see clearly, and begin to find him in the quiet of our hearts.
Where is home? That’s a perennial question that people have been asking about themselves. Perhaps, even you! In today’s gospel, the disciples asked that question to Jesus, they said: “Rabbi, where are you staying?” Jesus replied: “Come and see!”
Parishioners who reserved transportation to the January 20th OneLife LA Walk For Life please note: We will be leaving promptly at 10:00 a.m. from the rear Church parking lot at St. Paul's. Please plan on arriving no later than 9:45 a.m. We expect to return to the church by 8:00 p.m. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. Food will be available for purchase at the event; but you are welcome to carry your lunch. However, no coolers please. Get ready to rock (and walk) - for life and family!!!! For more information, contact Kelly Schlegel at 909 896-6351 or at wkschlegel@mac.com.
The magi in today's Gospel had the wisdom and openness to see the light of the star and follow it. They were on watch, just as we were during Advent, and had a heart willing to follow the light that they saw. They set aside the tasks of daily life in order to worship the Messiah. Are we willing to do the same in our own lives? Do we seek Christ, and when we find him, do we worship him and pay him homage?