Around the Parish – January 4, 2026
The Epiphany of the Lord
Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord—the great moment when Christ is revealed not only to Israel, but to the whole world. In the visit of the Magi, we see seekers who follow the light they are given and are led to Christ Himself. Epiphany reminds us that Jesus is not meant to be hidden or kept to ourselves; He is a gift to be shared. As we begin this new year, may we, like the Magi, be attentive to God’s guidance, generous in our response, and willing to offer our lives as gifts to the Lord who has first revealed Himself to us.
And They’ll Know We are Christians by Our LOVE
This weekend marks the first combined bulletin for Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Columbkille. While times of change can feel uncertain, this is also a moment filled with promise and possibility. Together, our two parish communities bring a richness of faith, history, and generosity that can strengthen our witness to the Gospel. Thank you for your patience, your openness, and your understanding as we begin this new chapter. We are not simply merging schedules or announcements; we are coming together as one family of believers, united in Christ and called to walk forward in hope.
Mass Schedule Changes
I am deeply grateful for your continued understanding and flexibility as the new Mass schedule takes effect at both Immaculate Heart and St. Columbkille. Adjusting routines is never easy, but these changes are made with prayer, care, and a desire to serve our shared parish family well. As we grow together, let us remember that the family that prays together truly does stay together. Thank you for your generosity of spirit and your commitment to worship, community, and one another as we move forward together in faith.
A few thoughts for your week:
As you enter this week, let the spirit of the Epiphany shape your outlook. God is still revealing Himself, often quietly, often unexpectedly, to those who are willing to look for His light. Pay attention to the moments that draw your heart toward hope, generosity, and trust; they may be gentle invitations from the Lord guiding your next steps.
Like the Magi, do not be afraid to move forward even when the road feels unfamiliar. Faith often requires us to step out without seeing the whole picture, trusting that God is already at work ahead of us. This week, allow yourself to believe that something good is unfolding, even if it is not yet fully clear.
Finally, remember that every encounter, every conversation, every small act of kindness, can become an epiphany, a moment where Christ is made known through you. Walk into this week with confidence and expectation, trusting that God has great things in store and that His light will continue to guide you forward.
Pax et Bonum,
Fr. Andy
The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions
The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.
Offering Masses for the Deceased:
Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.
The Mass: Center of Christian Life:
Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.
Requesting a Mass Intention:
Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.
Offering a Mass Stipend:
The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.
