From Father Carl

We continue to lift in prayer those impacted by COVID-19, all first responders, essential workers, those in the medical and science field battling COVID-19.  We also remember in prayer all those receiving the vaccine and pray for their well-being.  You can read the USCCB guidelines regarding the moral considerations for the vaccines here:  https://www.usccb.org/moral-considerations-covid-vaccines

 

Blessings for a safe and healthy 2021.

This weekend, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord.  Always a good time to recall and renew our own Baptismal Promises:

Do you renounce Satan?

And all his works?

And all his empty show?

Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His Only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary,

Suffered death and was buried, rose again from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father?

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?

 

May God always strengthen us with His grace and creativity to use our gifts and talents to live these promises each day.

 

 

We/I are only ever a phone call away to assist you,

215-836-2828. Be assured of our prayers and support.

 

St. Genevieve pray for us.

God bless,

Carl

(Reverend) Carl Janicki

 

 

 

 

 

A Glance at the Daily Mass Readings

As we return to Ordinary Time (the weeks are numbered – ordinal) and its focus on growth and maturation by taking us through the life of Christ, (https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year-and-calendar/ordinary-time) our First Readings until February 8th will come from the Book of Hebrews.  “Its aim is to encourage enduring fidelity to the profession of faith in Jesus, Redeemer and Lord, and to illustrate how this faith develops and deepens the convictions of Israel.”  (Sklba, Fire Starters: Igniting the Holy in the Weekday Homily, 2013, pg. 1)

 

~Faith Formation Opportunities~

After our Advent Scripture Series, I floated a next set of ideas by the participants and based on their feedback, will offer the following sessions leading up to Lent:

 

January 14, 12noon and 7pm: An overview of the Bible especially as a Book for prayer.

January 28, 12noon and 7pm: The Old Testament and prayer.

February 11, 12noon and 7pm: The New Testament and prayer.

 

These sessions will be highly interactive, informative and offer some practical insights into prayer life.

Similar to the Advent Series, the 7pm will be a repeat of the 12noon session allowing you to choose which is most convenient.  Although the sessions are interrelated, they are self-contained, so you do not have to commit to all the sessions.

These sessions will be offered through Zoom.  To register, please email your date and time preference to rectory@stgensparish.com. You will then be sent the Zoom link.

 

During Lent we will go through the Catechism of the Catholic Church Part Four Christian Prayer