Epiphany of the Lord Monday— Epiphany of the Lord Friday the Light That Shone on the Magi, Shines on Us

Home , The Three Kings, Timkat

“WE WELCOME, WE WORSHIP, WE WITNESS” Office Hours January 7th, 2018 Epiphany of the Lord Monday— Epiphany of the Lord Friday The light that shone on the Magi, shines on us. Jesus shares 9—12 pm His light with us, and asks us to spread it. The light of our Office Closed faith may seem fragile, but a small light can set the world on at NOON fire!” - Dinah Simmons

Holy Family Office (902) 667-2523 Father Craig Christenson Parish Priest/Moderator of Cumberland County Glenna O’Quinn Parish Coordinator Evelyn Currie Office/Finance Manager Laurie Perry - Caretaker Deacon Howard Gotell Happy New Year! On behalf of Father Craig and the Staff, I want to express our deepest and most gracious thank you, for the wonderful cards, gifts, food and love that was shared with us during Ad- vent and Christmas. We are very blessed to be part of this family, and grateful for all of you! Christ- mas Masses here at Holy Family and in the other 6 Parishes were beautiful, and we are indebted to all those who shared their gifts of time, talents and treasure to make it all happen. As well a huge thank you to Father Phil Thibodeau, who came and shared Christmas Mass with county Parishes on Christmas Eve. From the decorations, readers, cleaners and everyone that helped make Christmas a wonderful celebration of Jesus’ birthday. Thank you for it all!! If you didn’t get a chance to watch the #BestAdventEver video series that we shared on our Holy Family Facebook page, I hope you will find a way (or make a way), to get to a computer and watch a few of these short videos from Matthew Kelley and his team at Dynamic Catholics. We have been using a Confirmation program from this group, for the past two years and it is one that has become a favorite of the program, the youth and the Teacher!! (Sean O’Quinn). We decided last minute to share the daily videos and inspiration on our Facebook page as a way to encourage us all to take a minute to stop and reflect. I am pretty sure next year we will get to this much earlier and provide a way for as many to see this as possible. Epiphany is about Faith, Hope, Joy and Love. It is a true act of FAITH for the Wise Men to first hear the message being given to them, and then act upon that message by heading to see baby Jesus where the Star shines in the East. HOPE that what God is telling them, is true and that it will be the change the world is waiting for, the King. JOY because the anticipation during that trip must have been incredible, and then to come upon the baby “wrapped in swaddling clothes”, in his mother Mary’s arms and protected by Joseph….that would be unim- aginable JOY!!! Finally, the entire act is an act of LOVE. LOVE of the Wise Men traveling to see the Holy Family but more importantly, the love of God, ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16, the love of a mother for her first-born child and the love of Joseph, caring for Mary, listen- ing to God and loving his son, Jesus, with everything he had. That is the love we share at Epipha- ny. As we start 2018 together, let us choose to be like the Wise Men and listen to the words of God being spoken to us and have been put on our heart. Let us “go in faith” to “love and serve the Lord” everyday we are here on earth and let us choose to see the Joy, the Hope and the Love that is the foundation of all that is Christmas and all about our FAITH! Happy New Year and God’s Blessings to you all in 2018!! glenna xo.

Please Park in Holy Family parish spots, Remember to Read Your not the PRIVATE parking for apartments. Bulletin for all the News: Help Us Be Good Neighbors! Thank You! Abigail Does!

WELCOME AND BLESSINGS SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION If you are not of the Catholic faith, we wel- 1st three Saturdays of each Month from 2:30—3:30 pm, as come you to our Family. Feel free to come up at Communion, cross your arms and receive a well as Wednesdays after Adoration (3—6:20pm/ Mass at blessing from Fr Craig or Deacon Howard. 6:30pm)

Faith Development News: YOUTH Society of St. Vincent de Paul: MISSION - The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is Classes begin on January 7th at 10 am a lay Catholic organization whose mission is: To in the classrooms. Welcome Back!! live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy. January Family Session: VALUES - NOW JANUARY 21st at 10 am The Mission of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul implies that as Vincentians we; see Christ in anyone who suffers, January Family Mass: come together as a family, have personal contact with the poor and help in all possible ways. NOW JANUARY 21st at 11:15 am Two Stories of Christmas Blessings; Presenting: 1) In Nov. our dispatcher received a call requesting assistance from a family. When the call to schedule a home visit was re- Grades being Presented at the Family Mass on Jan. 21st are: turned, the family said the government issued cheque they had  Pre and Primary Class with Leanne & Dianne been awaiting, had just arrived. They expressed gratitude that the SSVP visitation team was willing to visit and to help them. A  Grade 6 Class with John & Juanita few weeks later we received a thank you note from the family; it was delivered by a health agency that they had been involved Please make every effort to have your family with us for the with. Inside the thank you card was $25.00. The family indicated Family Session and Family Mass, as it really is a FAMILY TIME! they had known hard times, and they knew what it was like to have little or no money at Christmas time. They asked us to pass SACRAMENTS DATES FOR PLANNING PURPOSES: on the $25.00 to an individual or family in need.

Reconciliation/Gr 2 — May 4th, 2018, Saturday at 10 am 2) Between Christmas and New Years we received a call for assistance for heat. The occupant of the house had no heat for 3 Confirmation — May 20th, 2018 Sunday at 11:15 am days and was staying with relatives. That person’s employment status had changed, and was awaiting a government issued 1st Eucharist /Gr 3 — May 27th, 2018 Sunday at 11:15 am cheque. We arranged for a fuel delivery for the next day. Due to the person’s circumstances and various needs we used the $25.00 to buy a Wal-Mart gift card . Although we never give cash to individuals and only rarely give a gift card; we made an excep- tion in this case. A thank you note indicating that the $25.00 was well used, was sent to the family via the health agency.

Frederick Ozanam, the chief founder of SSVP wanted “ to em- brace the world in a network of charity.” These little stories help to display how his dream is being manifested in Cumberland Co. If you feel called to join us in the mission, feel free to contact one of the members or the Holy Family Parish office.

Welcome Home—Are you looking for a new parish, or returning to your home after some time? We welcome you home and hope you will continue your faith journey with us. Please fill in the form, drop in collection basket or bring into the office, and our “Welcome Home Team” will be in touch!

Holy Family New Parishioner Registration Form Welcome to all Newcomers Name(s): ______Place this form it in the Phone ______Are you on Facebook? Yes / No collection and If you have Email ______any questions call us at Address ______(902) 667-2523. Would you like church envelopes? Yes / No Our Welcome Committee will be in touch with you! Would you like information about Pre-Authorized Payments? Yes / No

PARISH LIFE, FAMILY LIFE CWL NEWS: There is no Regular Meeting in January for the CWL STEWARDSHIP: members. LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS:

During the month of December, CWL January Session is FULL!! member Laura McArdle celebrated We are now setting up another Living her 100th Birthday. Here CWL Presi- Your Strengths for February and we have 8 spots available and dent, Francine Robichaud presents hope you will say YES! Please contact the Office as soon as possi- Laura a gift from the CWL on her celebration! Happy Birthday!! ble to register 902-667-2523. You will need to pick up the book and complete a short survey before the session begins, so check

in with us today!

At the CWL Christmas Dinner “Who you are, is the gift from GOD to You, celebration at the beginning of Who you BECOME, is the gift to GOD from You!” December, there were visitors of reindeers & elves, and lots of Knights of Columbus #2916 wonderful music from the M&M Youth Choir. Everyone “Santa” 3rd join in the carol sing and loved Degree Knight, the “show”. Thank You to All! Gordon Good- win shares a special gift with the widows of past Knights. Mary, Mother of Mercy Prayer Group: Here is Madeline Vautour and As we begin the New Year, we invite you to join us at the Florence Leblanc. Mary, Mother of Mercy Prayer Group Nights on Thursday Nights at 7pm in the St. Charles/Nativity Room. Together As well, a special gift to Knights liv- we join with music and in fellowship to support, encourage ing in Nursing Homes or at home. and come together in prayer. Here 3r Degree Knight Emile Melan- Our Prayer Group has a won- son and “Santa” Gordon. derful Music Ministry happen- ing as well, and we want to thank all our members and our music ministry for sharing together to make this a wonderful place for “Prayer Warriors” Regular Meeting—4th Thursday of Month to share in the miracle of a (returning for January 25th at 7pm) prayer life! All Welcomed! 4th Degree Meetings—1st Thursday of Month (returning February 1st at 7pm) Liturgy Ministry Workshop: Find out more by contacting; January 13th from 10—11:30 am David Gould, Grand Knight, 902-694-4418 or On Saturday Morning January 13th, Deputy Grand Knight Rick d’Entremont, 902-664-8610 there will be a training workshop for all those who serve or put their names on a Bingo takes place each Sunday and Monday YES Card to join those in ministry. This at 6:45 pm at Knight’s hall—5 Robie St. Every- is for those who did not attend the one one is welcomed to join in the BINGO fun. last year, for those who want a refresher of their duties or our Knights Breakfast January 2018 newest. If you are in different ministries and only got to one Join us for the next Knights Breakfast on session last year, this is a good time to do the other ministry January 13th from 8-11am. Cost is $6.00 session. Please mark your calendar to be at this training. for a delicious and filling breakfast, STORM DATE: Jan. 20th. served with love!

Being Good Stewards all GOD’s Things!

Collection Weekly Update Meetings and Happenings—JANUARY 2018 Jan. 7th 10:00 am Faith Development Classes Start Classrooms Weekend December 23—January 1st 6:00 pm M&M Practise Church Envelopes $5,771.34 6:45 pm BINGO with Knights Knights Hall, 5 Robie St. Loose $1,524.20 Jan. 8th 6:45 pm BINGO with Knights Knights Hall, 5 Robie St. Pre-Authorized $2,916.00 Jan. 9th 11:30 am Tuesday Luncheon MacIntyre Hall. Children 0.00 Jan. 10th 7:00 pm R.C.I.A—Becoming Catholic Landry Room Christmas Donations $5,582.00 Jan. 11th 7:00 pm Prayer Group Gathering St. Charles/ Nativity Room Christmas Cheer $140.00 7:00 pm Youth Group Night MacIntyre Hall Jan. 12th 2:00 pm Stewardship Council Mtg Driscoll Room Christmas Flowers 72.00 7—9:00 pm Chase the Ace Fundraiser MacIntyre Hall Initial/New Year $1,534.25 Jan. 13th 8—11:00 am Knights Breakfast Knights Hall, 5 Robie St. Total: $17,539.79 Jan. 13th 10-11:30 am LITURGY MINISTRY WORKSHOP MacIntyre Hall/Classrooms SSVP $2,888.35 Cemetery $100.00 Arise, shine, for the Light of the World has come! Darkness covers the earth and its people, but the radiance of God's Light burns away its shadows, illu- THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFTS OF TREASURE this Christmas Season and throughout the minates the smallest corner, and heralds in the start of a new dawn, where entire 2017 year. Every contribution is used in hearts no longer fear, souls might be set free, and sister shall follow brother, helping Holy Family be of service to all those in nation shall follow nation, need; our parishioners, our community and our world. All belong to our family, because they and kings and princes bow down in awe before the one who comes to reign. are part of GOD’s Family. Arise, shine, for the Light of the World has come!

Thank you for your contributions and helping Alleluia! us Serve. FUN-RAISING For the FUTURE!! Direct Withdrawal (PAR) or Offertory Envelopes ? Holy Family Parish LOONIE DRAW Both options for giving, and supporting your parish programs and Have You Played the LOONIE DRAW yet? It’s East and Fun! Get your number and play for services, and are great! Both provide an INCOME RECEIPT at the the year and join the fun! This has been a end of the year, whether you donate $50 for the year or $500. simple fundraiser for our community, and The automatic withdrawal from your account (PAR) is simple and profit has helped us provide new things to easy. It also helps with continuing your donations whether there our community, one example; covering the costs of the “WORD is a storm cancellation or you are away on vacation. This can be AMONG US” Daily Meditation booklets for Advent and Lent. These have been truly enjoyed and have added to our Seasonal set up quickly in the office or pick up a form in the gathering area. Celebrations. Why not take a turn at the fun, and help to sup- Choose One Today and let us know how we can help you. port our community at the same time!! Sign up before or after MASS each weekend or drop into the office to get started!! Chase The Ace - THE FUN CONTINUES!! THANK YOU for supporting your Holy Family family!! Next ACE Draw— Jan. 12th/18 Jan.3rd Winning #57 NOT PLAYED $84.50 into the pot for next week! It’s Your Turn to Win JACKPOT ESTIMATED: $ 5800.00 Next Draw on January 10th. Entertainment Line-Up WHAT TO DO?? January 12th—Cumberland Twirlers -Numbers are sold before/after Sat/Sun Mass. Your number can be played weekly at the office. January 19th—Drew Polegato & -Pay each week, prepay for a few weeks or pay to the end of Katherine Hatheway December 2018. Numbers removed, if not played for 6 months. January 26th—Andrew Melanson House rules are available.

Prayers, Blessings and Family January 14th, 2018 Readings Second Sunday in Ordinary Time for Those In Need: Please keep these individuals and their families in 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19 your prayers at this time: 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20 PHIL LEBLANC CHRISTINA MacKENZIE Gospel: John 1:35-42 May these individuals, and all others in our families who are ill, PRAYER LINE—In need of prayer support? Start a prayer chain be able to find healing, peace and comfort from the Lord. of love and support for a loved one or for prayers for yourself, May they know that their Holy Family family is praying for them call 902-597-8313 or Post your intentions on the Prayer Wall or in Prayer Box in gathering area. Special prayers can be included and here to support them in any way. in Prayers of the Faithful at Mass call the office. And May they experience the Grace of God in their illness and

WHY PRAY and WHO REALLY NEEDS the healing of the Lord’s hands, as He holds them in care. OUR PRAYERS?? At Mass each weekend, we present to our Our Deep and Sincere Condolences parishioners special requests for prayers. ...To all Parishioners who have experienced the loss One prayer request each week is for those of a loved one and to the friends and family of; who are ill, facing surgery or experience a health crisis. Prayers Work and if we have the names of those who are suffering, our Maurice “Moe” Lamirande community will join together in their name, asking for GOD’s (Memorial Mass on Saturday, January 20th at 11 am at grace. We ask you to help us by letting us know if you have a Holy Family Parish) loved one in hospital, the nursing home or at home who is ill? We can pray for them and/or set up a visit with them. Please “Eternal life grant onto your child O Lord, and let contact our Office and an Outreach team member will follow up perpetual light shine upon them.” with a visit, a call or spend sometime with them providing social interaction and another connection to the outside community. As a prayerful reminder of a loved one, light a candle for 75c Let us Help! and support the youth activities here at Holy Family.

Cumberland County Mass and Lay Services

The Epiphany of the Lord Masses and Lay Services Jan. 06th 4:00 pm St. Thomas Aquinas, Joggins Lay Led Service Jan. 06th 4:00 pm St. Cornelius, Streets Ridge Mass for Colin Curleigh by Mary Parker Jan. 06th 6:00 pm Holy Family, Amherst Mass for Vicky Pereira, dauther of Anne Pereira Jan. 07th 9:00 am St. Brigid, Parrsboro Mass for Leonard McArdle by Nance Curleigh Jan. 07th 9:00 am St. Thomas More, Pugwash Lay Led Service Jan. 07th 11:00 am St. John the Baptist, Springhill Lay Led Service Jan. 07th 11:15 am Holy Family, Amherst Mass for Vicky Pereira, daughter of Anne Pereira The Epiphany of the Lord Weekday Masses and Lay Services Jan. 10th 9:00 am Holy Family, Amherst Mass for Vicky Pereira, by Plassey Rodrigues Jan. 06th 4:00 pm St. Cornelius, Streets Ridge Mass for Vicky Pereira by Anne Pereira Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Masses and Lay Led Services Jan. 13th 4:00 pm St. Thomas Aquinas, Joggins Mass for Colin Curleigh by Joyce Murray Jan. 13th 6:30 pm St. Cornelius, Streets Ridge Lay Led Service Jan. 13th 6:00 pm Holy Family, Amherst Mass for Vicky Pereira by Anne Pereira Jan. 14th 9:00 am St. Brigid’s, Parrsboro Lay Led Service Jan. 14th 9:00 am St. Thomas More, Pugwash Mass for Clara Harnett by Holy Family CWL Jan. 14th 11:00 am St. John the Baptist, Springhill Lay Led Service Jan. 14th 11:15 am Holy Family, Amherst Mass for Alice Melanson by Nancy Ralston

Epiphany, the Feast of The Three Kings

(Shared from www.whychristmas.com): “Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on 6th January (or January 19th for some Orthodox Church who have Christmas on 7th January) and is the time when Christians remember the Wise Men (also sometimes called the Three Kings) who visited Jesus.

Epiphany is also when some Churches remember when Jesus was Baptized, when he was about 30, and started to teach people about God. Epiphany means 'revelation' and both the visit of the Wise Men and his Baptism areim- portant times when Jesus was 'revealed' to be very important. Some Churches celebrate Epiphany to remember both the visit of the Wise Men and Jesus's Baptism! Epiphany is mainly celebrated by Catholics and Orthodox Christians. It's a big and important festival in Spain, where it's also known as 'The festival of the three Magic Kings' - 'Fiesta de Los tres Reyes Mages', and is when Spanish and some other Catholic children receive their presents - as they are delivered by the Three Kings!

In Spain on Epiphany morning you might go to the local bakers and buy a special cake/pastry called a 'Roscón' (meaning a ring-shaped roll). They are normally filled with cream or chocolate and are decorated with a paper crown. There is normally a figure of a king (if you find that you can wear the crown) and a dried bean (if you find that you're meant to pay for the cake!). In Catalonia it's A Tortell Pastry from the known as a Tortell or Gâteau des Rois and is stuffed with marzipan. Catalan Region

In France you might eat a 'Galette des Rois', a type of flat almond cake. It has a toy crown cooked inside it and is decorated on top with a gold paper crown. There are similar traditions in Mexico where Epiphany is known as 'El Dia de los Reyes' (the day of The Three Kings). It's traditional to eat a special cake called 'Rosca de Reyes' (Three Kings Cake). A figure of Baby Jesus is hidden inside the cake. Whoever has the baby Jesus in their piece of cake is the 'Godparent' of Jesus for that year.

In Portugal, people take part in Epiphany carol singing known as the 'Janeiras' (January songs). On the Island of Ma- deria they're known as the 'Cantar os Reis' (singing the kings).

In Italy, some children also get their presents on Epiphany. But they believe that an old lady called 'Befana' brings them. Children put stockings up by the fireplace for Befana to fill. In Austria, at Epiphany, some people write a special sign in chalk over their front door. It's a reminder of the Wise Men that visited the baby Jesus. It's made from the year split in two with initials of the names that are sometimes given to 'the three wise men', Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, in the middle. So 2018 would be: 20*C*M*B*18. The sign is meant to protect the house for the coming year. Some parts of Germany also have the tradition of marking over doors.

At Epiphany in Belgium, children dress up as the three wise men and go from door to door to sing songs and people give them money or sweets, kind of like Trick or Treating on Halloween. Children in Poland also go out singing on Epiphany.

In Ireland, Epiphany is also sometimes called 'Nollaig na mBean' or Women's Christmas. Traditionally the women get the day off and men do the housework and cooking! It is becoming more popular and many Irish women now get together on the Sunday nearest Epiphany and have tea and cakes!

In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (which celebrates Christmas on 7th January), twelve days after Christmas, on 19th January, the three-day celebration of Ethiopians Timkat starts. This celebrates Je- sus's baptism.” Sharing Some Epiphany Humor: You do know what would have happened if it had been three wise WOMEN instead of men, don't you? They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and brought disposable diapers as gifts!