January 7, 2018 W E L C O M E The Epiphany of the Lord The Mission of our parish is to serve our neighbors with Jesus, to pray in faith with Jesus, and to teach as His Church with Jesus, so “that all may have more abundant life.” (John 10:10). The Word of God, the Sacraments, and the Catechism of the are the instruments and standards of this work of evangelization and faith formation. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Pastoral Team 23–25 Newtown Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102 718.278.1834 • Fax 718.278.0998 Pastor [email protected] Msgr. Sean G. Ogle, V.F. Ext. 22 [email protected] Saturday (Upper Church) Follow me on twitter @theogleoffice 5:00pm (Vigil Mass) Parochial Vicars Father Peter Nguyen Ext. 20 Sunday (Upper Church) Father Wlad Kubrak Ext. 19 English Masses: 8:00am, 10:00am, 11:15am, 5:00pm*

Pastor Emeritus (7:00pm during the Summer months from Memorial Day Father Ed Brady Ext. 18 weekend to Labor Day weekend, inclusive)

In Residence Misa en Español: 12:30pm

Father John Harrington K.H.S., Ext. 28 Sunday (Lower Church) Father Joseph Pham Ext. 15 9:00am (Italian) Deacon 10:30am (Czech–Slovak) Ruben Mendez 3:00pm (Vietnamese) Pastoral Worker Chin Nguyen Ext. 23 Monday–Friday (Lower Church)

Coordinator of Religious Education 8:00am and 12:00pm Nelly Gutierrez Ext. 14 Saturday: 8:00am [email protected] Parish Office Hours/ Horario de la Oficina

Parish Outreach Coordinator Weekdays: 9:30am-12:00 Noon and 1:00pm-8:30pm Denise Dollard 718.721.9020 Saturday: 9:00am-12:00 Noon

Parish Secretary/Bookkeeper CHAPEL OF ST. MARGARET MARY Celeste Stewart Ext. 12 9-18 27th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102 [email protected] 718.721.9020 Fax: 718.721.3729

[email protected] Director of Music Lucille Mascia Sunday Mass 10:15am (Español) Parish Athletic Director

Steve Leoutsakos CATHOLIC SCHOOL Cluster Hospital Chaplain Father Jean Laguerre Saint Joseph Catholic Academy 28-46 44th St Astoria, NY 11103 718.728.0724—www.stjosephsch.org

•Legal Holidays : There will only be one Mass at 9:00am. •Recitation of the Rosary: Monday thru Saturday after 8:00am Mass •Confessions/Confesiones: Saturday (Lower Church) 3:30pm-4:30pm or by appointment. •Novena: To Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Jude every Wednesday after the 12:00 Noon Mass Always check our weekly bulletin for any changes. www.mountcarmelastoria.org JANUARY 7TH, 2018— THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD OLMC MASS INTENTIONS PRAY FOR THE SICK If you have a family member you wish to be prayed for, please let us SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 know immediately and we will be happy to pray for them. The names will (Saint Andre Bessette) remain on the sick list for three weeks and thereafter repeated as requested.

8:00am Genevieve Roeder Week 1: 5:00pm Rosa Canas Aurea Palomino Rufuela Lugo Alexandra Restagno Nicola Restagno Ismael Rosario Rose Cinquemani SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 Week 2: (The Epiphany of the Lord) 8:00am Efram Guzman Week 3: 9:00am Salvatore Barretta Robert Salerni Kevin Wooley Robert Lohman Robert Dempsey Pedro Acevedo Victor Mayo Marie Dowd James Leung 10:00am Living & Deceased Members of Filippo Gambino Mary Smith Alcibiades Castrillon Lupe Sanchez Our Lady of Mount Carmel Rosary Society Hernando Castro Carmen Lopez Joshua LaSanta Pastor Rodriguez 11:15am Vito Avena Ruben Barrios Guadalupe Cardenas Imelda Marquez Hernando Castro 12:30pm Maria Dominguez John Sabini Rodolfo Montejo Romilda Raso Assunta Lucenti 5:00pm Parish Family Joseph Polacek

MONDAY, JANUARY 8 PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED (The Baptism of the Lord) Ludwig Mikol, Louise Gleason, Kata Vukas , Paul Grace, Helene Gwenn 8:00am Charles Harkins 12:00pm Mosler Family DEDICATED OFFERINGS

The Sanctuary Lamp is burning for TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 John “Jack” Smith (Weekday) This was requested by the Hasselberg Family 8:00am Patrick McArre 12:00pm Gilberto Martinez- 11th Anniversary Altar Bread & Wine has been offered for The Mosler Family WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10 This was requested by Martha Mosler (Weekday) Altar Candles are offered for 8:00am Dominador V. Castroverde, Sr. Bernardino & Margherita Petruso 12:00pm Dominador V. Castroverde, Sr. This was requested by Tony & Nina Carullo & Family

Altar Flowers are offered for THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 Our Parish Family (Weekday) 8:00am Edgar Mauricio Flores Perez SECOND COLLECTIONS/ SEGUNDA COLECTA 12:00pm Rosa Dilluvio January 7, 2018– There will be a second collection after communion for “Diocesan Mission.” Your donations, as always, are very much ap- FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 preciated. (Weekday) 7 de Enero 2018– Habra una segunda colecta despues de la comunion 8:00am Harry Bernstein para “Misiones Diocesanas.” Sus donaciones, como siempre, son muy 12:00pm Jack Smith– 2nd Anniversary apreciadas.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 January 21, 2018– There will be a second collection after communion (Saint Hilary) for our parish maintenance. Your donations, as always, are very much 8:00am Naty Zulaybar appreciated. 5:00pm Genevieve Roeder 21 de enero 2018– Habra una segunda colecta despues de la comun- ion para el mantenimiento parroquial. Sus donaciones, como siempre, SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 son muy apreciadas. (Second Sunday of Ordinary Time) 8:00am Nancy Orellana THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD 9:00am Privata First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 10:00am Carmelina Comunale Isaiah exults over the light and glory through which nations will come to 11:15am Calogero & Gio Alaimo the Lord. 12:30pm San Miguel 5:00pm Parish Family Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3. 5-6 Pagan and Gentile nations are now being given their place in the Church. PURGATORIAL SOCIETY We pray for the souls in Purgatory every first Friday of the month. You may enroll Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12 names in the Purgatorial Society to be prayed for one year for a donation of The wise men are led by God’s grace through the light of a star to wor- $10.00. The following have been enrolled for the month of January: ship the Lord and give him their gifts. Pedro Terrones Palacios, Carmine Gallo, Joseph Blas, Patrick McKeague THIS WEEK AT OLMC PARISH INSTITUTE SUNDAY 8AM MASS ANTIPHONS We try to keep the schedule that is printed in the bulletin as accurate Entrance Antiphon as possible. For the most up-to-date calendar please visit our website at Deus in loco santo suo: Deus, qui inhabitare facit unanimes in do- mountcarmelastoria.org. Times shown may reflect set up and clean up time; mo: ipse dabit virtutem et fortitudinem plebi suae. please look in the bulletin for more information for events. Thank you.

Sunday, January 7 God is in his holy place, God who unites those who dwell in his 9:00am– 1:00pm Rosary Society Lourdes A/B 9:30am– 12:00pm Spanish RCIA Fatima+ Upper Room house; he himself gives might and strength to his people. 10:30am– 12:30pm Guadalupe B 11:30am– 12:30pm Czech Community Guadalupe A Offertory Antiphon In te speravi, Domine: dixi: Tu es Deus meus, in minibus tuis tempo- Monday January 8 ra mea. 7:00am– 5:00pm TYWLS Gym 5:30pm– 9:00pm CYO Gym I trust in you, O Lord; I say, you are my God. My life is in your 6:30pm– 8:00pm School of Mariachi Guadalupe A+B hands. 6:30pm– 8:00pm School of Mariachi Lourdes A+B 7:00pm– 9:00pm Grupo de Apoyo Fatima Communion Antiphon Tuesday January 9 Fili, quid fecisti nobis sic? Ego et pater tuus dolentes quaerebamus 7:00am– 5:00pm TYWLS Gym te. Et quid est quod me quaerebatis? Nesciebatis quia in his quae 5:30pm– 9:00pm CYO Gym Patris mei sunt, oportet me esse? 6:30– 9:00pm Ravenswood Lions Lourdes A 7:00pm– 9:00pm Matt Talbot Lourdes B Sibm why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been 7:00pm– 9:00pm Marriage Encounter Guadalupe A/B+ Fatima anxiously looking for you. And why is it that you are seeking me? Wednesday January 10 Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business? 7:00am– 4:00pm TYWLS Gym 4:30pm– 7:15pm Religious Education All Rooms+ Gym 7:30pm– 9:00pm CYO Gym BAPTISMS / BAUTISOS 7:30pm- 10:00pm Lay Ministry Program Guadalupe A BAPTISM SCHEDULE—ENGLISH WEDNESDAY SUNDAY Thursday January 11 Conference 8:00pm- Institute Ceremony 2:00 pm 7:00am– 5:00pm TYWLS Gym January 24, 2018 January 28, 2018 10:30am– 12:00pm Fatima February 21, 2018 February 25, 2018 6:00pm– 7:30pm Religious Education All Rooms+ Gym 7:30pm– 9:00pm CYO Gym NO ENGLISH BATISMS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH April 18, 2018 April 22, 2018 Friday January 12 7:00am– 4:30pm TYWLS Gym HORARIO DE BAUTISMOS—ESPANOL 4:30pm– 9:00pm CYO Gym MIERCOLES DOMINGO 4:30pm– 7:30pm Czech Religious Education Upper Room Charla 8:00pm— Instituto Ceremonia 2:00pm 6:00pm– 9:00pm Spanish Choir Nazareth 10 de Enero 2018 14 de Enero 2018 7:00pm– 10:00pm Jornada Group Guadalupe A/B 7 de Febrero 2018 11 de Febrero 2018 7:00pm– 8:30pm English RCIA Assumption 7 de Marzo 2018 11 de Marzo 2018

Saturday January 13 4 de Abril 2018 8 de Abril 2018 9:00am– 9:00pm CYO Gym 9:00am– 12:00pm AA Meeting Guadalupe A/B+ Fatima “AN IMPOSSIBLE UNITY” 10:00am– 1:00pm Saturday Lessons in Faith Lourdes A/B 3:30pm– 7:00pm Adult Sewing Group Lourdes A/B New York Encounter is an annual three-day public cultural 4:00pm– 5:30pm SIA Fatima event in the heart of New York City. The Encounter strives to witness the new life and knowledge generated by the faith, Sunday, January 14 following Pope Benedic XVI’s claim that “the intelligence of 7:00am– 4:00pm Blood Drive Gym faith has to become the intelligence of reality.” The event will 8:00am– 11:00am Italian Community Lourdes A/B take place Friday, Saturday & Sunday January 12-14, 2018. 9:30am– 12:00pm Spanish RCIA Fatima+ Upper Room 10:30am– 12:30pm Cursillo Guadalupe A/B Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., NYC, NY 10011. Events 11:30am– 12:30pm Czech Community Lourdes A/B are open to the public and free of charge. It is sponsored by Catholic Organization of NYC. Visit ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT— www.newyorkencounter.org for more information. FIRST FRIDAYS Spiritual writers speak of Adoration of the FAITH AND SERVICE IN THE CITY Blessed Sacrament as “the Mass held in St. John’s University are seeking High School student leaders contemplation”. As a way of encouraging devotion to the Eucharist, we invite everyone (entering 10th and 11th grades) to present the second year of to spend some time before the Blessed Faith and Service in the City. This six day residential program, Sacrament each First Friday of the month. Ex- presented in three separate sessions, connects students to position and Adoration of the Blessed Sacra- Catholic and Vincentian traditions of NYC through the study of ment will take place after the 8:00am Mass selected topics, faith experiences, and service activities that until the 12 Noon Mass. Come join us in prayer. foster growth in faith and leadership. Contact Joann Heaney- Hunter for more information [email protected]. ST. MARGARET MARY

MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK INCOME TAX PREPARATION IMPUESTOS (INCOME TAX) St. Margaret Mary SE PREPARAN AQUÍ: SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 9-18 27 Ave. Astoria, NY 11102 Santa Margarita María (The Epiphany of the Lord) 9-18 27 Ave. Astoria, NY 11102 Federal and NY State Forms 10:15 am Formulario Federal y Estatal de NY You may be eligible for earned Usted hasta pueda calificar para el THIS WEEK AT ST. MARGARET MARY income tax credit crédito de los impuestos de salario SUNDAY, JANUARY 7th OBTAIN TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS Obtenga su número de • 10:00 am– AA Meeting (English)- Rectory identificación de impuestos • 11:30 a.m. Spanish Faith Sharing Group – (Hall) Call Denise for more info: Llame a Denise para más WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10TH: (718) 721-9020 información al: • 7:00 p.m. Spanish Prayer Group – (Hall + Chapel) (718) 721-9020 • 7:30 pm– AA Meeting (English)- Rectory ST. MARGARET MARY FOOD PANTRY NEWS HORA SANTA, ADORACION Y BENEDICION In the month of November 2017 a total of 2,676 people were served. DEL SANTISIMO SACRAMENTO This included 1155 children, 1034 adults and 527 seniors. Cada primer Sabado del mes en Santa Margarita María de 7:00pm a 9:00pm. Todos estan Invitados. DEVOCION A LA DIVINA MISERICORDIA El grupo devocional a la Divina Misericordia se reune cada segundo RUMMAGE SALE/ VENTA Sabado del mez a las 3pm en la capilla de Santa Margarita Maria. There will be a rummage sale on January 16, 17 & 18th, 2018. Doors open at 9:00am. Habra una venta el 16, 17 y 18 de enero 2018. Las puertas se abren a las 9:00am.

PARISH BULLETIN BOARD ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL/CAMPAÑA CATOLICA ANUAL As of December 19th 2017, we have 284 donors who have pledged $69,594 towards our parish goal of $59,118. Over $61,000 has been collect- ed thus far. No pledge is too small and everyone can help our campaign succeed. A partir del 19 de diciembre 2017, tenemos 284 donantes que han prometido $69,594 hacia nuestra meta de la parroquia de $59,118. Más de $61,000 se ha colectado hasta el momento. Ninguna doncaion es demasiado pequeña y todos podemos ayudar a que nuestra campaña tenga éxito.

WEDDINGS/BODAS Wedding arrangements should be made 6 months in advance. Arreglos para bodas generalmente deben hacerse 6 meses en avance.

CLASES PRE-MATRIMONIALES Registraciones para las clases pre-matrimoniales estan disponibles en la officina parroquial. Las clases empezaron el 1 de Diciembre y duraran por 5 Viernes. Las clases se daran en el instituto parroquial en el salon fatima de 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Para mas informacion comuniquese con la oficina parroquial or el Diacono Ruben Mendez. Dear friends, As we enter into a new calendar year, it seems a good time to share with you some information that was presented at a deanery meeting in late November of Parish Councils, trustees and lay leaders from the eight parishes of LIC-Astoria which comprise our Deanery Q-1. About 60 laypeople, priests and staff attended to hear a presentation by Father Tom Pettei, our Episcopal Vicar for Queens. The topic was “The Future of Parishes in LIC-Astoria”. The focus was upon the decline both in Mass attendance and in the number of clergy in recent years and in the projected future. Several points emerged as extremely important: The need for every active Catholic to evangelize and invite the non-practicing Catholics and non- Catholics to become engaged with our parishes The need to encourage vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. The need to plan in the not too far distant future how to manage parishes which may have only one priests serving two or even three parishes, as is already happening in much of the U.S. For your consideration and reflection here are the most salient points of Father Pettei’s information. I’m sure in the next few years we’re likely to hear much more on this topic. Remember to pray for vacations and for greater evangeli- zation in our own parishes and families. SUMMARY OF DIOCESAN STATISTICS ON MASS ATTENDANCE AND PRIESTS NOVEMBER 2017 Figures for entire Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens: We currently have 186 parishes in Brooklyn and Queens: 17 parishes with 2 worship sites (including OLMC with SMM) 4 parishes with 3 worship sites 22 Parishes sharing a pastor/administrator with another parish “(Parish Partnership”) Diocesan clergy personnel: 273 priests assigned to active parish ministry 148 retired priests.

Active Priests in Parish Ministry (entire Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens): Year Diocesan Non-Incardinated 2006: 309 78 2017: 273 (12% decrease) 56 (29% decrease)

Largest single cohort (age group) of priests is the group from 60 to 70 years old: 90 priests. These would be eligible for retirement at age 71 and any pastor must retire at age 75. We can foresee a large number of priest retire- ments in the next 5 – 10 years. Ordinations are not keeping pace. (OLMC has one young man in pre-Theology formation right now.) The Pastoral issue is as critical as the clergy personnel issue. Data for the 8 parishes of LIC-Astoria (Deanery Q-1):

Active Priests in LIC Deanery Q-1 today: 17, comprising 8 Pastors and 9 Parochial Vicars. (There are 7 retired priests with residence in our deanery.) Total Mass attendance: Diocese and Deanery Year Total for Diocese Total for Deanery Q-1 1999 265,913 16,340 2006 239,361 (10% decrease) 10,926 (33% decrease) 2016 205,502 (14% decrease) 8,946 (15% decrease)

FYI: Average Total Sunday attendance for OLMC-SMM: Year Average Change from 2010 Percent change from 2010 2010 1452 ------2017 1600 +148 +10%

Queridos amigos, Cuando entramos en un nuevo año, parece un buen momento para compartir con ustedes algo de información que se presentó en una reunión de decanato a finales de noviembre del Concejos Parroquiales, administradores y líderes laicos de las ocho parroquias del LIC-Astoria que comprenden nuestro Decanato Q-1. Unos 60 laicos, sacerdotes y personal asistieron a escuchar la presentación del Reverendo Tomas Pettei, el Vicario Episcopal para Queens. El tema fue "el futuro de las parroquias en LIC-Astoria". El foco esta- ba sobre la disminución en la asistencia a Santa Misa y en el número del clero en los últimos años y en el futuro proyectado. Varios puntos surgieron como extremadamente importantes: la necesidad de cada católico activo evangelizar e invitar a los católicos que no practican y a los no-católicos a ser comprometidos con nuestras parroquias; la necesidad de fomentar las vocaciones al sacerdo- cio y la vida religiosa; y la necesidad de planificar en un futuro no muy lejano cómo gestionar las parroquias con sólo uno sacerdote sirviendo dos o tres parroquias (como ya está sucediendo en gran parte del mundo.) Para su consideración y reflexión aquí son los puntos más salientes de la información del Rev. Pettei. Estoy seguro que en los próximos años que es probable que escuchar mu- cho más sobre este tema. No olvide orar por vacaciones y por una mayor evangelización en nuestras propias parroquias y familias.

Resumen de estadísticas diocesanas de asistencia en la Santa Misa y de los sacerdotes Noviembre 2017

Cifras para toda la Diócesis de Brooklyn y Queens: § Actualmente tenemos 186 parroquias en Brooklyn y Queens: § 17 parroquias con 2 sitios de adoración (incluyendo OLMC con SMM) § 4 parroquias con 3 sitios de adoración § 22 parroquias compartiendo un pastor / administrador con otra parroquia "(Parish Partnership") § Personal del clero diocesano: • 273 sacerdotes asignados al ministerio parroquial activo • 148 sacerdotes jubilados.

Sacerdotes activos en el ministerio parroquial (Diócesis completa de Brooklyn y Queens):

Ano Diocesano No-incardinados 2006 309 78 2017 273 (12% de disminución) 56 (29% de disminución)

§ La mayor cohorte individual (grupo de edad) de sacerdotes es el grupo de 60 a 70 años: 90 sacerdotes. Retirarse a los 75 años. Podemos prever una gran cantidad de jubilaciones en los próximos 5 a 10 años. § Las ordenaciones no están suficientes. (OLMC tiene un joven en formación pre-teológica en este momento). El tema de la Pastoral es tan crítico como el tema del personal del clero.

Datos para las 8 parroquias de LIC-Astoria (Decanato Q-1):

§ Sacerdotes activos en el Decanato LIC Q-1 hoy: 17, compuesto por 8 pastores y 9 vicarios parroquiales. (Hay 7 sacer- dotes jubilados con residencia en nuestro decanato). § Asistencia total a las Misas:

Ano Total diocesano Total del Decanato Q-1 1999 265.913 16.340 2006 239,361 (10% de disminución) 10,926 (33% de disminución) 2016 205.502 (14% de disminución) 8.946 (15% de disminución)

Para su información: Promedio de asistencia total de domingo para OLMC-SMM Ano Promedio Cambio en la asistencia Variación porcentual 2010 1452 ------2017 1600 +148 +10%

2017 GIVING TREE BLOOD DRIVE COMING SOON! This weekend is the last opportunity to bring a gift to the church. We have 4 There will be a blood drive on January 14th 2018 trees decorated with tags that will benefit BRIDGE TO LIFE and needy parish from 9:00am– 4:00pm in the Parish Institute families. Gym. Registrations will take place today, January 7th, These trees will be located in the following areas: 1) in the narthex of the upper church, 2) in the West Vestibule near the elevator, 3) in the lower church and 4) by the doors of the church after each mass. at Saint Margaret Mary. BANCO DE SANGRE VENDRA PRONTO! We hope you are able to take a tag or more if possible and buy the items Habra un banco de sangre el 14 de enero del 2018 de listed. Please do not wrap the gift. Just tape the tag to the bag or box so 9:00am hasta las 4:00pm en el instituto parroqui- we can identify the item and where it is to go. al. Registraciones tomaran lugar, hoy, 7 de enero por Please bring the gift by the weekend of January 8 and give to an usher during las puertas de la iglesia despues de cada misa. Masses or bring to the Rectory for safe keeping. We all know times are tough but for those of us lucky enough, a donation will aid someone during this time of year where it is better to give than to receive. God bless you and your families ROSARY SOCIETY MONTHLY MEETING for your generosity. The Rosary Society will have their monthly meeting ARBOL DE REGALOS 2017 today Sunday, Jan. 7th, 2018 in the Parish Institute -- Estaremos aceptando regalos hasta hoy, 7 de enero 2018. Hay 4 árboles deco- Lourdes Room following the 10:00am mass. We wel- rados con etiquetas que beneficiarán al PUENTE A LA VIDA y feligreses necesita- come you to join us and members are encouraged to dos. bring a friend. Refreshments will be served. Estos árboles se encuentran en las siguientes áreas: 1) en el nártex de la iglesia de arriba, 2) en el vestíbulo oeste cerca del ascensor, 3) en la iglesia de abajo y 4) en Santa Margarita Maria. PRO-LIFE TRIP TO WASHINGTON DC Esperamos que tomen una etiqueta o más si es posible y puedan comprar los Free buses will leave from St. Joseph to artículos mencionados. Por favor, no envuelva los regalos. Simplemente pe- gue la etiqueta a la bolsa o caja para que puedamos identificar el articu- Washington D.C. on January 19, 2018. The lo y a donde va a ir. buses will leave at 6:00am. Contact St. Jo- Vamos a colectar hasta el primer fin de semana de enero. Por favor, traiga el seph for more information at 718.278.1611. regalo y darlo a un ujier durante las misas o lleven a la oficina durante las horas de trabajo. Todos sabemos que estamos en tiempos difíciles, aquellos de nosotros que podamos hacer una donación será bien recibida. Dios los bendiga a ustedes FREE PRE-HSE CLASSES y a sus familias por su generosidad. For young adults ages 16-24 in the Winter 2018 Semes- ter (January 2. March 22, 2018). Registration starting A NOTE FROM FR. WLAD now through January 19. Visit 14-01 Astoria Blvd., As- I would like to thank all parishioners and friends who, toria, NY 11102 or call 347.634.1306 for information with so much kindness and generosity, gave a gift to me regarding times and locations of classes and to answer this Christmas. You are in my prayers and I wish you a any other questions you may have. Please see the bul- joyous Christmas and a blessed new year. God bless you. letin insert for more information.

PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Jesus Christ, Light of the World has been born to dispel the darkness that covers its people. God’s glory appears in human form. Life on earth will never be the same again!

Father God, the star that led the Magi to the stable announced to the world that its Savior was born. Today we live in a world that is still covered by darkness, and still needing to make that journey to the stable door. May our lives reflect your light day by day, as we seek to serve where you have placed us. That we might be the means through which others can encounter Jesus Christ.

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, illuminates the smallest corner, and heralds in the start of a new dawn, where hearts no longer fear, souls might be set free, and sister shall follow brother, nation shall follow nation, and kings and princes bow down in awe Submitted by Elaine Rodriguez before the one who comes to reign. Share your favorite prayers: Arise, shine, for the Light of the World has come! [email protected] Alleluia!