The liturgical year is a central element of the Catholic Church's life, enabling the faithful to deepen their faith by celebrating key events from the life of Jesus Christ and the history of salvation. As the Christmas Season concludes, during which we celebrated the incarnation of the Son of God, we now enter Ordinary Time – a period of contemplation on the daily life and teachings of Jesus.

The Main Seasons of the Liturgical Year:

1. Advent Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ. It lasts four weeks and has two aspects: recalling Jesus’ first coming in Bethlehem and anticipating His second coming at the end of time. Advent is a time of reflection, prayer, and conversion.
2. Christmas Season This season, which has just ended, begins on Christmas Eve and lasts until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It celebrates the incarnation of the Son of God, His birth, and His manifestation to the world (Epiphany). It is a time of joy and gratitude for the gift of the Savior.
3. Ordinary Time (First Part) The first part of Ordinary Time, which we are now entering, begins after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and lasts until Ash Wednesday. During this time, the liturgy focuses on the public ministry of Jesus and His teachings. It is a period for applying Christ’s words to everyday life and deepening our relationship with God.
4. Lent Lent is a time of penance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, lasting 40 days. It begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates in Holy Week, leading to the Paschal Triduum. During this season, the faithful prepare to commemorate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ.
5. Paschal Triduum The Paschal Triduum is the most important moment of the liturgical year, beginning on the evening of Holy Thursday and ending on Easter Sunday. During this time, the Church commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, the Passion, the Crucifixion, and the triumph of Christ’s Resurrection. The Paschal Triduum is the heart and climax of the liturgical year because it encompasses the most significant events of salvation history.
6. Easter Season The Easter Season begins on Easter Sunday and lasts 50 days, concluding with the Feast of Pentecost. It is a time of joy in Christ’s Resurrection and reflection on the mystery of salvation.
7. Ordinary Time (Second Part) The second part of Ordinary Time begins after Pentecost and lasts until the Solemnity of Christ the King. It is the longest season of the liturgical year, dedicated to deepening our relationship with God through daily life and faithfulness to Christ’s teachings.

The Significance of Ordinary Time

Ordinary Time, despite its name, is not a less important season. The term “Ordinary” comes from the Latin “ordinarius,” meaning ordered. During this time, the faithful focus on the life and teachings of Jesus, allowing His words to influence their daily decisions and actions. It is a time of spiritual growth and practical application of the Gospel in daily life.

The Most Important Liturgical Season

While all seasons of the liturgical year hold significance, the Paschal Triduum is considered the most important. It is the moment when the Church relives the central mysteries of faith: the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. These events form the foundation of Christianity and offer the faithful the hope of salvation.

Thus, the liturgical year serves as a journey through which the Church guides the faithful toward a deeper experience of faith and an encounter with God in various aspects of spiritual life.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who dedicated so much time, energy, and talent to make this Christmas and New Year celebration such a beautiful and memorable occasion.

A special thank you goes to our Music Ministry, whose uplifting and inspiring melodies filled our hearts with joy and reverence. Your dedication and passion brought an extra layer of grace to our worship, and we are truly blessed by your commitment.

To the Decoration Committee, thank you for transforming our space into a true reflection of the beauty and holiness of this season. Your attention to detail and creativity created an atmosphere that helped everyone feel the warmth and peace of Christ's presence.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Deacon Larry, ensuring that our services were meaningful and spiritually enriching. Your hard work and devotion allowed us to fully celebrate the sacredness of this time, guiding us through powerful moments of prayer and reflection.

Thank you all for your contributions, your spirit of service, and for making this holiday season so special for our entire parish community.

Wishing you all continued blessings in the New Year!

I would also like to personally thank each and every one of you for your heartfelt prayers, thoughtful cards, and generous gifts. Your kindness and support mean so much to me, and I am truly grateful for the love and care you’ve shown during this beautiful Christmas season.

May God bless you abundantly in the year ahead, and I look forward to sharing many more moments of joy and fellowship with all of you.

Lord God, we thank You for the year that has passed. We thank You for the gifts of life, for health, for the moments of joy and growth, and for the challenges that have brought us closer to You. We ask for Your continued blessing as we enter this new year. Grant us peace in our hearts, and strength to face the challenges ahead.

May Mary, our Mother, guide us as we seek to follow You more faithfully. Help us to trust in Your plan, to love one another, and to be faithful witnesses of Your love in the world. 

As we begin this new year, I wish all of you peace, health, and joy. May the grace of God be with you in every step you take, and may Mary, our Mother, watch over you and lead you closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.

Blessed New Year to all of you! May 2025 be filled with God's blessings, and may you experience His love and peace in all that you do.

Fr. Marius

Report from Helping Hands

Overview

The St. Francis de Sales Ministry has provided vital support to individuals and families in need during the months of August through December 2024. Our mission to assist those who are struggling financially has been upheld through the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers.

During this period, we were able to help a total of 7 individuals and families. The assistance distributed is as follows:

• Financial Support: $5,098.40 was paid out to cover bills, rent, and mortgage payments.
• Fuel Assistance: $550.00 in fuel cards was distributed.
• Grocery Support: $1,000.00 in grocery cards was provided.

The total assistance provided for this period amounts to $6,648.40.

The individuals we supported expressed deep gratitude for the aid they received, which helped them navigate challenging times. It is incredibly rewarding to know that our efforts are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in our community.

We strive to respond promptly and compassionately to every request, ensuring that help reaches those in need as quickly as possible. This would not be possible without the unwavering support of our donors.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to this ministry. Your generosity enables us to continue this vital work, bringing hope and relief to those who need it most. Your kindness and support are truly appreciated.

The St. Francis de Sales Ministry remains committed to serving our community with compassion and efficiency. As we move forward, we look to strengthen our efforts and expand our outreach to assist even more individuals in the coming months. Thank you for being an integral part of this rewarding journey.

The roots of the celebration of the Immaculate Conception can be traced back to early Christian thought and devotion. The concept of Mary's purity and sinlessness was widely believed among early Christians, particularly in the writings of the Church Fathers. St. Ephrem the Syrian (4th century) and St. Augustine (5th century) described Mary as the "New Eve," free from sin and a pure vessel chosen by God.  

In the Eastern Church, by the 7th century, there was already a feast known as the "Conception of St. Anne", which honored the conception of Mary by her mother, Saint Anne. This celebration emphasized the special role Mary played in God’s plan of salvation. The feast gradually spread to the Western Church, especially gaining popularity in England by the 11th century, where it was known as the "Feast of the Conception of Mary."  

Throughout the Middle Ages, the doctrine faced theological scrutiny and debate. The central question revolved around original sin: How could Mary be conceived without it when all humanity, according to St. Paul, inherits this condition?  

St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Thomas Aquinas initially expressed reservations, believing that Christ's redemptive act applied universally and equally.  

- However, Blessed John Duns Scotus, a Franciscan theologian in the 13th century, introduced the concept of "preservative redemption." He proposed that Mary was preserved from original sin by the merits of Christ’s future sacrifice. This idea gained widespread acceptance and laid the foundation for the formal doctrine. 

Papal Recognition and Doctrine Proclamation

The turning point came in 1476, when Pope Sixtus IV approved the feast for the Roman Church, acknowledging its importance but without defining it as official doctrine. Over time, devotion to the Immaculate Conception grew, particularly among the Franciscans and Jesuits.  

In 1854, Pope Pius IX officially declared the Immaculate Conception as a dogma of faith in the papal bull “Ineffabilis Deus.” He proclaimed:  

"The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin." 

This declaration affirmed the long-held belief and solidified December 8th as the universal feast day of the Immaculate Conception.  

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Today, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception remains deeply significant for Catholics worldwide. It celebrates Mary’s purity and her unique role in salvation history, reflecting God's prevenient grace and the power of redemption. The doctrine highlights:  

1. God’s initiative: The Immaculate Conception emphasizes that God’s grace can transform and sanctify humanity.  

2. Mary’s role: As the Mother of God, Mary’s sinless nature made her a fitting vessel for the incarnation of Christ. Her "yes" (fiat) to God’s plan serves as an example of faith and obedience.  

Contemporary Relevance

1. Call to Holiness: The feast reminds believers of their own call to holiness. Mary's purity is a model of virtue, encouraging Christians to strive for moral integrity and spiritual purity.  

2. Hope and Grace: In a world marked by struggles and sin, the Immaculate Conception offers a message of hope—that through God’s grace, transformation and renewal are possible. 

3. Marian Devotion: The celebration fosters a deeper devotion to Mary, encouraging prayer and intercession. Many Catholics recite the Rosary or participate in processions, reflecting on her virtues and seeking her guidance.  

In many countries, the feast is a public holiday, particularly in Catholic nations such as Spain, Italy, and the Philippines. Special Masses, processions, and community events mark the occasion. The celebration also holds a special place in Lourdes, France, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858 and identified herself as the “Immaculate Conception.”

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is more than a historical or liturgical tradition; it is a profound reminder of God’s grace and Mary’s singular role in the story of salvation. Its continued celebration calls the faithful to reflect on purity, humility, and the transformative power of divine love, making it a cornerstone of Catholic spirituality in the modern world.

Celebrating 143 Years of the Salvatorians

On December 8th, 2024, the Salvatorian Family will celebrate its 143rd anniversary—an extraordinary milestone that marks over a century of dedicated service, missionary work, and unwavering faith. Founded on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Salvatorians have continually embodied their mission: to make the Savior known to all people.

The Founding Vision

The Salvatorians, officially known as the **Society of the Divine Savior (Societas Divini Salvatoris), were founded in 1881 by Father Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan in Rome. Deeply moved by the spiritual needs of his time, Father Jordan envisioned a community of men and women, religious and laypeople, united by the common goal of spreading the message of Jesus Christ. Inspired by the universal call to salvation, he established a mission that transcended borders, languages, and cultures.  

Jordan's vision was clear: 

"As long as God is not glorified everywhere, you dare not allow yourself a moment’s rest." 

This relentless dedication to mission work laid the foundation for the Salvatorians' dynamic and far-reaching efforts across the globe.  

From its humble beginnings in Rome, the Salvatorian mission quickly expanded. Missionaries were sent to various countries, spreading the Gospel and serving communities in need. The early 20th century saw the establishment of missions in Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Asia. Each new region brought unique challenges, but the Salvatorians’ commitment to their charism “to make Jesus known and loved”remained steadfast.  

In 1895, Father Jordan co-founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Savior (Salvatorian Sisters) with Blessed Therese von Wüllenweber, further expanding the reach of the Salvatorian mission. Laypeople were also invited to participate in the Salvatorian spirit, leading to the formation of the International Community of the Divine Savior (Lay Salvatorians).  

The Salvatorians are known for their versatile and adaptive approach to ministry. Their charism focuses on three core principles:  

1. Proclaiming the Gospel through all means possible.  

2. Serving humanity without distinction, especially the poor and marginalized.  

3. Collaborating as a family, recognizing the unique gifts of priests, sisters, and laypeople.  

Today, Salvatorians serve in over 40 countries, engaging in various ministries:  

- Education: Schools, universities, and adult education programs.  

- Pastoral care: Parish ministries, youth programs, and retreat centers.  

- Social services: Health care, humanitarian aid, and advocacy for justice and peace.  

Significance of the 143rd Anniversary

This anniversary is not merely a reflection on the past but a call to renew the mission and adapt to contemporary challenges. In a world marked by division, materialism, and spiritual hunger, the Salvatorian message remains as relevant as ever.  

As Salvatorians look forward to the future, they continue to draw inspiration from Father Jordan's words: 

“We must adapt ourselves to the times if we want to win all for Christ.” 

The 143rd anniversary is an invitation to all members—priests, sisters, and lay Salvatorians—to recommit to their mission with renewed zeal. It’s a time to celebrate achievements, reflect on challenges, and, above all, envision new ways to make the Savior known.  

In the spirit of collaboration and innovation, the Salvatorian Family will undoubtedly continue to be an encouragement of hope, faith, and service for generations to come. 

Happy 143rd Anniversary to all Salvatorians! May this milestone inspire an even deeper commitment to the mission entrusted by God through Father Jordan.