2nd Sunday in Ordinary Sunday January 17, 2016 God has called us through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:14

Our Lady of Mercy – 2600 Shasta View Drive, Redding, CA 96002 Mary Queen of Peace – Shingletown Ridge Road, Shingletown, CA 96088 Phone - (530) 222-3424 Fax - (530) 221-5717 WEBSITE: WWW.OLMREDDING.NET & FACEBOOK: OUR LADY OF MERCY REDDING Parish Mission: We are a Roman Catholic Parish located in northeastern Redding, California, made up of multi-cultural, multi-generational, faith-seeking peoples. We are nourished by God’s grace and Sacraments, forming the Body of Christ. To the best of our ability, we seek the will of God by worshiping Him, loving each other and serving the greater community through ministries of love, worship, prayer and service. Rev. Mario Valmorida Parochial Administrator Father’s reFlection

Rev. Guillermo Ramirez REFLECTING... SIGNS AT CANA! Parochial Vicar "The miracle that Jesus performs at Cana is the beginning of His 'signs.' In the gospel of John, a Parish Office Hours - Parish Hall sign not only refers to a miracle or awesome act that points to Jesus' power but also allows us to Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm see what is implied in Jesus' coming into the world.

In any culture, a celebration is an occasion for merriment, reunion and together- Sunday Masses ness, and bonding of relationship. In the Bible, a wedding symbolizes the joining of life and desti- ny of God and people. The prophets constantly use it to exemplify the love of God for His people and of the people for their God. This love is the initiative of God to which the people respond freely. It is not always reciprocated, and so the undergoes serious tension, even rapture. But there is never divorce, for God is faithful; He leads his errant spouse to him, and pardons all her offenses. In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah tells us that because of Israel's infidelity-her worship of idols and her rejection of God's commandments-the land had been rendered desolate by her enemies. But God cannot bear to abandon His people. God will rescue them, and give them a new life and a new destiny. And so, henceforth, they shall be called 'My Delight' and 'Espoused.' From this perspective, let's take another look at the gospel. While the and the take center stage at their wedding, here they serve as mere backdrop to the person of Jesus. He is the bridegroom, as John the Baptist will testify shortly.

The groom and the bride may be relatives of Jesus: Mary is there as a guest. They may be pleased Sacrament of Reconciliation by the presence of their 'cousin' Jesus whose fame as a prophet is spreading. But John concentrates on presenting the identity of Jesus through his 'sign-action.' He is the Messiah whose presence Saturday, 3:00pm - 4:30pm among God's people brings joy and gladness, as when people gather at a wedding feast.

This joy is symbolized by the abundance of wine, which in the bible stands for God's most pre- cious gifts. It gladdens men's heart. It's a blessing from heaven. Isaiah compares the superabundant Anointing of the Sick joy of the messianic times to a banquet of rich food and choice wines which the Lord will prepare on the holy mountain.

Mary's comment, 'They have no wine,' may suggest the barrenness of Israel. The old covenant is Baptism incapable of giving fullness of joy. Even the six stone water jars allude to this incapacity. Six signi- fies incompleteness. But the presence of Jesus the Messiah fills up what is lacking in the old dis- pensation. Furthermore, the headwaiter's comment that the 'good wine' was kept until the later part of the banquet suggests that God has reserved the best for the fullness of time, when He that is offered sends His Son. on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm in the Parish Hall. When pilgrims to the Holy Land visit the town of Cana in Galilee, they go through a simple yet beautiful ceremony of renewal of inside the church. The water jars prominently Marriage placed below the altar are a vivid reminder of the presence of the bridegroom. Arab store owners proudly boast that their 'Cana wines' are the best in the world. A wine connoisseur may smile at this claim, but pilgrims usually take a bottle in remembrance of that 'good wine' that Jesus offered once at a wedding banquet." Page 2

Mon. Jan 18 7:30 AM Purgatory Animas – Everyone As we celebrate the Nativity of The Lord, please Ernesto Aquino Jr, SI consider taking one of the available hours below Tues. Jan 19 7:30 AM Bill Snider + Contact Lee (244-1905) for more information. Carole Presten + Wed. Jan 20 7:30 AM Charlie & Etta Snider + Mon 1PM Fri 10AM Thurs. Jan 21 7:30 AM John & Teresa Bauer + Tue 10AM, 3PM Sat 7AM Fri. Jan 22 7:30 AM Jeannie Finnigen + Wed 12Noon, 7PM 11PM Sun 12AM Sat. Jan 23 5:00 PM Kevin Toth + Thr Sun. Jan 24 8:30 AM Paul & Olga Traznik, SI 10:30 AM Robert & Louise Uphus, SI 11:00 AM For the People 1:00 PM Raul Sr. and Jr. Galvan + Mon: 1 Sam 15:16-23; Mark 2:18-22.; Tues: 1 Sam 16:1-13, Mark 2:23-28.

Wed: 1 Sam 17:32-33,37,40-45.; Thurs: 1 Sam 18:6-9, 19:1-7; Mark 3:7-12. ; Fri: 1 Sam 24:3-21; Mark 3:13-19. Sat: 2 Sam 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; Mark 3:20-21. Harrington, Dorothy Nielson, Crystal Barnum, Barbara Holden, Brian Nielson, James Sun: Neh 8:2-4A, 5,6,8-10; 1 Cor 12:12-30; Beans, Joseph Krantz Family Pepper, Evelyn Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21. Beaudoin, Bruce Mantoani, Tim Perreira, Joyce Brown, Sally Marks Family Rathbun, Joseph Brussin, Dolores Messer-Dametz , Nicole Sampson, Edward Chambers, Russ Morris, John Schmad, Chris 1/18 MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME Ferreri, Sharon Nielson, Cliff & Millie Schuner, Roxanne OFFICE CLOSED Ferris, Dorothy Nielson, Clifford Paul Smith, Jean 7:30 AM DAILY MASS CHAPEL 5:30-8:30 PM MARRIAGE PREP RM. 4 1/19 TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME Grace is God’s free gift to us. 7:30 AM D AILY MASS CHAPEL As you hear this reading, what words or phrases strike you? 8:00-10:00 AM PANTRY VOLUNTEERS HALL What in this reading touches your heart? What lingers in 10:30-12:00 NOON CHURCH HISTORY RM. 6 your memory? 6:30-8:00 PM CHURCH HISTORY RM. 6 Question for Children: What is one special gift that God 7:00-9:00 PM RICA – SPANISH RM. 2 has given to you to share with your friends or classmates? 1/20 WEDNESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME 7:30 AM DAILY MASS CHAPEL Question for Youth: Jesus got his start in ministry 11:00-1:00 PM RICA – SPANISH CONF. RM. through the urging of his mother. Who urges you to pray, go 1:00-2:00 PM LEGION OF MARY RM. 4 to Church, and do good works? 5:00-7:30 PM CFF HALL & RMS. 5:00-6:30 PM CFF-PARENTS RM. 4 6:30-8:00 PM RCIA RM. 4 Question for Adults: God fills each of us with grace 1/21 MEMORIAL OF ST. AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR (miracles) and gifts, what is one grace (miracle) or gift that 7:30 AM DAILY MASS CHAPEL you have shared with your family? 9:00-10:30 AM RCIA RM. 4 10:30-NOON BIBLE SALVATION RM. 6 4:30-5:30 PM FINANCE COMMITTEE CONF. RM.

6:00-8:30 PM LITURGY COMMITTEE CONF. RM. 6:30-8:00 PM BIBLE SALVATION RM. 6 Offertory OLM MQP Total 7:00-8:00PM DIVINE MERCY PLANNING MTG RM 4 01/10/16 7,173 427 7,600 1/22 DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN YTD 213,300 16,698 229,998 7:30 AM DAILY MASS CHAPEL Budget 221,896 16,710 238,605 7:00-8:30 PM SPANISH BIBLE STUDY RM. 2 Difference (8,595) (12) (8,607) 1/23 SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME Projects 2015 Estimate Donated 3:00-4:30 PM RECONCILIATION CHURCH Stations / Grounds 59,901 50,481 5:00 PM MASS CHURCH Gas Line Repair 9,000 5,512 1/24 THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME % Donated 81% 8:30 AM-2:30 PM SUNDAY MASSES CHURCH

9:30-10:45 AM CFF HALL & RMS Thank you for Your Generosity !

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Prayer for Ordinary Time PoPe Francis’ Prayer intentions God of Eternity, January 2016

Universal: Interreligious Dialogue - As I walk the path of Ordinary Time, help me to count the many That sincere dialogue among men and ways You are present- women of different faiths may produce the fruits of peace and justice. in the comings and goings of family, friends, Evangelization: Christian Unity - That by means of dialogue and coworkers, and acquaintances; fraternal charity and with the grace of the Holy Spirit, Christians in the sounds of weather and the beauty of may overcome divisions. Your magnificent creation; in the daily routines and responsibilities that make up the rhythm of my days. Make all time extra-ordinary as I seek to become more We pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood attuned to Your presence. and religious life. Lord, lift up in prayer all those holy men and woman who are studying for or considering vocations Amen. within the , especially here within the Dio- cese of Sacramento. We call upon St. John Vianney to bless our priests that they might always be faithful to their sacred calling. Prayer For The Military Almighty and eternal God, protect our military men and women as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the Please pray for an increase in vocations! shield of Your strength and keep them safe from all evil and harm. May the power of Your love enable them to return home safely, that with all who love them, they may ever praise you for Your loving care. Amen

Faith building opportunities

MEN’S WEEKEND RETREAT FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016 Rev. Roy R. Doner Rev. Michael O. Downey You are invited to experience rest and renewal as you grow St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Holy Spirit Parish closer to God through liturgy and prayer, silence and soli- Oroville, CA Fairfield, CA tude, conversation and contemplation, sacrament and song.

Join us this year on the weekend of February 19-21, 2016 at Christ the King Retreat Center in Citrus Heights. For reser- Spirit of the Living God, vations call Allan Richardson at 530-241-9006, or the Re- Awaken in us the sense of your call. treat Center at 916-725-4720. You can view the Center by Encourage and affirm young men and women visiting: www.passionist.org/christtheking to be brothers, deacons, priests and sisters following the example of Saint John Vianney. WOMEN’S WEEKEND RETREAT March 4-6, 2016 May we serve you and your people, The women of the parish are invited to our annual retreat at making known the mystery of the Eucharist Christ the King Passionist retreat Center on the weekend of Amen. March 4-6, 2016. Sign-up now for a wonderful weekend of solitude and peace and the opportunity to enrich your spiritual life. You’ll en- joy a good rest, tasty meals, and insightful conferences to help you draw closer to God, to your family and to yourself! For reservations call Mercedes Brady at 530-474-5655 or the Retreat Center at 916-725-4720. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – You can view the Retreat Center by visiting: Helen Keller www.passionist.org/christtheking

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children’s Faith Formation An Example of Faith & Trust

Dates to Remember St Anthony the Abbot , January17th Burning of the Palms: Feb. 3rd& Feb. 7th Ash Wednesday—NO Class, see you at Mass The death of his parents while Fired Up Confirmation Conference-Sacramento March 3rd he was still a teenager left An- thony with a large estate and a younger sister to care for. Some months later while attending Mass, Anthony heard in the Gospel, Christ’s word to the young man, “Go, sell what you Save the Date—1st & 3rd Sunday of the Month have, give the money to the Today, Sunday Jan. 17th 6:00-7:30 pm -- All High poor, and follow me” [Mt School & Middle School students are invited to the Par- 19:21]. Although the young ish Hall for snacks, faith sharing with Fr. Memo and Ap- man in the Scripture did not follow Jesus’ advice, Anthony knew that those words were directed at him. ples to Apples fun. Youth are welcome to bring a friend. Signing over the best of his lands to his neighbors, Anthony We are looking forward to seeing you there! sold the rest and gave most of the money to the poor, keep- For details contact/text Janan 530-941-4072. ing only enough for the care of his sister and himself. They began to live an austere life of prayer and sacrifice. Again, a few months later, he heard the words of Jesus, “Do Mercy in action not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat...” [Lk 12:22]. Anthony gave away his few remaining possessions, Help make tamales on February 4,5, or put his sister into a convent and became a hermit. He lived a life of prayer, penance, and the strictest austerity, eating on- 6 10am to 5pm. If you know of a faith or ly bread and water, and that only once a day. Even this he community need, contact Janan so we can considered too soft and so, after a few years, he moved to an be involved in additional areas of service! old fort on top of Mount Pispir in Egypt. Here he lived in complete seclusion, eating only what was thrown over the wall to him. According to the writings of St. Athanasius, Anthony was constantly engaged in struggles with temptation during this time. In 305, after twenty years on the mountain, he came The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) at Our Lady of down from the mountain to organize his followers into what Mercy is an ongoing, year-round process. People come to find out became the first Christian monastery. While loosely orga- more about the Catholic Church and others come to prepare to re- nized, the followers lived in solitude except for worship and ceive one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation which are Baptism, were guided by a rule. Reconciliation. Eucharist and Confirmation. If you or someone you In 311, at the height of the persecution of Christians by Em- know is interested in what it means to live life as a Catholic, feel wel- peror Maximinus, Anthony again temporarily gave up his come to attend either our Wednesday evening discussion nights at reclusive life and traveled to Alexandria to visit the prisons 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM or our Thursday morning discussions at 9:00 and encourage those Christians being held there. He had Am to 10:30 AM. For more information contact Charlene at 530- expressed the desire to suffer martyrdom himself, but that 347-2260 or [email protected]. was not to be. When the persecution subsided, he returned to Mount Pispir, organized another monastery, and then retired to a cave near the Red Sea. Understanding Biblical Around 355, Anthony again returned to Alexandria, this time to fight the Arian heresy (the denial of Christ’s divini- Literary Forms ty). Here he worked with his friend, St. Athanasius, for a time before returning to his cave where he lived out the re- mainder of his long life. Join us for a workshop on “Understanding Biblical Literary St. Anthony is the patron of many things. Among them are Forms” on Saturday, January 23rd at St. Joseph in Red- domestic and farm animals, basket makers, and butchers. ding. This workshop, which runs from 9AM-4PM, will ex- His Memorial is celebrated on January 17. plore various literary forms within the Bible and how the literary form affects the meaning of the text. Richard Cher- Anthony’s message today: Like his friend, Paul the Hermit, Anthony veny, principal of Sacred Heart School in Red Bluff, will chose a life of contemplation, and put himself entirely in the hands of guide participants through this study of Scripture and how it God. It is never easy to trust in God to take care of our needs unless is written. Register online at http://www.formstack.com/ we have strong faith in his goodness, something we can only develop forms/catholic-catechists or contact Rosina Hendrickson at through prayer. 916-733-0153 or [email protected] for more infor- What is God’s plan for your life? Do you accept it? How willing are mation. you to put your trust in God?

Celebration of Life Congratulations !

Annual Celebration of Life Jan. 23rd & 24th! Here at Our Lady of Mercy, we will celebrate the new life in our parish by blessing moms and dads with babes in arms as well as expected mothers during Mass on January 23rd & 24th. We remember Roe vs Wade that made abortion legal by praying for an end to abortion. Again this year, we will present the with a baby blanket that has been blessed. The blankets come from our generous parishioners. For those of you that sew, crochet or knit, please bring your wonderful baby blankets to the parish office. For those that do not sew, knit or crochet, and would like to donate a baby blanket, please purchase and bring to the office. All dona- tions are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Divine mercy Sunday With Sincere gratitude

Please join the Divine Mercy Planning Committee to share To Our Lady of Mercy Community, ideas for the April 3 Divine Mercy Celebration. We are Well, I’m off to retirement life. Being part of the OLM meeting Thursday, January 21 from 7-8 pm in Room 4. family has given me a lifetime of many pleasant and Bring your ideas. For more information call Linda Perkins warm memories to treasure. I would like to thank you all at 222-3424. for the good times and love you have shared with me and my family. I would like to give a special thanks to the Marthas for putting together my retirement party. You are catholic daughters’ all such a blessing. Everybody's cards and generous gifts are so appreciated. Thanks from my heart to each of you for making my Save the Date working life a good life. Your friendships mean every-

Sweetheart Bake Sale thing to me. I wish you all the best in the future. So, thanks everyone. It’s been quite a ride!

Sincerely,

Dennis Hipley

Sunday, February 7th After the 8:30 & 11:00 Masses Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall

Where you’ll find tasty treats and heartfelt crafts for that special someone!

Funds from this sale, support our charities.

From the diocese Parish Ministries

World Marriage Day – Renewal of Vows: On Saturday, February Pastoral Ministry 13, 2016 Bishop Myron Cotta will preside at a special 11:00 am Fr. Mario Valmorida, ext 120 Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in which married email: [email protected] couples may renew their wedding vows. An informal reception for couples and their families will follow. Special certificates will be Fr. Guillermo (Memo) Ramirez, ext 110 email: [email protected] given to couples celebrating milestone anniversaries (10, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 50+). If you are interested in attending this free event, Liturgy/Caring Connection please register (names and anniversary year) at Deacon Ray Hemenway www.SacWMD.com. For more information call the Dept. of Evan- email: [email protected] gelization & Catechesis at (916) 733-0123. Year of Mercy Workshop on Post Abortion Syndrome: On January 30, 2016 Dr. Deacon Raymond Arnold email:[email protected] Theresa Burke, internationally known founder of Rachel’s Minis- tries, will give an 8:00am–5:00pm workshop on Post Abortion Syn- Sick & Homebound drome at St. Theresa of Avila Church in Auburn, CA. $40 cost in- Damien and Judy Franco cludes breakfast and lunch. For more information go to http:// email: jdfranco@ charter.net scddec.org/post-abortion-care or contact Dr. Monica Durant at 925- 262-3294, [email protected] Sacristan

Choose Life on a Bus: Join youth from around the diocese for a Music: Celeste Feser: [email protected] day of prayer and formation on Saturday, January 23, 2016 as we head to Walk for Life in San Francisco. Buses will depart from the Pastoral Center at 8:30am. Each bus will have a speaker to lead a Faith Formation-Sacrament Preparation short formation session and half way to San Francisco the speakers will switch buses so all teens hear the message from all the speakers. Charlene Koenig ext.131 After the Walk for Life we will head to Pier 39 for shopping and email:[email protected] dinner before heading back to Sacramento. The cost for the trip will be $25 per person and space is limited, so register your group as soon Janan Light ext 150 as possible. All teens must be accompanied by a chaperone (1 chap- erone for up to 8 teens). Register today at http://bit.ly/chooselifebus e-mail: [email protected] or contact Jennifer Campbell at [email protected]. Joanna Roberts ext. 151 Theology online – STEP: The online course “Introduction to the e-mail: [email protected] Catholic Faith”, offers an introduction to the basics of our Catholic faith and theology, and covers these main areas: Faith Development, Scripture, Liturgy, Sacraments, Doctrine, Ecclesiology, and Morality. Administration and Parish Leadership This course covers part of the requirements for Catechist Basic Certi- Karen Heile ext. 140 Secretary/Finance Manager fication or Lay Minister, which would also require attending a live e-mail: [email protected] class and a retreat. In addition the Notre Dame University has many other courses for continuous training. For more information and reg- Greg Unger ext. 141 istration: http://step.nd.edu or contact Kevin Staszkow kstasz- Business Manager [email protected] (916) 733-0152 e-mail: [email protected]

Sacramento Catholic Forum: Sacramento Catholic Forum Peggy DiNardo, presents Fr. Ken Laverone, Pastor, Saint Francis Parish and Chair Parish Pastoral Council co-postulator for the canonization of Fr. Junipero Serra. e-mail: [email protected] Ken’s presentation promises to offer fascinating insights into St. Serra, the canonization process, the Spanish Charles Ruloph, colonial period and the Pope’s visit. When: Thursday, Chair - MQP Advisory Council January 21, 2016, check in 11:30 am, lunch at noon. e-mail: [email protected] Where: Red Lion Hotel Woodlake Conference Center, 500 Skip Kovacik, Leisure Lane, Sacramento. Cost: $30 in advance or $40.00 Chair – Parish Finance Council at the door. For further information and reservations: e-mail: [email protected] www.saccatholicforum.org